miR-130a expression is related to aortic dilation in bicuspid aortic valve children

Identifier:  imarina:9366579

Handle: https://hdl.handle.net/20.500.11797/imarina9366579

Authors:  Antequera-Gonzalez, Borja; Collell-Hernandez, Rosa; Martinez-Micaelo, Neus; Marimon-Blanch, Cristina; Carbonell-Prat, Barbara; Escribano, Joaquin; Alegret, Josep M

Abstract:
BACKGROUND: Bicuspid aortic valve disease (BAV) is present in 0.5-2% of the population and can promote aortic dilation, eventually leading to fatal consequences. Although some biomarkers have been proposed in adults, no studies have tested these candidates in children. We aimed to evaluate four miRNAs previously described to be related to BAV disease and aortic dilation in adults in a paediatric cohort. METHODS: Eighty participants <= 17 years old (4-17; mean 12) were included. From the BAV group, 40% had a dilated aorta (z score >2). RT-qPCR were performed in plasma samples to quantify miR-122, miR-130a, miR-486, and miR-718 using the delta-delta Ct method. Functional and enrichment analyses of miR-130a were also performed. RESULTS: miR-130a expression in plasma was found to be significantly lower in BAV patients with a dilated aorta versus nondilated patients (p = 0.008) and healthy TAV controls (p = 0.004). Furthermore, miR-130a expression in plasma was inversely correlated with ascending aorta (r = 0.318, p = 0.004) and aortic root z scores (r = 0.322; p = 0.004). Enrichment analysis showed that miR-130a target genes are related to the TGF beta signalling pathway. CONCLUSIONS: miR-130a expression in plasma is decreased in aortic-dilated BAV children compared to nondilated BAV children, helping differentiate low-to high-risk patients.