Diagnostic value of miR-148b-3p in left ventricular hypertrophy patients with hypertension

BACKGROUND: To explore the expression characteristics, diagnostic value, and regulatory role of miR-148b-3p in hypertensive patients with left ventricular hypertrophy (LVH), providing preliminary evidence for mechanism research and clinical intervention. METHODS: 108 patients with hypertension, 105 patients with hypertension-related LVH, and 112 healthy controls were enrolled. Serum miR-148b-3p levels were detected by RT-qPCR. ROC curve analysis evaluated its diagnostic value, and logistic regression identified risk factors for hypertension with LVH. H9c2 cell experiments and Ang II-induced myocardial hypertrophy models were used to verify miR-148b-3p's functional role via CCK-8 (cell viability) and ELISA (ANP/BNP levels). RESULTS: Serum miR-148b-3p was higher in the hypertension with LVH group than in the hypertension and healthy controls. miR-148b-3p could effectively distinguish hypertensive patients with LVH (AUC = 0.821, 95%CI: 0.761-0.882). Additionally, elevated miR-148b-3p expression emerged as an independent risk factor for LVH and was strongly positively correlated with LVMI. In cellular experiments, overexpressing miR-148b-3p led to reduced cell proliferation and increased ANP and BNP expression; in contrast, the miR-148b-3p inhibitor reversed the above effects and alleviated Ang II-induced myocardial hypertrophy. Mechanistically, miR-148b-3p promotes myocardial hypertrophy by directly targeting KLF4. CONCLUSIONS: miR-148b-3p is highly expressed in hypertension with LVH, has diagnostic potential, and promotes myocardial hypertrophy by targeting KLF4 and regulating cell function, serving as a novel molecular marker and therapeutic target.