MicroRNA and Peripheral Arterial Disease in Lower Extremities

Abstract

Attention has recently been paid to associations between peripheral arterial disease (PAD) and microRNAs (miRs), which regulate gene expression. Various miRs, including miR-15a/16, miR-21, miR-92a, miR-126, miR-143/145 and miR-221/222, are known to be involved in atherosclerosis, which is the main pathogenesis of PAD. Associations of miRs with major risk factors of PAD such as diabetes and smoking have also been shown. Blood levels of some miRs have been reported to be changed in patients with PAD, and miRs are therefore possible biomarkers for diagnosis of PAD and prediction of its risk in the future. Application of miRs that promote neovascularization and inhibit progression of ischemia to therapy for PAD is also expected.