Differential regulation of microRNAs in end-stage failing hearts is associated with left ventricular assist device unloading

Biomed Res Int. 2015:2015:592512. doi: 10.1155/2015/592512. Epub 2015 Feb 1.

Abstract

Mechanical unloading by left ventricular assist devices (LVADs) in advanced heart failure (HF), in addition to improving symptoms and end-organ perfusion, is supposed to stimulate cellular and molecular responses which can reverse maladaptive cardiac remodeling. As microRNAs (miRNAs) are key regulators in remodeling processes, a comparative miRNA profiling in transplanted hearts of HF patients with/without LVAD assistance could aid to comprehend underlying molecular mechanisms. Next generation sequencing (NGS) was used to analyze miRNA differential expression in left ventricles of HF patients who underwent heart transplantation directly (n = 9) or following a period of LVAD support (n = 8). After data validation by quantitative real-time PCR, association with functional clinical parameters was investigated. Bioinformatics' tools were then used for prediction of putative targets of modulated miRNAs and relative pathway enrichment. The analysis revealed 13 upregulated and 10 downregulated miRNAs in failing hearts subjected to LVAD assistance. In particular, the expression level of some of them (miR-338-3p, miR-142-5p and -3p, miR-216a-5p, miR-223-3p, miR-27a-5p, and miR-378g) showed correlation with off-pump cardiac index values. Predicted targets of these miRNAs were involved in focal adhesion/integrin pathway and in actin cytoskeleton regulation. The identified miRNAs might contribute to molecular regulation of reverse remodeling and heart recovery mechanisms.

Publication types

  • Clinical Study
  • Research Support, Non-U.S. Gov't

MeSH terms

  • Adolescent
  • Adult
  • Aged
  • Base Sequence
  • Female
  • Gene Expression Regulation / genetics
  • Heart Failure / complications
  • Heart Failure / genetics*
  • Heart Failure / prevention & control*
  • Heart-Assist Devices*
  • Humans
  • Male
  • MicroRNAs / genetics*
  • Middle Aged
  • Molecular Sequence Data
  • Ventricular Dysfunction, Left / etiology
  • Ventricular Dysfunction, Left / genetics*
  • Ventricular Dysfunction, Left / prevention & control*
  • Young Adult

Substances

  • MicroRNAs