Evaluation of microRNA Expression Features in Patients with Various Types of Arterial Damage: Thoracic Aortic Aneurysm and Coronary Atherosclerosis.

Circulating serum miRNA are increasingly used as biomarkers and potential treatment targets in several clinical scenarios, including cardiovascular diseases. However, the current data on circulating miRNA in thoracic aorta aneurism (TAA) patients are inconclusive. The aim of the present study is to compare the levels of several circulating miRNA in patients with degenerative TAA, coronary artery disease (CAD), and controls for special profile identification. We have identified several candidates for the role of new biomarkers: miR-143-3p, miR-181-5p, miR-126-3p, miR-126-5p, miR-145-5p, miR-150-5p, and miR-195-5p. MATERIALS AND METHODS: Serum samples of 100 patients were analyzed, including 388 TAA patients scheduled for elective surgery, 67 patients with stable CAD and 17 controls, were used for miRNA isolation and identification. RESULTS: More specific for TAA with very high predictive ability in ROC analysis was an increase in the levels of miR-21-5p, miR-29b-5p, miR-126-5p/-3p, miR-181b-5p, and miR-92a-3p, with the latter microRNA being investigated as a novel potential marker of TAA for the first time. CONCLUSION: TAA and CAD patients demonstrated a significant increase in the levels of circulating miR-126-5p/-3p, miR-181b-5p, and miR-29b-3p. More specific for TAA with very high predictive ability in ROC analysis was an increase in the levels of miR-21-5p, -29b-5p, -126-5p/-3p, 181b-5p, and -92a-3p, with the latter microRNA being investigated as a potential marker of TAA for the first time.

The Profile of Circulating Blood microRNAs in Outpatients with Vulnerable and Stable Atherosclerotic Plaques: Associations with Cardiovascular Risks.

Non-coding RNAs reflect many biological processes in the human body, including athero-sclerosis. In a cardiology outpatient department cohort (N = 83), we aimed to compare the levels of circulating microRNAs in groups with vulnerable plaques (N = 22), stable plaques (N = 23) and plaque-free (N = 17) depending on coronary computed tomography angiography and to evaluate associations of microRNA levels with calculated cardiovascular risks (CVR), based on the SCORE2 (+OP), ACC/AHA, ATP-III and MESA scales. Coronary computed tomography was performed on a 640-slice computed tomography scanner. Relative plasma levels of microRNA were assessed via a real-time polymerase chain reaction. We found significant differences in miR-143-3p levels (p = 0.0046 in plaque-free vs. vulnerable plaque groups) and miR-181b-5p (p = 0.0179 in stable vs. vulnerable plaques groups). Analysis of microRNA associations with CVR did not show significant differences for SCORE2 (+OP) and ATPIII scales. MiR-126-5p and miR-150-5p levels were significantly higher (p < 0.05) in patients with ACC/AHA risk >10% and miR-145-5p had linear relationships with ACC/AHA score (adjusted p = 0.0164). The relative plasma level of miR-195 was higher (p < 0.05) in patients with MESA risk > 7.5% and higher (p < 0.05) in patients with zero coronary calcium index (p = 0.036). A linear relationship with coronary calcium was observed for miR-126-3p (adjusted p = 0.0484). A positive correlation with high coronary calcium levels (> 100 Agatson units) was found for miR-181-5p (p = 0.036). Analyzing the biological pathways of these microRNAs, we suggest that miR-143-3p and miR-181-5p can be potential markers of the atherosclerosis process. Other miRNAs (miR-126-3p, 126-5p, 145-5p, 150-5p, 195-5p) can be considered as potential cardiovascular risk modifiers, but it is necessary to validate our results in a large prospective trial.

Hair Lead, Aluminum, and Other Toxic Metals in Normal-Weight and Obese Patients with Coronary Heart Disease.

The objective of the present study was to evaluate hair toxic metal levels in patients with obesity and/or coronary heart disease (CHD). Following a 2 × 2 factorial design, subjects without CHD were grouped into normal weight control (n = 123) and obese groups (n = 140). Patients suffering from CHD were divided into normal weight (n = 180) and obese CHD subjects (n = 240). Hair Al, As, Cd, Hg, Ni, and Pb levels were evaluated using inductively-coupled plasma mass-spectrometry. The data demonstrate that hair Al and Hg levels were higher in obese subjects as compared to normal weight controls. Normal weight CHD patients were characterized by significantly higher hair Al, As, Cd, and Pb levels when compared to healthy subjects. The highest hair Al, As, and Pb levels were observed in obese CHD patients, significantly exceeding the respective values in other groups. Factorial analysis revealed significant influence of factorial interaction (CHD*obesity) only for hair Pb content. Given the role of obesity as a risk factor for CHD, it is proposed that increased toxic metal accumulation in obesity may promote further development of cardiovascular diseases.

Relationship Between Elevated Hair Mercury Levels, Essential Element Status, and Metabolic Profile in Overweight and Obese Adults.

The objective of the present study was to evaluate hair essential and trace element levels and metabolic risk markers in overweight and obese subjects in relation to body mercury burden. According to 2 × 2 factorial design a total of 440 adults were distributed to four groups: (i) low-Hg normal-weight subjects (n = 114); (ii) high-Hg normal weight subjects (n = 113); (iii) low-Hg overweight (BMI > 25) subjects (n = 110); (iv) high-Hg overweight (BMI > 25) subjects (n = 110). Hg-exposed groups consisted of subjects characterized by frequent seafood consumption (> 4 times/week) subsequently evaluated by hair analysis (> 0.58 µg/g). Dietary-exposed subjects were characterized by a more than 3-fold higher hair Hg content irrespectively of body weight values. Both low-Hg and high-Hg overweight subjects were characterized by significantly higher ALT activity, as well as elevated serum glucose, LDL, and triglyceride levels as compared to the respective groups of normal weight subjects. High Hg body burden had a more significant effect on metabolic parameters in overweight and obese adults. Particularly, high-Hg overweight subjects were characterized by significantly higher serum creatinine and uric acid levels, as well as increased GGT and CK activity as compared to low-Hg overweight counterparts. In addition, hair Mg, Mn, and Sr content in high-Hg overweight subjects was significantly lower than that in low-Hg normal weight and overweight examinees. In turn, high Hg levels in overweight subjects were associated with significantly higher hair Se and Zn levels when compared to unexposed overweight adults. Generally, the obtained data demonstrate that increased hair Hg levels in overweight and obese subjects is associated with adverse metabolic profile. It is proposed that observed metabolic alterations may be at least partially mediated by Hg-associated disturbances in essential trace element and mineral metabolism.

Serum zinc, copper, zinc-to-copper ratio, and other essential elements and minerals in children with attention deficit/hyperactivity disorder (ADHD).

BACKGROUND: Essential trace elements and minerals play a significant role in neurodevelopment. Although certain studies demonstrated impaired essential trace element and mineral status in children with ADHD, the existing data are insufficient. The objective of the present study was to assess serum trace element and mineral levels in children with ADHD. METHODS: Serum trace element and mineral levels in 68 children with ADHD and 68 neurotypical controls were assessed using ICP-MS at NexION 300D (PerkinElmer Inc., USA) equipped with ESI SC-2 DX4 autosampler (Elemental Scientific Inc., USA). RESULTS: Serum Cr, Mg, and Zn levels in children with ADHD were 21 % (p = 0.010), 4 % (p = 0.005), and 7 % (p = 0. 001) lower as compared to the healthy controls, respectively. In turn, serum Cu/Zn values were 11 % higher than those in the control group. Age and gender had a significant impact on serum element levels in ADHD. Particularly, preschool children were characterized by significantly increased Cu (+8 %; p = 0.034), and Cu/Zn (+19 %; p < 0.001) values, whereas serum Zn (-9 %; p = 0.004) level was decreased. In primary school-aged children only 6 % (p = 0.007) lower Mg levels were observed. Both boys and girls with ADHD were characterized by 8 % (p = 0.016) lower serum Zn levels and 10 % (p = 0.049) higher Cu/Zn values when compared to neurotypical girls. Boys with ADHD also had significantly higher Cu/Zn, exceeding the respective control values by 12 % (p = 0.021), predominantly due to a 7 % (p = 0.035) decrease in serum Zn. Serum Mg levels were also found to be significantly lower than those in neurotypical children by 5 % (p = 0.007). In adjusted regression models serum Cr (ß=-0.234; p = 0.009) and Cu/Zn (ß = 0.245; p = 0.029) values were significantly associated with ADHD, respectively. Two-way ANOVA revealed a significant impact of ADHD on Cr, Mg, Zn, and Cu/Zn, whereas age was associated with Cu, I, Mg, Mo, and Cu/Zn, whereas gender accounted only for variability in serum Mn levels. Principal component analysis (PCA) also revealed significant contributions of Mg, Zn, and Cu/Zn values to ADHD variability. CONCLUSIONS: Hypothetically, the observed decrease of essential trace elements, namely Mg and Zn, and elevation of Cu/Zn may significantly contribute to the risk of ADHD or its severity and/or comorbidity.