Regulation of TFPIα expression by miR-27a/b-3p in human endothelial cells under normal conditions and in response to androgens

The increased risk of cardiovascular events in older men is multifactorial, but the significant reduction of testosterone levels has been involved. As this hormone regulates the expression of TFPI by unknown mechanisms, we aimed to evaluate the role of miRNAs in the regulation of TFPIα expression under normal conditions and in response to androgens. In silico studies allowed the selection of 4 miRNAs as potential TFPIα regulators. Only miR-27a/b-3p significantly reduced TFPIα expression in two endothelial cell lines. Luciferase assays demonstrated a direct interaction between miR-27a/b-3p and TFPI 3′UTR. Ex vivo analysis of TFPI and miRNA levels in 74 HUVEC samples from healthy subjects, showed a significant and inverse correlation between TFPI and miR-27a-3p. Moreover, anticoagulant activity of TFPIα from cells supernatants decreased ~30% with miR-27a/b-3p and increased ~50% with anti-miR-27a/b-3p. Interestingly, treatment of EA.hy926 with a physiological dose of dihydrotestosterone (30 nM) significantly increased (~40%) TFPIα expression with a parallel decreased (~50%) of miR-27a/b-3p expression. In concordance, increased levels of miR-27a/b-3p normalized the up-regulation induced by testosterone. Our results suggest that testosterone is a hinge in miR-27/TFPIα regulation axis. Future studies are needed to investigate whether testosterone variations are involved in a miR-27/TFPIα dysregulation that could increase the cardiovascular risk.