Differential Expression of Vascular-Related MicroRNA in Circulating Endothelial Microvesicles in Adults With Spinal Cord Injury: A Pilot Study

Spinal cord injury (SCI) is associated with increased cardiovascular and cerebrovascular disease risk. The study focuses on endothelial cell-derived microvesicles (EMVs) and their microRNA (miRNA) cargo, which play a role in endothelial dysfunction and atherosclerosis. This study found that adults with SCI had higher levels of circulating EMVs and a different expression profile of miRNAs in these EMVs compared to uninjured adults, indicating a pathogenic phenotype.

• 1
  Circulating EMV levels were significantly higher in adults with SCI compared to uninjured adults.
• 2
  The expression profile of miRNAs in EMVs from adults with SCI were significantly different than uninjured adults and were pathologic in nature.
• 3
  Expression of miR-126, miR-132, and miR-Let-7a were lower, whereas miR-30a, miR-145, miR-155, and miR-216 were higher in EMVs from adults with SCI.