Influence of age and diet on the expression of microRNAs in coronary heart disease: Findings from the CORDIOPREV study

OBJECTIVES: Mortality from age-related diseases has risen in the last decade. MicroRNAs are key regulators of gene expression linked to these diseases, and their expression can be modulated by diet. This study examined how age and diet influence the expression of microRNAs associated with cardiovascular disease in patients with coronary heart disease. METHODS: From the CORDIOPREV cohort (n = 1002), 120 participants under 56 years and 120 over 66 years were selected through propensity score matching. To assess dietary effects, 60 individuals per age group followed either a low-fat or a Mediterranean diet. Expression of 28 microRNAs in peripheral blood mononuclear cells was analyzed by RT-PCR at baseline and after 5 years. RESULTS: Younger participants (those aged under 56 years at baseline) showed increased expression of miR-1, miR-150, and miR-145 over time, while no significant changes were observed in older subjects (those over 66 years). Among younger individuals on the Mediterranean diet, miR-1 and miR-145 levels significantly increased after 5 years. Pathway analysis indicated that these microRNAs target genes (CCL2, ED1, SMAD3, PLCE1) related to inflammation, cell adhesion, and coagulation. CONCLUSION: The Mediterranean diet may positively modulate the expression of microRNAs associated with cardiovascular disease, with this effect being particularly influenced by age in patients with coronary heart disease.