MicroRNA as significant biomarkers of cerebrovascular atherosclerosis

Introduction. Carotid atherosclerosis (CA) is one of the main causes of ischaemic stroke. MicroRNA is a relatively new group of biomarkers, some of which are associated with atherogenesis. The aim of the study was to evaluate the expression of several microRNAs in patients with cerebrovascular disease, depending on the severity of CA. Materials and methods. The study included 50 people (median age 66 [61; 71] years, 58% men) with cerebrovascular disease secondary to CA. The patients were divided into two groups: 16 patients (32%) had 70% internal carotid artery (ICA) stenosis (main group), while the remaining 34 patients had 70% stenosis and formed the comparison group. Expression of the following microRNAs was measured: miR-126-5p, miR-126-3p, miR-29-5p, miR-29-3p, miR-33a-5p, miR-33a-3p, miR-21-5p and miR-21-3p. Results. Compared to the comparison group, patients with a high degree of CA had reduced expression of miR-126-5p/-3p (4.8 and 5.9 vs. 8.5 and 7.6, respectively; p 0.001) and miR-29-3p (7.6 vs. 10.3; p 0.001), while miR-33a-5p expression was elevated (46.3 vs. 40.0; p 0.05). Cluster analysis confirmed typical expression patterns of these microRNAs in patients with varying degrees of ICA stenosis. Significant negative correlations were also found between the degree of stenosis and expression of miR-126-5p ( = 0.83; р 0.05), miR-126-3p ( = 0.64; р 0.05) and miR-29-3p ( = 0.62; р 0.05). Conclusion. Based on an analysis of patients with cerebral atherosclerosis, the studied microRNAs can be divided into proatherogenic (miR-33a-5p/-3p) and atheroprotective (miR-126-5p/-3p, miR-29-3p, and mir-21-5p/-3p). These biomarkers can be diagnostically useful in predicting the risk of both CA progression and acute cerebrovascular accidents, yet prospective studies are required.

Abstract licence: CC BY

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