Micro-RNA in Patients with Carotid Atherosclerosis

Atherosclerosis is a multifactorial disease and one of the leading causes of ischaemic stroke. In recent years, microRNA has become an important factor to consider in the pathogenesis of atherosclerosis. MicroRNAs are non-coding RNA sequences that are divided into proatherogenic and atheroprotective. This study evaluated the leukocyte expression of certain microRNAs (miR-126-(5p/3p), miR-29a-(5p/3p), miR-33a-5p and miR-21-(5p/3p)) in patients with carotid atherosclerosis. Statistically significant differences were found between patient groups in regard to the molecular levels, as well as correlations between several microRNAs. This indicates the potential use of microRNA in diagnosis and treatment, and confirms the role of microRNAs as important regulators of carotid atherosclerosis.