Title:Editorial: microRNAs: Potential Targets for the Treatment of Cardiovascular Disease
Volume: 13
Issue: 3
Author(s): Vasilios G. Athyros, Niki Katsiki and Asterios Karagiannis
Affiliation:
Keywords:
microRNA, cardiovascular disease, obesity, metabolic syndrome, diabetes, antisense oligonucleotides,
silencing, microRNA mimics.
Abstract: Several non-coding microRNAs (miRs) are implicated in the pathogenesis of obesity, metabolic syndrome,
diabetes mellitus, atherosclerosis and cardiovascular disease. Some of these miRs are beneficial but others
are hazardous. Silencing of the latter by antisense oligonucleotides has been attempted in animal models with promising
results. However, the replacement of down-regulated beneficial miRs, by manufactured miR mimics, or increasing
their expression is much more demanding and has several limitations. The treatment of cardiovascular diseases
through miR manipulation shows potential, provided safety and cost effectiveness issues are considered carefully
before implementation in humans.
