Abstract
Aim: Hypertension is a strong risk factor for atherosclerosis. Increased carotid intima-media thickness (cIMT) and carotid plaques are considered subclinical markers of atherosclerosis. This study aimed at evaluating the serum expression of miRNAs previously related to adverse vascular remodeling and correlating them with carotid plaques and cIMT in hypertensive patients. Methods: We cross-sectionally evaluated the clinical and carotid characteristics as well as serum expression of miR-145-5p, miR-let7c, miR-92a, miR-30a and miR-451 in 177 hypertensive patients. Carotid plaques and cIMT were evaluated by ultrasound, and the expression of selected miRNAs was evaluated by a quantitative polymerase chain reaction. Results: Among all participants (age = 60.6 ± 10.7 years, 43% males), there were 59% with carotid plaques. We observed an increased expression of miR-145-5p (Fold Change = 2.0, p = 0.035) and miR-let7c (Fold Change = 3.8, p = 0.045) in participants with atherosclerotic plaque when compared to those without plaque. In the logistic regression analysis adjusted for relevant covariates, these miRNAs showed a stronger association with carotid plaques (miR-145-5p: Beta ± SE = 0.050 ± 0.020, p = 0.016 and miR-let7c: Beta ± SE = 0.056 ± 0.019, p = 0.003). Conclusions: Hypertensive patients with carotid plaques have an increased expression of miR-145-5p and miR-let7c, suggesting a potential role of these miRNAs as a biomarker for subclinical atherosclerosis in hypertensive individuals.
Highlights
IntroductionPublisher’s Note: MDPI stays neutral with regard to jurisdictional claims in published maps and institutional affiliations
The results showed that the expression level of miR-145-5p and miR-let7c in the serum of patients with carotid plaques was higher than in those without plaques (FC = 2, p = 0.035; FC = 3.8, p = 0.045), respectively (Figure 1)
[22],the thepresent presentfindings findingssuggest suggestthat that both miR-145-5p and miR-let7c might be involved in atherogenesis among hypertensive both miR-145-5p and miR-let7c might be involved in atherogenesis among hypertensive subjects
Summary
Publisher’s Note: MDPI stays neutral with regard to jurisdictional claims in published maps and institutional affiliations. Atherosclerotic cardiovascular diseases are the main cause of mortality worldwide [1]. In the primary prevention setting, the presence of carotid atherosclerotic plaques and increased carotid intima media thickness (cIMT) are considered in the definition of subclinical atherosclerosis and, as such, are predictors of cardiovascular events [2]. Hypertension is a major risk factor for atherosclerosis in distinct population grounds [3,4]. High blood pressure (BP) levels are associated with increased cIMT and the presence of carotid plaques [5,6,7]
Sign-in/Register to view highlights & summary Sign-in/Register to access full text options 
Free) 
Talk to us
Join us for a 30 min session where you can share your feedback and ask us any queries you have
Schedule a call
