Abstract
Coronary artery disease (CAD) is a leading cause of morbidity and mortality worldwide,
with platelet reactivity playing a central role in its pathogenesis. Recent research
has identified microRNAs (miRNAs; miRs) as potential biomarkers for CAD, due to their
ability to regulate platelet function and reactivity. This review focuses on four
key miRNAs—miR-223, miR-126, miR-21, and miR-150—known to influence platelet reactivity
and their implications in CAD. miR-223, which is highly expressed in platelets, has
shown associations with CAD and myocardial infarction, while miR-126 has been linked
to thrombus formation and vascular health. Additionally, miR-21 and miR-150 have also
emerged as important players, with roles in platelet reactivity and cardiovascular
outcomes. However, despite their potential, the use of miRNAs as clinical biomarkers
faces several challenges, including variability in reported results across studies.
These inconsistencies often arise from differences in sample material, preanalytical
conditions, and normalization strategies. Furthermore, the influence of antiplatelet
therapy on miRNA expression adds another layer of complexity, making it difficult
to determine whether observed changes in miRNA levels are due to disease states or
therapeutic interventions. This review therefore highlights the need for standardization
in miRNA research to enhance the reliability of findings. By addressing these methodological
challenges, miRNAs could become powerful tools in personalized medicine, aiding in
the development of tailored therapeutic strategies for CAD patients and ultimately
improving clinical outcomes.
Keywords
micro-RNA - coronary artery disease - platelets - platelet reactivity
