Hypertension is a complex, multifactorial disease, and its development is determined by a combination of genetic susceptibility and environmental factors. microRNAs have been implicated in numerous biologic processes. Moreover, several studies have demonstrated associations between diseases and specific microRNAs, especially in the cardiovascular system. The present study we assessed the microRNA system in a Portuguese population of hypertensive subjects and explored the potential of microRNAs as biomarkers for essential hypertension. Using Agilent Human miRNA Microarrays, Release 16.0 in combination with a one-color based hybridization protocol and bioinformatic analysis, we determined the microRNA signature of peripheral blood mononuclear cells (PBMCs) from a total of 66 hypertensive subjects (divided into three classes: group 1, medicated HTA I and II; group 2, medicated HTA III; group 3, non-hypertensive with cardiac disease) and 13 non-hypertensive subjects. Bioinformatic analysis revealed 4 miRNAs (miR-4306, miR-146a, miR-22 and miR-146b-5pn) as upregulated not yet related to essential hypertension, and one (miR-186) previously described in myocardial infarction. Endothelial-specific miR-126, nephrosclerosis marker miR-192 and miR-98 (previously implicated in NO and ANP signaling) were found to be upregulated exclusively in group 1 comparing to control. Determining functions and identifying the specific targets of miR-4306, miR-146a, miR-22 and miR-146b-5pn, could determine their value as therapeutic targets for essential hypertension. Supported by FCT (PIC/IC/83204/2007)
Intraspecific somatic hybridization of mango (Mangifera indica L.) through protoplast fusion
