miRNA-122 as a new player in cardiovascular disease

Abstract

Identification of a new significant level of regulation of gene activity using small non-coding molecules of ribonucleic acid miRNA can be confidently considered as one of the most outstanding discoveries of modern science It became clear that the suppression of gene expression caused by miRNA is an extremely important universal mechanism widely involved in most intracellular signaling pathways. Current data on the role of miRNA-122 in the development of cardiovascular diseases is included in this review. miRNA-122 is positioned as a promising biological marker in cardiovascular pathology. miRNA-122 promotes inflammation, oxidative stress, and apoptosis in cardiovascular disease. Clinical and experimental studies support the pathophysiological role of miRNA-122 in fibrosis and cardiac dysfunction. Overexpression of miRNA-122 exacerbates the loss of autophagy and enhances angiotensin II-mediated inflammation, apoptosis, fibrosis, and cardiac dysfunction. miRNA-122 should be considered not only as a promising diagnostic and prognostic tool, but also as a target for modern medicine. Inhibition of miRNA-122 results in antifibrotic, antiapoptotic, anti-inflammatory, antioxidant, and pro-autophagic effects. Further study is required to evaluate the real diagnostic and therapeutic potential of miRNA-122.