Moreover, a differential expression of some micro-RNAs (miRNAs), mainly miR-126, may be a useful prognostic biomarker for atherosclerosis development in asymptomatic subjects.
It seems that this master regulator triggers either some hyperglycaemia-induced effects on the endothelial function, or the expression of certain microRNAs (in particular miR-126, -21 and miR-146a-5p) involved in favouring atherosclerosis.
Hence, the aim of this study is to investigate the effects of miR-126 on atherosclerosis in oxidized low-density lipoprotein (ox-LDL)-stimulated human umbilical vein endothelial cells (HUVECs) and the potential roles of autophagy flux in these processes.
More specifically, within the subchapter "miRNAs in carotid atherosclerosis", general information about miRNA involvement in atherosclerosis will be described (miR-126, miR-17-92, miR-155 and others) with special emphasis put on miRNAs affecting carotid plaque progression and stability (e.g. miR-145, miR-146 or miR-217).
Furthermore, the present study demonstrated that miR‑126 contributed to endothelial permeability and apoptosis, and suggested that the downregulation of TGFβ may be involved in the molecular mechanisms underlying the actions of miR‑126. miR‑126 may therefore have potential as a novel therapeutic target for the treatment of AS.
MicroRNA-126 (miR-126) has previously been observed in mammary glands and adipocytes and is known to be involved in lipid metabolism during the process of atherosclerosis.
Pearson correlation analysis showed a negative correlation of miR-126 with IMT and plaque area, but a positive association between VEGF and IMT and plaque area. miR-126 and VEGF are expected to become a valuable biomarker for monitoring the progression of atherosclerosis in uremic patients undergoing MHD.
Our study first indicated that atorvastatin might exert its anti-inflammatory effects in atherosclerosis by regulating the expressions of miR-126 and VCAM-1 in vivo.
In conclusion, our results suggest that miR-126 (i) is overexpressed by long-term LSS, (ii) has a role in up- and downregulation of genes involved in atherosclerosis, and (iii) affects SDC-4 expression.
A gene expression study was conducted to investigate the levels of Egfl7 and miRNA126-5p in human carotid artery atherosclerotic plaques aiming to gain a better understanding of the role of neoangiogenesis within plaques and the mechanisms causing atherosclerosis progression.