Inflammation-Related MicroRNAs Are Associated with Plaque Stability Calculated by IVUS in Coronary Heart Disease Patients

Abstract EN

Objectives.

This study aimed to investigate the association between inflammation-related microRNAs (miR-21, 146a, 155) and the plaque stability in coronary artery disease patients.

Methods.

The expression of miR-21, 146a, and 155 was measured by real-time PCR in 310 consecutive patients.

The level of hs-CRP, IL-6, and IL-8 was measured by ELISA.

The plaque stability of coronary stenotic lesions was evaluated with intravascular ultrasound (IVUS).

Results.

(1) The levels of hs-CRP, IL-6, and IL-8 were significantly increased in the UAP and AMI groups compared with the CPS group (P<0.01).

(2) The expression of miR-21 and miR-146a in peripheral blood mononuclear cells (PBMCs) and plasma was significantly higher in CAD patients compared with non-CAD patients, whereas the miR-155 expression in PBMCs and plasma was significantly lower in patients with CAD.

(3) The miR-21 expression in PBMCs was higher in UAP and AMI groups compared with CPS group.

The miR-146a expression in PBMCs was higher in SAP, UAP, and AMI groups than in CPS group.

Although the level of miR-155 in PBMCs was lower in SAP, UAP, and AMI groups than in CPS group.

The expression patterns of miR-21, miR-146a, and miR-155 in plasma were consistent with those of PBMCs.

(4) The expressions of miR-21 and miR-146a in PBMCs and plasma were significantly higher in the vulnerable plaque group than those in stable plaque group.

While miR-155 in PBMCs and plasma was significantly lower in vulnerable plaque group compared with stable plaque group.

(5) The levels of miR-21 and miR-146a in PBMCs and plasma were significantly higher in soft plaque group than in fibrous plaque group and calcified plaque group.

However, miR-155 in PBMCs and plasma was significantly lower in soft plaque group.

Conclusions.

The expression of miR-21 and miR-146a are associated with the plaque stability in coronary stenotic lesions, whereas miR-155 expression is inversely associated with the plaque stability.