Nikhil Prasad Fact checked by:Thailand Medical News Team Jun 22, 2024 1 week, 1 day, 21 hours, 43 minutes ago
COVID-19 News: Heart disease, particularly atherosclerotic cardiovascular disease (ASCVD), is a major cause of death worldwide. This condition involves the hardening and narrowing of arteries due to plaque buildup. Recent research has uncovered a significant interaction between ASCVD and COVID-19, the disease caused by the SARS-CoV-2 virus. This
COVID-19 News report covers a new study by researchers from the Affiliated Hospital of Southwest Medical University -China that explores how certain tiny molecules in our blood, called microRNAs (miRNAs), play a role in this interaction, shedding light on why heart patients are more vulnerable to COVID-19 and how the virus worsens their condition.
How COVID-19 Worsens Heart Disease Via miR-146a and miR-27a
The Role of MicroRNAs in Heart Disease
MicroRNAs are small molecules that help control how our genes work. Think of them as tiny managers that can turn genes on or off. Two specific microRNAs, miR-146a and miR-27a, have caught researchers' attention for their roles in heart health.
-miR-146a: Usually helps protect the heart by reducing inflammation.
-miR-27a: Has been linked to the worsening of heart disease, especially in conditions like diabetes and high cholesterol.
Impact of COVID-19 on Heart Patients
COVID-19 can cause severe problems for people with heart disease. Studies show that heart patients infected with SARS-CoV-2 often face worse outcomes, such as needing hospitalization or oxygen support. The virus can also lead to new heart problems, like heart attacks and heart failure.
Key Findings from the Study
A study conducted in China focused on 93 patients with ASCVD and compared them to 80 healthy individuals who had all been infected with COVID-19. The researchers found:
-Decreased miR-146a: Levels of this protective microRNA were significantly lower in heart patients after they got COVID-19.
-Increased miR-27a: Levels of this microRNA, which can worsen heart disease, were higher in these patients.
These changes were even more pronounced in patients with other conditions like diabetes and high cholesterol.
How These MicroRNAs Affect Health
The study revealed some critical connections between these microRNAs and various health markers:
-miR-146a: Lower levels were linked to higher inflammation and worse immune function. This means that patients with reduced miR-146a had more severe inflammatory responses and weaker defenses against the virus.
-miR-27a: Higher levels were associated with increased inflammation and worse control of blood sugar and cholesterol. This microRNA appears to drive the disease process in heart patients, making the
ir conditions worse when infected with COVID-19.
Laboratory Experiments
To understand more, researchers conducted lab experiments. They took immune cells from both heart patients and healthy individuals and exposed these cells to a part of the SARS-CoV-2 virus. They observed that:
-miR-146a levels dropped even more.
-miR-27a levels increased further.
Inflammatory responses intensified, as shown by higher levels of a molecule called IL-6, which is known to cause inflammation.
What This Means for Patients
This study highlights how COVID-19 can disrupt the delicate balance of microRNAs in heart patients, leading to worse outcomes. The findings suggest that managing these microRNA levels could be a potential strategy to protect heart patients from severe complications if they contract COVID-19.
Future Directions
While these findings are significant, more research is needed. Future studies should focus on larger groups of patients and explore how treatments that modify these microRNAs might help. Understanding the exact mechanisms of how miR-146a and miR-27a contribute to heart disease and COVID-19 could lead to new therapies that improve patient outcomes.
Conclusion
The interplay between heart disease and COVID-19 is complex, involving tiny but powerful molecules in our blood. By understanding the roles of miR-146a and miR-27a, researchers hope to find new ways to protect heart patients and improve their health during the ongoing pandemic. As we continue to learn more, these insights could pave the way for better treatments and preventive strategies in the fight against both heart disease and COVID-19.
The study findings were published in the peer reviewed journal: Clinical Cardiology.
https://onlinelibrary.wiley.com/doi/10.1002/clc.24274
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Read Also:
https://www.thailandmedical.news/news/uncovering-the-role-of-micrornas-in-heart-disease-and-hypertension
https://www.thailandmedical.news/news/mir-452-5p-a-promising-new-target-in-the-fight-against-cardiac-fibrosis
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