Electronic versions

DOI

  • Andrew J Park
    Craig Hospital
  • Hannah K Fandl
    University of Colorado
  • Vinicius P Garcia
    University of Colorado
  • Geoff B Coombs
    University of Western Ontario
  • Noah M DeSouza
    University of Colorado
  • Jared J Greiner
    University of Colorado
  • Otto F Barak
    University of Novi Sad
  • Tanja Mijacika
    University of Split School of Medicine
  • Zeljko Dujic
    University of Split School of Medicine
  • Philip N Ainslie
    University of British Columbia, Okanagan
  • Christopher A DeSouza
    University of Colorado

BACKGROUND: Spinal cord injury (SCI) is associated with an increased risk and prevalence of cardiopulmonary and cerebrovascular disease-related morbidity and mortality. The factors that initiate, promote, and accelerate vascular diseases and events in SCI are poorly understood. Clinical interest in circulating endothelial cell-derived microvesicles (EMVs) and their microRNA (miRNA) cargo has intensified due to their involvement in endothelial dysfunction, atherosclerosis, and cerebrovascular events.

OBJECTIVES: The aim of this study was to determine whether a subset of vascular-related miRNAs is differentially expressed in EMVs isolated from adults with SCI.

METHODS: We assessed eight adults with tetraplegia (7 male/1 female; age: 46±4 years; time since injury: 26±5 years) and eight uninjured (6 male/2 female; age: 39±3 years). Circulating EMVs were isolated, enumerated, and collected from plasma by flow cytometry. The expression of vascular-related miRNAs in EMVs was assessed by RT-PCR.

RESULTS: Circulating EMV levels were significantly higher (~130%) in adults with SCI compared with uninjured adults. The expression profile of miRNAs in EMVs from adults with SCI were significantly different than uninjured adults and were pathologic in nature. Expression of miR-126, miR-132, and miR-Let-7a were lower (~100-150%; p < .05), whereas miR-30a, miR-145, miR-155, and miR-216 were higher (~125-450%; p < .05) in EMVs from adults with SCI.

CONCLUSION: This study is the first examination of EMV miRNA cargo in adults with SCI. The cargo signature of vascular-related miRNAs studied reflects a pathogenic EMV phenotype prone to induce inflammation, atherosclerosis, and vascular dysfunction. EMVs and their miRNA cargo represent a novel biomarker of vascular risk and a potential target for intervention to alleviate vascular-related disease after SCI.

Keywords

  • Humans, Male, Female, MicroRNAs/genetics, Pilot Projects, Spinal Cord Injuries/metabolism, Cell-Derived Microparticles/metabolism, Atherosclerosis/metabolism
Original languageEnglish
Pages (from-to)34-42
Number of pages9
JournalTopics in spinal cord injury rehabilitation
Volume29
Issue number2
DOIs
Publication statusPublished - 3 Apr 2023
Externally publishedYes
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