THE ROLE OF MICRO-RNA IN HEART FAILURE

Abstract

Introduction. Micro-RNAs (miRNAs) are small RNA molecules that play an important role in the gene expression controlling in eukaryotic cells. Currently, circulating miRNAs are considered potential diagnostic biomarkers and therapeutic targets for cardiovascular diseases, including heart failure (HF).
Materials and Methods. A literature review of the last 10 years was conducted, using 30 bibliographic sources, including those from the “Nicolae Testemițanu” USMF Scientific Medical Library and electronic libraries such as PubMed, Elsevier, Cambridge Journals Online, Hinari, Medline, and MedScape and the American Physiological Society Journal.
Results. A number of studies have estimated the major role of miRNAs in the diagnosis and treatment of HF. Increased expression of miR-21, miR-182, miR-122, has been observed in the plasma of patients with heart failure. The prognostic value of miRNA-182 was found to be superior to that of natriuretic peptide and high-sensitivity C-reactive protein in HF. Increased expression of miR-30d acts as a “protective factor” against hypertrophy and tumor necrosis factor-α- mediated apoptosis. At 33 days post-ischemia/reperfusion injury, hearts treated with antimiR-21 showed reduced cardiac fibrosis and hypertrophy, along with improved regional and global cardiac function. The treatment with CDR132L led to a significant reduction in cardiac remodeling, as evidenced by a decrease in the left ventricular end-systolic volume and left atrial volume on magnetic resonance imaging (MRI), along with attenuation of myocardial interstitial fibrosis and cardiomyocyte size on histological examination.
Conclusions. miRNAs play a key role in regulating molecular processes involved in heart failure development and progression, such as cardiac hypertrophy, fibrosis, apoptosis, and inflammation. The dysregulation of specific miRNAs contributes to disease progression and deterioration of cardiac function. Identifying specific miRNAs as biomarkers and therapeutic targets provides promising opportunities for the development of more effective treatments and early diagnostic methods in heart failure.