MicroRNA-1 in Cardiac Diseases and Cancers

Bioinformatics analyses of potential microRNAs and their target genes in myocardial infarction patients with diabetes

ObjectivePatients with diabetes are 3-5 times higher at risk for cardiovascular diseases and myocardial infarction (MI). There is a need to find miRNAs and other target genes to reduce mortality rates. The current study aims to find potential miRNAs and target genes among MI patients, MI patients with pre-diabetes (metformin non-users), and MI patients with diabetes (metformin users).MethodThe candidate miRNAs were identified by microarray profiling, and their differential expression was evaluated through real-time polymerase chain reaction (RT-PCR) in control and patient groups. The potential targets for miR-1 and miR-133a were retrieved from the TargetScan, miRWalk, and miRDB databases. The sensitivity and specificity of miRNAs were assessed using receiver operating characteristic (ROC) curve analyses.ResultsMicroarray profiling identified 16 miRNAs with significantly altered expression in all MI patient groups compared with healthy controls. According to this data, two miR-1 and miR-133a (with a high ratio) were selected for further verification. All patient groups exhibited a significant increase in the expression levels of miR-1 and miR-133a. Also, miR-1 and miR-133a levels were lower in metformin-user patients than in non-user patients (p < 0.05). Moreover, interleukins, growth factors, and other related genes were identified as potential targets for miR-1 and miR-133a. The ROC area under the curve (AUC) was 0.973 (95% CI: 0.718-0.884) for circulating miR-1, and 0.969 (95% CI: 0.723-0.876) for miR-133a in patients with diabetes (p < 0.001).ConclusionPrediction of miRNA profiles and network of target genes are valuable in the early diagnosis of MI in individuals without and with diabetes. Metformin treatment is associated with lower expression of MI-related miRNAs, suggesting a potential mechanism for cardiac protection by this agent.

MicroRNAs in atrial fibrillation - have we discovered the Holy Grail or opened a Pandora's box?

Atrial fibrillation (AF) causes a heavy socio-economic burden on healthcare systems around the globe. Identification of new preventive, diagnostic, and treatment methods is imperative. In recent years, special attention has been paid to microRNAs (miRNAs) as potential regulators of AF pathogenesis. Through post-transcriptional regulation of genes, miRNAs have been shown to play crucial roles in AF-related structural and electrical atrial remodeling. Altered expression of different miRNAs has been related to proarrhythmic changes in the duration of action potentials and atrial fibrosis. In clinical studies, miRNA changes have been associated with AF, whereas in experimental studies miRNA manipulation has emerged as a potential therapeutic approach. It would appear that, with the advent of miRNAs, we may have found the Holy Grail, and that efficient and personalized AF therapy may be one step away. Yet, the clinical relevance of miRNA evaluation and manipulation remains questionable. Studies have identified numerous miRNAs associated with AF, but none of them have shown sufficient specificity for AF. MicroRNAs are not gene-specific but regulate the expression of a myriad of genes. Cardiac and non-cardiac off-target effects may thus occur following miRNA manipulation. A Pandora's box might thus have opened with the advent of these sophisticated molecules. In this paper, we provide a critical analysis of the clinical and experimental, epidemiological and mechanistic data linking miRNAs to AF, we discuss the most promising miRNA therapeutic approaches, we emphasize a number of questions that remain to be answered, and we identify hotspots for future research.

microRNA-1 Regulates Metabolic Flexibility in Skeletal Muscle via Pyruvate Metabolism

MicroRNA-1 (miR-1) is the most abundant miRNA in adult skeletal muscle. To determine the function of miR-1 in adult skeletal muscle, we generated an inducible, skeletal muscle-specific miR-1 knockout (KO) mouse. Integration of RNA-sequencing (RNA-seq) data from miR-1 KO muscle with Argonaute 2 enhanced crosslinking and immunoprecipitation sequencing (AGO2 eCLIP-seq) from human skeletal muscle identified miR-1 target genes involved with glycolysis and pyruvate metabolism. The loss of miR-1 in skeletal muscle induced cancer-like metabolic reprogramming, as shown by higher pyruvate kinase muscle isozyme M2 (PKM2) protein levels, which promoted glycolysis. Comprehensive bioenergetic and metabolic phenotyping combined with skeletal muscle proteomics and metabolomics further demonstrated that miR-1 KO induced metabolic inflexibility as a result of pyruvate oxidation resistance. While the genetic loss of miR-1 reduced endurance exercise performance in mice and in C. elegans, the physiological down-regulation of miR-1 expression in response to a hypertrophic stimulus in both humans and mice causes a similar metabolic reprogramming that supports muscle cell growth. Taken together, these data identify a novel post-translational mechanism of adult skeletal muscle metabolism regulation mediated by miR-1.

Deciphering the Role of microRNAs: Unveiling Clinical Biomarkers and Therapeutic Avenues in Atrial Fibrillation and Associated Stroke-A Systematic Review

MicroRNAs (miRNAs) are small non-coding RNA molecules that regulate gene expression by binding to target messenger RNAs (mRNAs). miRNAs have been implicated in a variety of cardiovascular and neurological diseases, such as myocardial infarction, cardiomyopathies of various geneses, rhythmological diseases, neurodegenerative illnesses and strokes. Numerous studies have focused on the expression of miRNA patterns with respect to atrial fibrillation (AF) or acute ischemic stroke (AIS) However, only a few studies have addressed the expression pattern of miRNAs in patients with AF and AIS in order to provide not only preventive information but also to identify therapeutic potentials. Therefore, the aim of this review is to summarize 18 existing manuscripts that have dealt with this combined topic of AF and associated AIS in detail and to shed light on the most frequently mentioned miRNAs-1, -19, -21, -145 and -146 with regard to their molecular mechanisms and targets on both the heart and the brain. From this, possible diagnostic and therapeutic consequences for the future could be derived.

Targeting MicroRNAs with Small Molecules

MicroRNAs (miRs) have been implicated in numerous diseases, presenting an attractive target for the development of novel therapeutics. The various regulatory roles of miRs in cellular processes underscore the need for precise strategies. Recent advances in RNA research offer hope by enabling the identification of small molecules capable of selectively targeting specific disease-associated miRs. This understanding paves the way for developing small molecules that can modulate the activity of disease-associated miRs. Herein, we discuss the progress made in the field of drug discovery processes, transforming the landscape of miR-targeted therapeutics by small molecules. By leveraging various approaches, researchers can systematically identify compounds to modulate miR function, providing a more potent intervention either by inhibiting or degrading miRs. The implementation of these multidisciplinary approaches bears the potential to revolutionize treatments for diverse diseases, signifying a significant stride towards the targeting of miRs by precision medicine.

Circulating microRNAs and Cytokines as Prognostic Biomarkers for Doxorubicin-Induced Cardiac Injury and for Evaluating the Effectiveness of an Exercise Intervention

PURPOSE

To define a set of biomarkers that can be used to identify patients at high risk of developing late doxorubicin (DOX)-induced cardiac morbidity with the goal of focused monitoring and early interventions.

EXPERIMENTAL DESIGN

Mice received phosphate buffered saline or DOX 2.5 mg/kg 2x/week for 2 weeks. Blood samples were obtained before and after therapy for quantification of miRNAs (6 and 24 hours), cytokines (24 hours), and troponin (24 hours, 4 and 6 weeks). Cardiac function was evaluated using echocardiography before and 24 hours after therapy. To assess the effectiveness of exercise intervention in preventing DOX-induced cardiotoxicity blood samples were collected from mice treated with DOX or DOX + exercise. Plasma samples from 13 DOX-treated patients with sarcoma were also evaluated before and 24 hours after therapy.

RESULTS

Elevations in plasma miRNA-1, miRNA-499 and IL1α, IL1β, and IL6 were seen in DOX-treated mice with decreased ejection fraction and fractional shortening 24 hours after DOX therapy. Troponin levels were not elevated until 4 weeks after therapy. In mice treated with exercise during DOX, there was no elevation in these biomarkers and no change in cardiac function. Elevations in these biomarkers were seen in 12 of 13 patients with sarcoma treated with DOX.

CONCLUSIONS

These findings define a potential set of biomarkers to identify and predict patients at risk for developing acute and late cardiovascular diseases with the goal of focused monitoring and early intervention. Further studies are needed to confirm the predictive value of these biomarkers in late cardiotoxicity.

Cripto Is Targeted by miR-1a-3p in a Mouse Model of Heart Development

During cardiac differentiation, numerous factors contribute to the development of the heart. Understanding the molecular mechanisms underlying cardiac development will help combat cardiovascular disorders, among the leading causes of morbidity and mortality worldwide. Among the main mechanisms, we indeed find Cripto. Cripto is found in both the syncytiotrophoblast of ampullary pregnancies and the inner cell mass along the primitive streak as the second epithelial-mesenchymal transformation event occurs to form the mesoderm and the developing myocardium. At the same time, it is now known that cardiac signaling pathways are intimately intertwined with the expression of myomiRNAs, including miR-1. This miR-1 is one of the muscle-specific miRs; aberrant expression of miR-1 plays an essential role in cardiac diseases. Given this scenario, our study aimed to evaluate the inverse correlation between Cripto and miR-1 during heart development. We used in vitro models of the heart, represented by embryoid bodies (EBs) and embryonic carcinoma cell lines derived from an embryo-derived teratocarcinoma in mice (P19 cells), respectively. First, through a luciferase assay, we demonstrated that Cripto is a target of miR-1. Following this result, we observed that as the days of differentiation increased, the Cripto gene expression decreased, while the level of miR-1 increased; furthermore, after silencing miR-1 in P19 cells, there was an increase in Cripto expression. Moreover, inducing damage with a cobra cardiotoxin (CTX) in post-differentiation cells, we noted a decreased miR-1 expression and increased Cripto. Finally, in mouse cardiac biopsies, we observed by monitoring gene expression the distribution of Cripto and miR-1 in the right and left ventricles. These results allowed us to detect an inverse correlation between miR-1 and Cripto that could represent a new pharmacological target for identifying new therapies.

Study protocol for the epigenetic characterization of angor pectoris according to the affected coronary compartment: Global and comprehensive assessment of the relationship between invasive coronary physiology and microRNAs

BACKGROUND

MicroRNAs (miRNAs) are noncoding RNAs involved in post-transcriptional genetic regulation with a proposed role in intercellular communication. miRNAs are considered promising biomarkers in ischemic heart disease. Invasive physiological evaluation allows a precise assessment of each affected coronary compartment. Although some studies have associated the expression of circulating miRNAs with invasive physiological indexes, their global relationship with coronary compartments has not been assessed. Here, we will evaluate circulating miRNAs profiles according to the coronary pattern of the vascular compartment affectation.

STUDY AND DESIGN

This is an investigator-initiated, multicentre, descriptive study to be conducted at three centres in Spain (NCT05374694). The study will include one hundred consecutive patients older than 18 years with chest pain of presumed coronary cause undergoing invasive physiological evaluation, including fractional flow reserve (FFR) and index of microvascular resistance (IMR). Patients will be initially classified into four groups, according to FFR and IMR: macrovascular and microvascular affectation (FFR≤0.80 / IMR≥25), isolated macrovascular affectation (FFR≤0.80 / IMR<25), isolated microvascular affectation (FFR>0.80 / IMR ≥25) and normal coronary indexes (FFR>0.80 / IMR<25). Patients with isolated microvascular affectation or normal indexes will also undergo the acetylcholine test and may be reclassified as a fifth group in the presence of spasm. A panel of miRNAs previously associated with molecular mechanisms linked to chronic coronary syndrome will be analysed using RT-qPCR.

CONCLUSIONS

The results of this study will identify miRNA profiles associated with patterns of coronary affectation and will contribute to a better understanding of the mechanistic pathways of coronary pathology.

Induction of Cardiac Pathology: Endogenous versus Exogenous Nrf2 Upregulation

Nuclear factor erythroid 2-related factor 2 (Nrf2) is a master regulator of the endogenous antioxidant response to reactive oxygen species as well as a controller of Phase II detoxification in response to xenobiotics. This amenity to specific external manipulation exploits the binding affinity of Nrf2 for its constitutive repressor and degradation facilitator Kelch-like erythroid cell-derived protein with CNC homology-associated protein 1 (Keap1). Derived from both natural and synthesized origins, these compounds have been extensively tested without definitive beneficial results. Unfortunately, multiple terminated trials have shown a negative side to Nrf2 with regard to cardiac pathologies while animal-based studies have demonstrated cardiomyocyte hypertrophy and heart failure after chronic Nrf2 upregulation. Putatively based on autophagic control of Nrf2 activity-modulating upstream factors, new evidence of miRNA involvement has added complexity to this mechanism. What follows is an extensive survey of Nrf2-regulating exogenous compounds that may promote cardiomyopathy, clinical trial evidence, and a comparison to exercise-induced factors that also upregulate Nrf2 while preventing cardiac pathologies.

Cancer-associated fibroblasts in nonsmall cell lung cancer: From molecular mechanisms to clinical implications

Lung cancer is the common and leading cause of cancer death worldwide. The tumor microenvironment has been recognized to be instrumental in tumorigenesis. To have a deep understanding of the molecular mechanism of nonsmall cell lung carcinoma (NSCLC), cancer-associated fibroblasts (CAFs) have gained increasing research interests. CAFs belong to the crucial and dominant cell population in the tumor microenvironment to support the cancer cells. The interplay and partnership between cancer cells and CAFs contribute to each stage of tumorigenesis. CAFs exhibit prominent heterogeneity and secrete different kinds of cytokines and chemokines, growth factors and extracellular matrix proteins involved in cancer cell proliferation, invasion, metastasis and chemoresistance. Many studies focused on the protumorigenic functions of CAFs, yet many challenges about the heterogeneity of CAFS remain unresolved. This review comprehensively summarized the tumor-promoting role and molecular mechanisms of CAFs in NSCLC, including their origin, phenotypic changes and heterogeneity and their functional roles in carcinogenesis. Meanwhile, we also highlighted the updated molecular classifications based on the molecular features and functional roles of CAFs. With the development of cutting-edge platforms and further investigations of CAFs, novel therapeutic strategies for accurately targeting CAFs in NSCLC may be developed based on the increased understanding of the relevant molecular mechanisms.

Cardiovascular Disease-Associated MicroRNAs as Novel Biomarkers of First-Trimester Screening for Gestational Diabetes Mellitus in the Absence of Other Pregnancy-Related Complications

We assessed the diagnostic potential of cardiovascular disease-associated microRNAs for the early prediction of gestational diabetes mellitus (GDM) in singleton pregnancies of Caucasian descent in the absence of other pregnancy-related complications. Whole peripheral venous blood samples were collected within 10 to 13 weeks of gestation. This retrospective study involved all pregnancies diagnosed with only GDM (n = 121) and 80 normal term pregnancies selected with regard to equality of sample storage time. Gene expression of 29 microRNAs was assessed using real-time RT-PCR. Upregulation of 11 microRNAs (miR-1-3p, miR-20a-5p, miR-20b-5p, miR-23a-3p, miR-100-5p, miR-125b-5p, miR-126-3p, miR-181a-5p, miR-195-5p, miR-499a-5p, and miR-574-3p) was observed in pregnancies destinated to develop GDM. Combined screening of all 11 dysregulated microRNAs showed the highest accuracy for the early identification of pregnancies destinated to develop GDM. This screening identified 47.93% of GDM pregnancies at a 10.0% false positive rate (FPR). The predictive model for GDM based on aberrant microRNA expression profile was further improved via the implementation of clinical characteristics (maternal age and BMI at early stages of gestation and an infertility treatment by assisted reproductive technology). Following this, 69.17% of GDM pregnancies were identified at a 10.0% FPR. The effective prediction model specifically for severe GDM requiring administration of therapy involved using a combination of these three clinical characteristics and three microRNA biomarkers (miR-20a-5p, miR-20b-5p, and miR-195-5p). This model identified 78.95% of cases at a 10.0% FPR. The effective prediction model for GDM managed by diet only required the involvement of these three clinical characteristics and eight microRNA biomarkers (miR-1-3p, miR-20a-5p, miR-20b-5p, miR-100-5p, miR-125b-5p, miR-195-5p, miR-499a-5p, and miR-574-3p). With this, the model identified 50.50% of GDM pregnancies managed by diet only at a 10.0% FPR. When other clinical variables such as history of miscarriage, the presence of trombophilic gene mutations, positive first-trimester screening for preeclampsia and/or fetal growth restriction by the Fetal Medicine Foundation algorithm, and family history of diabetes mellitus in first-degree relatives were included in the GDM prediction model, the predictive power was further increased at a 10.0% FPR (72.50% GDM in total, 89.47% GDM requiring therapy, and 56.44% GDM managed by diet only). Cardiovascular disease-associated microRNAs represent promising early biomarkers to be implemented into routine first-trimester screening programs with a very good predictive potential for GDM.

miRNAs in SARS-CoV-2 Infection: An Update

Coronavirus disease-2019 (COVID-19) is a highly infectious disease caused by newly discovered severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 (SARS-CoV-2). Since the inception of SARS-CoV-2 from Wuhan, China, the virus has traveled to more than 200 countries globally. The role of SARS-CoV-2 in COVID-19 has been thoroughly investigated and reviewed in the last 22 months or so; however, a comprehensive outline of miRNAs in SARS-CoV-2 infection is still missing. The genetic material of SARS-CoV-2 is a single-stranded RNA molecule nearly 29 kb in size. RNA is composed of numerous sub-constituents, including microRNAs (miRNAs). miRNAs play an essential role in biological processes like apoptosis, cellular metabolism, cell death, cell movement, oncogenesis, intracellular signaling, immunity, and infection. Lately, miRNAs have been involved in SARS-CoV-2 infection, though the clear demonstration of miRNAs in the SARS-CoV-2 infection is not fully elucidated. The present review article summarizes recent findings of miRNAs associated with SARS-CoV-2 infection. We presented various facets of miRNAs such as miRNAs as the protagonist in viral infection, the occurrence of miRNA in cellular receptors, expression of miRNAs in multiple diseases, miRNA as a biomarker, and miRNA as a therapeutic tool discussed in detail. We also presented the vaccine status available in various countries.

Evaluation of Oxidative Stress, Apoptosis, and Expression of MicroRNA-208a and MicroRNA-1 in Cardiovascular Patients

BACKGROUND

MicroRNA expression signature and reactive oxygen species (ROS) production have been associated with the development of cardiovascular diseases (CVDs). This study aimed to evaluate oxidative stress, inflammation, apoptosis, and the expression of miRNA-208a and miRNA-1 in cardiovascular patients.

METHODS

The study population included four types of patients (acute coronary syndromes (ACS), myocardial infarction (MI), arrhythmia, and heart failure (HF)), with 10 people in each group, as well as a control group. Quantitative real-time PCR was performed to measure mir-208 and miR-1 expression, the mRNAs of inflammatory mediators (TNFα, iNOS/eNOS), and apoptotic factors (Bax and Bcl2). XOX, MDA, and antioxidant enzymes (CAT, SOD, and GPx) were measured by ZellBio GmbH kits by an ELISA Reader.

RESULTS

The results showed significant decreases in the activity of antioxidant enzymes (CAT, SOD, and Gpx) and a significant increase in the activity of the MDA and XOX in cardiovascular patients. Significant increases in IL-10, iNos, iNOS / eNOS, and TNF-α in cardiovascular patients were also observed. Also, a significant increase in the expression of miR-208 (HF> arrhythmia> ACS> MI) and a significant decrease in the expression of miR-1 (ACS> arrhythmia> HF> MI) were found in all four groups in cardiovascular patients.

CONCLUSION

The results showed increases in oxidative stress, inflammation, apoptotic factors, and in the expression of miR-208a in a variety of cardiovascular patients (ACS, MI, arrhythmia, and HF). It is suggested that future studies determine the relationships that miR-1, miR-208, and oxidative stress indices have with inflammation and apoptosis.

Role of Selected miRNAs as Diagnostic and Prognostic Biomarkers in Cardiovascular Diseases, Including Coronary Artery Disease, Myocardial Infarction and Atherosclerosis

Cardiovascular diseases are the leading cause of death worldwide in different cohorts. It is well known that miRNAs have a crucial role in regulating the development of cardiovascular physiology, thus impacting the pathophysiology of heart diseases. MiRNAs also have been reported to be associated with cardiac reactions, leading to myocardial infarction (MCI) and ultimately heart failure (HF). To prevent these heart diseases, proper and timely diagnosis of cardiac dysfunction is pivotal. Though there are many symptoms associated with an irregular heart condition and though there are some biomarkers available that may indicate heart disease, authentic, specific and sensitive markers are the need of the hour. In recent times, miRNAs have proven to be promising candidates in this regard. They are potent biomarkers as they can be easily detected in body fluids (blood, urine, etc.) due to their remarkable stability and presence in apoptotic bodies and exosomes. Existing studies suggest the role of miRNAs as valuable biomarkers. A single biomarker may be insufficient to diagnose coronary artery disease (CAD) or acute myocardial infarction (AMI); thus, a combination of different miRNAs may prove fruitful. Therefore, this review aims to highlight the role of circulating miRNA as diagnostic and prognostic biomarkers in cardiovascular diseases such as coronary artery disease (CAD), myocardial infarction (MI) and atherosclerosis.

Systematic review of microRNA biomarkers in acute coronary syndrome and stable coronary artery disease

The aim of this systematic review was to assess dysregulated miRNA biomarkers in coronary artery disease (CAD). Dysregulated microRNA (miRNAs) have been shown to be linked to cardiovascular pathologies including CAD and may have utility as diagnostic and prognostic biomarkers. We compared miRNAs identified in acute coronary syndrome (ACS) compared with stable CAD and control populations. We conducted a systematic search of controlled vocabulary and free text terms related to ACS, stable CAD and miRNA in Biosis Previews (OvidSP), The Cochrane Library (Wiley), Embase (OvidSP), Global Health (OvidSP), Medline (PubMed and OvidSP), Web of Science (Clarivate Analytics), and ClinicalTrials.gov which yielded 7370 articles. Of these, 140 original articles were appropriate for data extraction. The most frequently reported miRNAs in any CAD (miR-1, miR-133a, miR-208a/b, and miR-499) are expressed abundantly in the heart and play crucial roles in cardiac physiology. In studies comparing ACS cases with stable CAD patients, miR-21, miR-208a/b, miR-133a/b, miR-30 family, miR-19, and miR-20 were most frequently reported to be dysregulated in ACS. While a number of miRNAs feature consistently across studies in their expression in both ACS and stable CAD, when compared with controls, certain miRNAs were reported as biomarkers specifically in ACS (miR-499, miR-1, miR-133a/b, and miR-208a/b) and stable CAD (miR-215, miR-487a, and miR-502). Thus, miR-21, miR-133, and miR-499 appear to have the most potential as biomarkers to differentiate the diagnosis of ACS from stable CAD, especially miR-499 which showed a correlation between the level of their concentration gradient and myocardial damage. Although these miRNAs are potential diagnostic biomarkers, these findings should be interpreted with caution as the majority of studies conducted predefined candidate-driven assessments of a limited number of miRNAs (PROSPERO registration: CRD42017079744).

Substantially Altered Expression Profile of Diabetes/Cardiovascular/Cerebrovascular Disease Associated microRNAs in Children Descending from Pregnancy Complicated by Gestational Diabetes Mellitus-One of Several Possible Reasons for an Increased Cardiovascular Risk

Gestational diabetes mellitus (GDM), one of the major pregnancy-related complications, characterized as a transitory form of diabetes induced by insulin resistance accompanied by a low/absent pancreatic beta-cell compensatory adaptation to the increased insulin demand, causes the acute, long-term, and transgenerational health complications. The aim of the study was to assess if alterations in gene expression of microRNAs associated with diabetes/cardiovascular/cerebrovascular diseases are present in whole peripheral blood of children aged 3-11 years descending from GDM complicated pregnancies. A substantially altered microRNA expression profile was found in children descending from GDM complicated pregnancies. Almost all microRNAs with the exception of miR-92a-3p, miR-155-5p, and miR-210-3p were upregulated. The microRNA expression profile also differed between children after normal and GDM complicated pregnancies in relation to the presence of overweight/obesity, prehypertension/hypertension, and/or valve problems and heart defects. Always, screening based on the combination of microRNAs was superior over using individual microRNAs, since at 10.0% false positive rate it was able to identify a large proportion of children with an aberrant microRNA expression profile (88.14% regardless of clinical findings, 75.41% with normal clinical findings, and 96.49% with abnormal clinical findings). In addition, the higher incidence of valve problems and heart defects was found in children with a prior exposure to GDM. The extensive file of predicted targets of all microRNAs aberrantly expressed in children descending from GDM complicated pregnancies indicates that a large group of these genes is involved in ontologies of diabetes/cardiovascular/cerebrovascular diseases. In general, children with a prior exposure to GDM are at higher risk of later development of diabetes mellitus and cardiovascular/cerebrovascular diseases, and would benefit from dispensarisation as well as implementation of primary prevention strategies.

Diabetes Mellitus and Cardiovascular Risk Assessment in Mothers with a History of Gestational Diabetes Mellitus Based on Postpartal Expression Profile of MicroRNAs Associated with Diabetes Mellitus and Cardiovascular and Cerebrovascular Diseases

Mothers with a history of gestational diabetes mellitus (GDM) have an increased risk of developing diabetes in the future and a lifelong cardiovascular risk. Postpartal expression profile of cardiovascular/cerebrovascular disease associated microRNAs was assessed 3–11 years after the delivery in whole peripheral blood of young and middle-aged mothers with a prior exposure to GDM with the aim to identify a high-risk group of mothers at risk of later development of diabetes mellitus and cardiovascular/cerebrovascular diseases who would benefit from implementation of early primary prevention strategies and long-term follow-up. The hypothesis of the assessment of cardiovascular risk in women was based on the knowledge that a series of microRNAs play a role in the pathogenesis of diabetes mellitus and cardiovascular/cerebrovascular diseases. Abnormal expression profile of multiple microRNAs was found in women with a prior exposure to GDM (miR-1-3p, miR-16-5p, miR-17-5p, miR-20a-5p, miR-20b-5p, miR-21-5p, miR-23a-3p, miR-24-3p, miR-26a-5p, miR-29a-3p, miR-100-5p, miR-103a-3p, miR-125b-5p, miR-126-3p, miR-130b-3p, miR-133a-3p, miR-143-3p, miR-145-5p, miR-146a-5p, miR-181a-5p, miR-195-5p, miR-199a-5p, miR-221-3p, miR-342-3p, miR-499a-5p, and-miR-574-3p). Postpartal combined screening of miR-1-3p, miR-16-5p, miR-17-5p, miR-20b-5p, miR-21-5p, miR-23a-3p, miR-26a-5p, miR-29a-3p, miR-103a-3p, miR-133a-3p, miR-146a-5p, miR-181a-5p, miR-195-5p, miR-199a-5p, miR-221-3p, and miR-499a-5p showed the highest accuracy for the identification of mothers with a prior exposure to GDM at a higher risk of later development of cardiovascular/cerebrovascular diseases (AUC 0.900, p < 0.001, sensitivity 77.48%, specificity 93.26%, cut off >0.611270413). It was able to identify 77.48% mothers with an increased cardiovascular risk at 10.0% FPR. Any of changes in epigenome (upregulation of miR-16-5p, miR-17-5p, miR-29a-3p, and miR-195-5p) that were induced by GDM-complicated pregnancy are long-acting and may predispose mothers affected with GDM to later development of diabetes mellitus and cardiovascular/cerebrovascular diseases. In addition, novel epigenetic changes (upregulation of serious of microRNAs) appeared in a proportion of women that were exposed to GDM throughout the postpartal life. Likewise, a previous occurrence of either GH, PE, and/or FGR, as well as a previous occurrence of GDM, is associated with the upregulation of miR-1-3p, miR-17-5p, miR-20a-5p, miR-20b-5p, miR-29a-3p, miR-100-5p, miR-125b-5p, miR-126-3p, miR-130b-3p, miR-133a-3p, miR-143-3p, miR-145-5p, miR-146a-5p, miR-181a-5p, miR-199a-5p, miR-221-3p, and miR-499a-5p. On the other hand, upregulation of miR-16-5p, miR-21-5p, miR-23a-3p, miR-24-3p, miR-26a-5p, miR-103a-3p, miR-195-5p, miR-342-3p, and miR-574-3p represents a unique feature of aberrant expression profile of women with a prior exposure to GDM. Screening of particular microRNAs may stratify a high-risk group of mothers with a history of GDM who might benefit from implementation of early primary prevention strategies.

Hepatocyte-derived extracellular vesicles promote endothelial inflammation and atherogenesis via microRNA-1

BACKGROUND & AIMS

Clinical evidence has indicated a close link between non-alcoholic fatty liver disease (NAFLD) and cardiovascular disease (CVD). However, the underlying mechanism remains to be elucidated. This study aimed to explore a potential role of hepatocyte-derived extracellular vesicles (EVs) in endothelial inflammation and atherogenesis in the context of NAFLD.

METHODS

EVs were isolated, quantified and characterized from steatotic hepatocytes. An endothelial cell-specific PCR array was used to screen the functional properties of EVs. Profiling of global microRNA expression was conducted in EVs. The expression level and biological function of microRNA-1 (miR-1) was determined by quantitative PCR, immunoblot and reporter gene assays, respectively. The in vivo effect of miR-1 on atherogenesis was investigated in apolipoprotein E (ApoE)-deficient mice administered with a miR-1-specific inhibitor, antagomiR-1.

RESULTS

Steatotic hepatocytes released more EVs, which had significantly altered miRNA expression profiles compared to the EVs released by control hepatocytes. Endothelial cells co-cultured with steatotic hepatocytes, or treated with their EVs or miR-1, expressed significantly more proinflammatory molecules, as well as exhibiting increased NF-κB activity and reduced Kruppel-like factor 4 (KLF4) expression. EV-induced endothelial inflammation was prevented by either downregulation or inhibition of miR-1. While miR-1 treatment suppressed KLF4 expression and reporter gene activity, overexpression of KLF4 dramatically abolished the miR-1-induced endothelial inflammation. Moreover, not only did the miR-1 inhibitor reduce endothelial inflammation in vitro, but it also attenuated atherogenesis in ApoE-deficient mice.

CONCLUSION

Steatotic hepatocyte-derived EVs promote endothelial inflammation and facilitate atherogenesis by miR-1 delivery, KLF4 suppression and NF-κB activation. The findings illustrate an important role of hepatocyte-derived EVs in distant communications between the liver and vasculature, suggesting a new mechanism underlying the link between NAFLD and CVD.

LAY SUMMARY

Non-alcoholic fatty liver disease (NAFLD), a condition highly prevalent in obese and/or diabetic patients, is emerging as an independent risk factor of cardiovascular disease. Herein, we demonstrated that extracellular vesicles, released by hepatocytes under NAFLD conditions, cause vascular endothelial inflammation and promote atherosclerosis. Within these toxic vesicles, we identified a small molecular cargo that acted as a potent inducer of endothelial inflammation. By inhibiting this cargo's function, a specific gene-based inhibitor profoundly attenuated atherogenesis in mice, uncovering a novel mechanism which may be used to prevent or treat cardiovascular disease in patients with NAFLD.

Ubiquitin‑proteasomes are the dominant mediators of the regulatory effect of microRNA‑1 on cardiac remodeling after myocardial infarction

Patients with ischemic hearts who have refused coronary vascular reconstruction may exhibit dynamic myocardial remodeling and cardiac dysfunction. In the present study, the role of miRNA-1 and its association with the ubiquitin-proteasome system (UPS) in regulating myocardial remodeling was investigated. A myocardial infarction (MI) model was constructed and the hearts were treated with miRNA-1 antagomir, miRNA-1 lentiviral vectors and the UPS proteasome blocker bortezomib. The expression levels of miRNA-1 were evaluated using reverse transcription PCR and the abundance of the ubiquitin-proteasome protein and caspase-3 were evaluated via western blot analysis. Furthermore, the collagen volume fraction was calculated using Masson's trichrome staining, and the apoptosis index was detected via terminal deoxynucleotidyl transferase dUTP-biotin nick end labeling staining. Transforming growth factor (TGF)-β expression was assessed via immunohistochemical staining. Echocardiographic characteristics and myocardial infarct size were analyzed. miRNA-1 expression levels were found to be increased following MI. miRNA-1 antagomir administration clearly inhibited miRNA-1 expression, whereas the miRNA-1 lentiviral vector exerted the opposite effect. The levels of 19s proteasome, 20S proteasome and ubiquitin ligase E3 were decreased in the miRNA-1 antagomir group, but were significantly increased in the miRNA-1 lentiviral group; however, only 20S proteasome expression was decreased in the bortezomib group. Collagen hyperplasia and TGF-β expression were decreased in both the miRNA-1 antagomir and bortezomib groups, although the effects of the miRNA-1 antagomir were more noticeable. The miRNA-1 antagomir and the UPS proteasome blocker both alleviated the ultrastructural impairments, demonstrated by a decreased left ventricular (LV) end-diastolic diameter and LV mass, but the miRNA-1 antagomir was also able to increase LV ejection fraction and LV fractional shortening. miRNA-1 regulated UPS-associated mRNA expression and affected the majority of the UPS components in the myocardium, thereby leading to increased myocardial cell apoptosis, myocardial fibrosis and remodeling. The miRNA-1 antagomir exerted a more prominent cardioprotective effect compared with the UPS proteasome blocker bortezomib.

Postnatal Expression Profile of microRNAs Associated with Cardiovascular and Cerebrovascular Diseases in Children at the Age of 3 to 11 Years in Relation to Previous Occurrence of Pregnancy-Related Complications

Children descending from pregnancies complicated by gestational hypertension (GH), preeclampsia (PE) or fetal growth restriction (FGR) have a lifelong cardiovascular risk. The aim of the study was to verify if pregnancy complications induce postnatal alterations in gene expression of microRNAs associated with cardiovascular/cerebrovascular diseases. Twenty-nine microRNAs were assessed in peripheral blood, compared between groups, and analyzed in relation to both aspects, the current presence of cardiovascular risk factors and cardiovascular complications and the previous occurrence of pregnancy complications with regard to the clinical signs, dates of delivery, and Doppler ultrasound examination. The expression profile of miR-21-5p differed between controls and children with a history of uncomplicated pregnancies with abnormal clinical findings. Abnormal expression profile of multiple microRNAs was found in children affected with GH (miR-1-3p, miR-17-5p, miR-20a-5p, miR-21-5p, miR-23a-3p, miR-26a-5p, miR-29a-3p, miR-103a-3p, miR-125b-5p, miR-126-3p, miR-133a-3p, miR-146a-5p, miR-181a-5p, miR-195-5p, and miR-342-3p), PE (miR-1-3p, miR-20a-5p, miR-20b-5p, miR-103a-3p, miR-133a-3p, miR-342-3p), and FGR (miR-17-5p, miR-126-3p, miR-133a-3p). The index of pulsatility in the ductus venosus showed a strong positive correlation with miR-210-3p gene expression in children exposed to PE and/or FGR. Any of changes in epigenome (up-regulation of miR-1-3p and miR-133a-3p) that were induced by pregnancy complications are long-acting and may predispose children affected with GH, PE, or FGR to later development of cardiovascular/cerebrovascular diseases. Novel epigenetic changes (aberrant expression profile of microRNAs) appeared in a proportion of children that were exposed to GH, PE, or FGR. Screening of particular microRNAs may stratify a highly risky group of children that might benefit from implementation of early primary prevention strategies.

A MicroRNA Perspective on Cardiovascular Development and Diseases: An Update

In this review, we summarize the latest research pertaining to MicroRNAs (miRs) related to cardiovascular diseases. In today's molecular age, the key clinical aspects of diagnosing and treating these type of diseases are crucial, and miRs play an important role. Therefore, we have made a thorough analysis discussing the most important candidate protagonists of many pathways relating to such conditions as atherosclerosis, heart failure, myocardial infarction, and congenital heart disorders. We approach miRs initially from the fundamental molecular aspects and look at their role in developmental pathways, as well as regulatory mechanisms dysregulated under specific cardiovascular conditions. By doing so, we can better understand their functional roles. Next, we look at therapeutic aspects, including delivery and inhibition techniques. We conclude that a personal approach for treatment is paramount, and so understanding miRs is strategic for cardiovascular health.

miR-133b, a particular member of myomiRs, coming into playing its unique pathological role in human cancer

MicroRNAs, a family of single-stranded and non-coding RNAs, play a crucial role in regulating gene expression at posttranscriptional level, by which it can mediate various types of physiological and pathological process in normal developmental progress and human disease, including cancer. The microRNA-133b originally defined as canonical muscle-specific microRNAs considering their function to the development and health of mammalian skeletal and cardiac muscles, but new findings coming from our group and others revealed that miR-133b have frequently abnormal expression in various kinds of human cancer and its complex complicated regulatory networks affects the tumorigenicity and development of malignant tumors. Very few existing reviews on miR-133b, until now, are principally about its role in homologous cluster (miR-1, −133 and -206s), however, most of constantly emerging new researches now are focused mainly on one of them, so In this article, to highlight the unique pathological role of miR-133b playing in tumor, we conduct a review to summarize the current understanding about one of the muscle-specific microRNAs, namely miR-133b, acting in human cancer. The review focused on the following four aspects: the overview of miR-133b, the target genes of miR-133b involved in human cancer, the expression of miR-133b and regulatory mechanisms leading to abnormal expression of miR-133b.

Identification of novel microRNAs in the sheep heart and their regulation in heart failure

Study of microRNA (miRNAs) using sheep models is limited due to lack of miRNA information. We therefore investigated oar-miRNAs and their regulation in an ovine model of heart failure (HF). Left ventricular (LV) tissue was collected from normal (Cont), HF (LV pacing @ ~220bpm for 13-days) and HF-recovery sheep (HF-R, 26-days after pacing cessation). MiRNA expression was profiled using next-generation sequencing (NGS) and miRNA array, and validated by stem-loop qPCR. Detected sequences were mapped against the ovine genome (Oar v4.0) and aligned with known miRNAs (miRBase v21). A total of 36,438,340 raw reads were obtained with a peak distribution of 18-23 nt. Of these, 637 miRNAs were detected by NGS and mapped to the ovine genome. With cut-off at 10 counts, 275 novel miRNAs were identified (with 186 showing 100% alignment and 89 showing 70-99% alignment with human/mouse and/or rat miRNAs, respectively), and 78 known oar-miRNAs. Cardiac-enriched miRNA-1, -133a, -208a/b and -499 were highly expressed in the LV. With HF induction, miRNA-133b-3p, -208b-3p, -125a-5p, -125b-5p, -126-3p, -21-5p, -210-3p, -29a-3p, -320a and -494-3p were significantly up-regulated relative to Cont and tended to return to normal levels following HF-recovery. This study has expanded the sheep miRNA database, and demonstrated HF-induced regulation of miRNAs.

Cardiac-specific miRNA in cardiogenesis, heart function, and cardiac pathology (with focus on myocardial infarction)

Cardiac miRNAs (miR-1, miR133a, miR-208a/b, and miR-499) are abundantly expressed in the myocardium. They play a central role in cardiogenesis, heart function and pathology. While miR-1 and miR-133a predominantly control early stages of cardiogenesis supporting commitment of cardiac-specific muscle lineage from embryonic stem cells and mesodermal precursors, miR-208 and miR-499 are involved in the late cardiogenic stages mediating differentiation of cardioblasts to cardiomyocytes and fast/slow muscle fiber specification. In the heart, miR-1/133a control cardiac conductance and automaticity by regulating all phases of the cardiac action potential. miR-208/499 located in introns of the heavy chain myosin genes regulate expression of sarcomeric contractile proteins. In cardiac pathology including myocardial infarction (MI), expression of cardiac miRNAs is markedly altered that leads to deleterious effects associated with heart wounding, arrhythmia, increased apoptosis, fibrosis, hypertrophy, and tissue remodeling. In acute MI, circulating levels of cardiac miRNAs are significantly elevated making them to be a promising diagnostic marker for early diagnosis of acute MI. Great cardiospecific capacity of these miRNAs is very helpful for enhancing regenerative properties and survival of stem cell and cardiac progenitor transplants and for reprogramming of mature non-cardiac cells to cardiomyocytes.

mir-1-mediated paracrine effect of cancer-associated fibroblasts on lung cancer cell proliferation and chemoresistance

Lung cancer is the leading cause of cancer-related mortality in humans worldwide. Moreover, the overall 5-year survival rate is only 15%. Pathologically almost 80% of all lung cancer cases are non-small cell lung cancer (NSCLC). Cancer-associated fibroblasts (CAFs) have been found to exist in a large number of NSCLCs. CAFs have been proven to promote tumor progression, metastasis and resistance to therapy through paracrine effects in most solid tumors. In the present study, firstly we isolated CAFs from patient tissues and demonstrated that they promoted cell proliferation and chemoresistance to cisplatin in the lung cancer cell lines A549 and 95D in a paracrine manner. Secondly, using ELISA and quantative PCR, we found that a higher amount of stromal cell-derived factor 1 (SDF-1) existed in the CAFs rather than that observed in the normal fibroblasts (NFs). Thirdly, we detected that SDF-1 facilitated lung cancer cell proliferation and drug resistance via the CXCR4-mediated signaling pathway which involved NF-κB and Bcl-xL. Moreover, we also confirmed that the expression level of SDF-1 in the CAFs was negatively regulated by microRNA mir-1 through microRNA overexpression and quantitative PCR. Overall, our data provide one explanation for the effects of CAFs on lung cancer cells. Meanwhile, our results also suggest CAFs as a potential therapeutic target in tumor treatment.

Paeoniflorin inhibits doxorubicin-induced cardiomyocyte apoptosis by downregulating microRNA-1 expression

Doxorubicin (DOX) is an effective anthracycline anti-tumor antibiotic. Because of its cardiotoxicity, the clinical application of DOX is limited. Paeoniflorin (PEF), a monoterpene glucoside extracted from the dry root of Paeonia, is reported to exert multiple beneficial effects on the cardiovascular system. The present study was designed to explore the protective effect of PEF against DOX-induced cardiomyocyte apoptosis and the underlying mechanism. In cultured H9c2 cells, PEF (100 µmol/l) was added for 2 h prior to exposure to DOX (5 µmol/l) for 24 h. Cell viability, creatine kinase activity, cardiomyocyte apoptosis, intracellular reactive oxygen species (ROS) levels, and the expression of microRNA-1 (miR-1) and B-cell lymphoma 2 (Bcl-2) were measured following treatment with PEF and/or DOX. The results showed that treatment with DOX notably induced cardiomyocyte apoptosis, concomitantly with enhanced ROS generation, upregulated miR-1 expression and downregulated Bcl-2 expression. These effects of DOX were significantly inhibited by pretreatment of the cells with PEF. These results suggest that the inhibitory effect of PEF on DOX-induced cardiomyocyte apoptosis may be associated with downregulation of miR-1 expression via a reduction in ROS generation.

Apoptosis-related microRNA changes in the right atrium induced by remote ischemic perconditioning during valve replacement surgery

We previously found that remote ischemic perconditioning (RIPerc) was effective in attenuating myocardial injury during cardiac surgery. Given that microRNAs (miRs) act as an important player in ischemic/reperfusion (I/R) injury and apoptosis, this study aimed to investigate whether RIPerc reduces apoptosis in atrial myocardium and which apoptosis-related miRs are involved during valve replacement surgery. Here, we demonstrated that RIPerc inhibited apoptosis in atrial myocardium during cardiac ischemia and that 17 miRs showed at least a 1.5-fold change in expression after ischemia. Of the 17 miRs, 9 miRs, including miR-1, miR-21, miR-24, and miR-195, which are related to apoptosis, exhibited different expression patterns in the RIPerc group compared with the control. Using qRT-PCR and Western blotting, we demonstrated that miR-1 and miR-195 were downregulated and that their common putative target gene Bcl-2 was upregulated in the RIPerc group. However, the differences in miR-21 and miR-24 expression, together with programmed cell death 4 (PDCD4), which is the target gene of miR-21, were not significant. These findings provide some insight into the role of miRs in the cardioprotective effects induced by RIPerc.