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Novel MicroRNA Panel Improves Cardiovascular Risk Prediction in Rheumatoid Arthritis

Strategic Insights

— 1 min read

Researchers from the University Rovira i Virgili have identified a novel microRNA (hsa-miR) panel that can predict cardiovascular risk in patients with rheumatoid arthritis. The study, conducted over an 8-year period, involved 235 patients with rheumatoid arthritis and found that the hsa-miR panel could accurately predict the progression of atherosclerotic cardiovascular disease (ASCVD) and all-cause mortality. The findings have significant implications for the clinical management of rheumatoid arthritis and highlight the potential of microRNAs as biomarkers for cardiovascular risk prediction.

Key Takeaways:

  • The hsa-miR panel was able to predict ASCVD progression and mortality in rheumatoid arthritis patients, explaining 43% and 42% of outcome variability, respectively.
  • Longitudinal changes in five hsa-miRs (-24, -146, -let-7a, -425, and -155-5p) also predicted ASCVD progression.
  • Age, hypertension, and disease duration modulated hsa-miR expression levels over time.
  • The hsa-miR panel represents a promising tool for improving cardiovascular risk prediction in rheumatoid arthritis.
  • The study suggests that personalized cardiovascular risk assessment could be implemented in rheumatoid arthritis clinical practice following validation.

Statistics:

  • 235 patients with rheumatoid arthritis were enrolled in the study.
  • 148 patients completed follow-up over an 8-year period.
  • 58 patients (39%) experienced ASCVD progression during follow-up.
  • 35 patients died during follow-up, with ASCVD accounting for 31% of deaths.
  • The hsa-miR panel explained 43% and 42% of ASCVD progression and mortality variability, respectively.

Sources:

  • Atherosclerotic cardiovascular disease and mortality in a cohort of patients with rheumatoid arthritis: a prospective study investigating microRNAs as predictors of atherosclerosis and mortality. Frontiers in Immunology, 2025, 16.
  • University Rovira i Virgili. "Researchers Report Recent Findings in Rheumatoid Arthritis (Atherosclerotic cardiovascular disease and mortality in a cohort of patients with rheumatoid arthritis: a prospective study investigating microRNAs as ...)." Health & Medicine Week. October 24, 2025; p 8438.

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