MiRNA expression analysis emphasized the role of miR-424 in diabetic cardiovascular complications

Abstract

The discovery of miRNAs as promising new biomarkers in the field of cardiovascular disease has caused great expectations. Stability in the bloodstream, specific regulation, and high sensitivity and specificity suggest that the feasibility of miRNAs as cardiovascular biomarkers can even displace protein-based biomarkers. The objective of our study was to determine the plasma expression profile of miRNAs, which are reported to have important correlations with cardiovascular diseases, in patients with type 2 diabetes mellitus in relation to cardiovascular complications. We isolated plasma miRNAs from 6 patients with type 2 diabetes mellitus without cardiovascular disease (control group) and 9 patients with type 2 diabetes mellitus and cardiovascular disease (target group). Following reverse transcription and subsequent real-time PCR analysis of the same amount of starting miRNAs, the following miRNAs were successfully analyzed: miR-16-5p, miR-155-3p, miR-155-5p, miR-210, miR-221-3p, and miR-424-5p. The relative expression analysis showed a statistically significant increase in the expression of all these miRNAs in the target group. The highest level of increase was established for miR-424-5p with an average relative quantification value of 10.5, followed by miR-155-5p with an average value of 7.5. Cardiovascular risk assessment, supported by emerging circulating biomarkers, such as miRNAs, is important for stratifying high-risk individuals, optimizing treatment strategies, and enhancing our understanding of basic biology. Our study showed the highest increase in expression levels of miR-424-5p in target group and emphasized its role as a biomarker for cardiovascular damage in patients with type 2 diabetes mellitus.