Effect of Radiation on the Expression of CVD-related miRNAs, Inflammation and Endothelial Dysfunction of HUVECs.

Abstract

Radiotherapy (RT) can lead to cardiovascular disease (CVD). Evidence suggests that radiation modulates miRNA levels. Our purpose was to assess the acute response to radiation-induced modulation of the expression of miRNA-146a, miRNA-155, miRNA-221, and miRNA-222, inflammatory response and endothelial dysfunction on endothelial cells. Human umbilical vein endothelial cells (HUVECs) were exposed to 2 Gy RT, and intracellular levels of selected miRNAs were measured by real-time polymerase chain reaction at 2 and 24 h. Cytokine and adhesion molecule release were also assessed. Results showed that 2 Gy significantly increased the expression of miRNA-221 and miRNA-222, and reduced the level of miRNA-155 after 2 h; whereas miRNA-146a and miRNA-155 were significantly overexpressed and miRNA-222 was significantly down-regulated at 24 h. Interleukin-8 and soluble vascular cell adhesion molecule 1 levels were not affected by the studied RT. RT at 2 Gy modulated expression of selected miRNAs by endothelial cells after 2 and 24 h, which might be related to CVD development in patients who receive RT.