Department of Biology, Science and Research Branch, Islamic Azad University, Tehran, Iran.
Applied Physiology Research Center, Cardiovascular Research Institute, Isfahan University of Medical Sciences, Isfahan, Iran.
J Physiol Biochem. 2020 Feb;76(1):1-12. doi: 10.1007/s13105-019-00710-7. Epub 2019 Dec 5.
Atherosclerosis is considered as the most common cardiovascular disease and a leading cause of global mortality, which develops through consecutive steps. Various cellular and molecular biomarkers such as microRNAs are identified to be involved in atherosclerosis progression. MicroRNAs are a group of endogenous, short, non-coding RNAs, which are able to bind to specific sequences on target messenger RNAs and thereby modulate gene expression post-transcriptionally. MicroRNAs are key players in wide range of biological processes; thus, their expression level is regulated in pathophysiological conditions. Ample evidences including in vitro and in vivo studies approved a critical role of microRNAs in epigenetic and the sequential processes of atherosclerosis from risk factors to plaque formation, progression, and rupture. Based on these findings, miRNAs seems to be promising candidates for therapeutic approach. This review summarizes the role of miRNAs in atherosclerosis development, epigenetic, and therapy. Moreover, the application of exosomes in miRNA delivery, and/or their prognostic and diagnostic values are also discussed.
动脉粥样硬化被认为是最常见的心血管疾病和全球死亡率的主要原因,它通过连续的步骤发展。各种细胞和分子生物标志物,如 microRNAs,被确定参与动脉粥样硬化的进展。microRNAs 是一组内源性、短、非编码的 RNA,能够与靶信使 RNA 上的特定序列结合,从而在后转录水平上调节基因表达。microRNAs 是广泛的生物学过程中的关键参与者;因此,它们的表达水平在病理生理条件下受到调节。包括体外和体内研究在内的大量证据证实,microRNAs 在动脉粥样硬化从危险因素到斑块形成、进展和破裂的表观遗传和连续过程中起着关键作用。基于这些发现,miRNAs 似乎是治疗方法的有前途的候选者。本综述总结了 microRNAs 在动脉粥样硬化发展、表观遗传和治疗中的作用。此外,还讨论了外泌体在 miRNA 传递中的应用,以及它们的预后和诊断价值。