High miR-126-3p levels associated with cardiovascular events in a general population

BACKGROUND: Endothelial dysfunction is a forerunner of atherosclerosis, leading to cardiovascular disease, and albuminuria is a marker of endothelial dysfunction. Circulating levels of microRNAs are emerging as potential biomarkers for cardiovascular disease. Here we estimate the predictive value of a plasma microRNAs signature associated with albuminuria in the incidence of cardiovascular events. METHODS: Plasma microRNAs quantified in hypertensive patients by next generation sequencing were validated in a cohort of patients and controls by real-time quantitative PCR. The microRNAs found to be associated with albuminuria were analysed for their prognostic value in predicting cardiovascular events incidence on a retrospective, population-based study (Hortega Study), using Cox proportional hazard models. RESULTS: A plasma microRNA profile was identified in the discovery cohort (n = 48) associated with albuminuria and three microRNAs (miR-126–3p, miR-1260b and miR-374a-5p) were confirmed in the validation cohort (n = 98). The microRNA signature discriminates urinary albumin excretion at baseline (n = 1025), and predicts the incidence of cardiovascular events and coronary heart disease and stroke in a general population retrospective study within a 14-year follow-up (n = 926). High miR-126–3p levels were associated with a shorter time free of both cardiovascular events (HR=1.48, (1.36–1.62), p < 0.0001), as well as coronary artery disease and stroke combined (HR=2.49, (2.19–2.83), p < 0.0001). CONCLUSIONS: An increased plasma microRNAs profile was identified in hypertensive patients with albuminuria. Increased miR-126–3p suggest it may serve as a prognostic marker for cardiovascular events in a long-term general population. Further studies will assess the potential role of miR-126–3p as a guide for the status of endothelial dysfunction.