Small Molecules with Big Impacts on Cardiovascular Diseases

Abstract

Cardiovascular diseases (CVDs) are the leading cause of morbidity and mortality worldwide. Although in recent years there has been a significant progress in the diagnosis, treatment, and prognosis of CVD, but due to their complex pathobiology, developing novel biomarkers and therapeutic interventions are still in need. MicroRNAs (miRNAs) are a fraction of non-coding RNAs that act as micro-regulators of gene expression. Mounting evidences over the last decade confirmed that microRNAs were deregulated in several CVDs and manipulating their expression could affect homeostasis, differentiation, and function of cardiovascular system. Here, we review the current knowledge concerning the roles of miRNAs in cardiovascular diseases with more details on cardiac remodeling, arrhythmias, and atherosclerosis. In addition, we discuss the latest findings on the potential therapeutic applications of miRNAs in cardiovascular diseases.

Keywords: Cardiovascular diseases; Heart disease; MicroRNAs; Molecular regulators; Non-coding RNAs.