Increased Expression of Circular RNAs circSPARC and circTMEM181 in Coronary Atherosclerosis

Aim. The aim of this study is to evaluate the expression of circRNAs circLDLR, circSPARC, circSMAR-CA5, and circTMEM181, the mediated targets of which are mRNAs of genes associated with atherogenesis. This study may provide updated information on the involvement of circRNA associated with atherogenesis in the pathogenesis of coronary heart disease, as well as suggest possible prospects for their use as biomarkers and therapeutic targets for the treatment of cardiovascular diseases. Materials and methods. The study included 68 patients with coronary artery stenosis and 41 control patients without coronary atherosclerosis confirmed by coronary angiography. Using real-time RT-PCR, we measured the expression levels of circRNAs circLDLR, circSPARC, circSMARCA5, and circTMEM181 in RNA samples isolated from peripheral blood mononuclear cells. Results and discussion. An increase in the expression of circSPARC and circTM-EM181 in peripheral blood mononuclear cells of patients with coronary heart disease compared to patients without atherosclerosis confirms their pro-atherogenic effect. Conclusions. We suggest that circ-SPARC and circTMEM181 may be of importance in the diagnosis and treatment of atherosclerosis.