Effect of Statin on MiR122-5p Gene Expression and Some Biochemical Markers in Iraqi Cardiovascular Disease Patients

Abstract

Background. Cardiovascular disease (CVD) is the category of diseases that impact the heart and arteries. Statins are commonly administered to people who are at higher risk of cardiovascular disease. MiR122 has been identified as a key mediator of cholesterol balance. Aim. To evaluate the effects of miR122-5p expression on statin response in Iraqi patients with cardiovascular disease. Methods. The study included 100 CVD patients, male and female, taking statins and ranging in age from 45 to 72 years. The patients divided into two groups, non-response group (50 patients) and the response group (50 patients), that are used as control group. Blood samples were taken and the total RNA was extracted from plasma samples by TRIzolTM Reagent extraction method for real-time PCR analysis to determine the gene expression of the miR122-5p. Biochemical markers Low-density lipoprotein, High density lipoprotein, Triglyceride and Glucose (LDL, HDL, TG, Glucose) were also assessed. Results. Age and family history both had substantial results (P=0.028 and P=0.011, separately). Low-density lipoprotein levels were elevated in statin-non-responsive patients and were substantial (P=0.0001). The glucose, TG and HDL were no an important variance. The gene expression of miR122-5p was significant variance between response group and non-response group (P=0.0001). Association between miR122-5p and LDL in station non-response CVD patients was observed (0.0001), with positive correlation (r-value 0.84), HDL was significant correlation (0.0002) and positively correlated (r-value 0.50). Triglyceride and glucose were no significant correlation (0.029, 0.112 individually). Conclusion. The results of this study suggest that the non-responsive group with CVD may have a different statin response due to upregulated of miR122-5p, which may impact cholesterol levels.