Expression Level of Microrna-122 in Serum Samples of Patients With Atherosclerosis Publisher



Aboulhassanzadeh S ; Aghazadeh H ; Nikkhooy Z ; Hiagh Z S M ; Jafari B
Source: Acta Medica Iranica Published:2026

Abstract

Atherosclerosis is another type of arteriosclerosis, characterized by the hardening of arteries, playing a significant role in various cardiovascular diseases. It stands as one of the leading causes of mortality in contemporary societies, especially in advanced countries experiencing higher levels of stress. The primary feature of atherosclerosis is the accumulation of excessive lipid deposits (plaques), obstructing blood flow and leading to strokes and various cardiovascular diseases. While various factors contribute to plaque formation, both environmental and genetic factors play crucial roles. In the cross-sectional study, 80 patients with atherosclerosis, referred to Rajaee Hospital in Tehran and Madani Hospital in Tabriz, along with 80 healthy individuals for comparative analysis, were selected. All relevant information and serum levels of important biomarkers were measured, followed by statistical analysis. MicroRNA extraction was performed using Trizol solution, and CDNA was synthesized by adding polyadenine tails to all microRNA samples. The obtained CDNA was utilized for real-time PCR with LNA primers. The results, normalized using Spike RNA, indicated a significant 90% decrease in the serum levels of these microRNAs in patients with atherosclerosis. The findings suggest that microRNA miR-122 could serve as a promising biomarker for diagnosing atherosclerosis. © 2026 Tehran University of Medical Sciences. All rights reserved.