New potential modulators of vascular inflammation: mir-24-3p and mir-34a-5p

Abstract

Introduction. Micro-RNAs (miRNAs) are small (18-24 nt) non-coding RNAs which are involved in post-transcriptional gene expression regulation (1). It has been shown that miRNAs participate in development and progression of various pathological conditions, including cardiovascular diseases (2,3). It has been shown that expression of several miRNA genes fluctuate during coronary artery disease (CAD), however functional relevance of these molecules is not yet fully understood (4–6). MiRNAs may interact with bio-active fatty acid metabolism and induce inflammation and atherosclerosis. Research aim. The aim of this pilot study was to investigate relative expression of miR-24-3p and miR- 34a-5p in blood plasma of stable angina pectoris (AP) patients' and determine association between these molecules and arachidonic acid converting enzyme CYP4F2. Research methods and organization. In total 47 subjects were included into this study: 32 patients with stable angina pectoris and 15 healthy volunteers. Patients were hospitalized and followed coronary artery bypass graft procedure (CABG). MiRNA gene expression analysis was performed on total RNA extracted from blood plasma, using quantitative real-time polymerase chain reaction. CYP4F2 enzyme levels were determined using commercial ELISA kit. A non-parametric Mann-Whitney U criterion was used to evaluate quantitative data between two patients and control subjects. To evaluate statistical dependence between relative expression of miR-24-3p, miR-34a-5p and CYP4F2 enzyme concentration, Spearman's rank order correlation was used. Results were regarded as statistically significant when p < 0.05.