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Published in:

01-02-2011

microRNAs, Plasma Lipids, and Cardiovascular Disease

Authors: Alberto Dávalos, Carlos Fernández-Hernando

Published in: Current Cardiovascular Risk Reports | Issue 1/2011

Abstract

Despite advances in the prevention and management of cardiovascular disease (CVD), this group of multifactorial disorders remains a leading cause of mortality worldwide. Aberrant regulation of cholesterol and lipid homeostasis leads to metabolic syndrome and cardiovascular diseases. microRNAs (miRNAs) are short non-coding RNAs that control gene expression predominantly through post-transcriptional repression. They are implicated in the control of multiple physiologic and pathologic processes. However, the specific roles of miRNAs in regulating lipid metabolism are just beginning to be explored. Three independent reports have recently shown that miR-33 regulates cholesterol efflux and high-density lipoprotein biogenesis by downregulating the expression of ATP-binding cassette transporters A1 (ABCA1) and ABCG1 transporters. In addition to miR-33, miR-122 regulates lipoprotein metabolism. Suppression of miR-122 expression in vivo resulted in a decrease in total cholesterol levels. This review addresses recent research on the links between miRNAs and cholesterol metabolism and suggests novel ways to manage dyslipidemic patients.

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Title: microRNAs, Plasma Lipids, and Cardiovascular Disease
Authors: Alberto Dávalos
Carlos Fernández-Hernando
Publication date: 01-02-2011
Publisher: Current Science Inc.
Published in: Current Cardiovascular Risk Reports / Issue 1/2011
Print ISSN: 1932-9520
Electronic ISSN: 1932-9563
DOI: https://doi.org/10.1007/s12170-010-0145-1

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microRNAs, Plasma Lipids, and Cardiovascular Disease

Abstract

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Springer Medicine

Abstract

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