Evaluation of the associations of microRNAs with the smoking load and development of atherosclerosis in smokers

• Grant number: 19/15075-2
• Support Opportunities: Scholarships in Brazil - Scientific Initiation
• Start date: October 01, 2019
• End date: January 31, 2022
• Field of knowledge: Health Sciences - Medicine - Medical Clinics
• Principal Investigator: Renata Ferrari
• Grantee: Camila Freitas dos Santos
• Host Institution: Universidade Nove de Julho (UNINOVE). Campus Vergueiro. São Paulo , SP, Brazil

Abstract

Cardiovascular Diseases (CVD) present a 29.4% mortality rate in Brazil (Ministry of Health, 2017) having a full connection with the development of atherosclerosis and consequently with smoking, a determining factor on the atherosclerotic plaque formation process. Furthermore, recent publications have shown an association between the development of atherosclerosis and the presence of microRNAs (miRNAs). However, there are few evaluations of miRNAs related to human smoking exposure and atherogenesis. The objective of this study is to analyze the association of miRNAs with the smoking load and the development of atherosclerosis in smoking patients. The pilot sample will have 10 smokers, who will be evaluated in relation to smoking and the presence of atherosclerosis. Criteria for smoking status will be defined from the smoking load (10 pack-years) and the measurement of carbon monoxide in the expired air. On the other hand, the criterion for the presence of atherosclerosis will be settled from carotid ultrasonography by measuring the thickness of the intima and middle carotid artery layers. The miRNA profile will be performed by quantitative real-time PCR and the target miRNA will be: miRNA-155, miRNA-21, miRNA-126, miRNA-221, miRNA-181b e miRNA-146. The analysis of the inflammatory-related to development of atherosclerosis response will be done from the dosage of VCAN1 and Nitric Oxide. We hope to identify the miRNAs target with smoking and that is involved in the activation of adhesion molecules that induce atherosclerosis. The identification of changes that may occur with smoking and atherogenesis may generate new lines of research that may encourage smoking cessation and reduce the risk of developing atherosclerosis. (AU)

Scientific publications

(References retrieved automatically from Web of Science and SciELO through information on FAPESP grants and their corresponding numbers as mentioned in the publications by the authors)

DOS SANTOS, CAMILA FREITAS; BRAZ, MARIANA GOBBO; DE ARRUDA, NAYARA MICARELLI; CARAM, LAURA; NOGUEIRA, DUELENE LUDIMILA; TANNI, SUZANA ERICO; DE GODOY, IRMA; FERRARI, RENATA. DNA damage and antioxidant capacity in COPD patients with and without lung cancer. PLoS One, v. 17, n. 11, p. 11-pg., 2022-11-03. (19/15075-2)