The Diagnostic and Prognostic Value of Circulating miR‐126‐3p and miR‐145‐5p in Coronary Artery Calcification Lesions

BACKGROUND: Arterial calcification and its associated major adverse cardiovascular events (MACEs) are significant contributors to rehospitalization and poor clinical outcomes. This study aims to evaluate the diagnostic utility of miR-126-3p and miR-145-5p in detecting arterial calcification, as well as their prognostic value in predicting the occurrence of MACEs. METHODS: A total of 131 patients who underwent coronary artery intervention and intravascular imaging were enrolled. Among them, 88 were diagnosed with arterial calcification, while 33 showed no evidence of calcification. Plasma levels of miR-126-3p and miR-145-5p were quantified using qRT-PCR. Clinical and demographic data were also collected to identify potential risk factors with calcification. Patients with calcified lesions were followed for 12 months to document the incidence of MACEs and rehospitalizations, and to evaluate predictors of MACE occurrence. RESULTS: Compared to patients without arterial calcification, those with calcification were older, and exhibited significantly lower plasma levels of miR-126-3p and miR-145-5p (p < 0.01). Among patients in the calcification group, those with low miR-126-3p expression [0 (0-0.223), p < 0.05] were more likely to experience MACEs within 12 months. Additionally, in the MACEs group, HDL-C levels were lower [0.081 (0.009-0.698), p < 0.05], while neutrophil ratio were higher [1.081 (1.022-1.143), p < 0.01]. CONCLUSION: Circulating miR-126-3p and miR-145-5p demonstrate diagnostic value for arterial calcification. In particular, miR-126-3p could serve as a blood-based biomarker for predicting the risk of MACEs.