Effect of Radiation on the Expression of CVD-related miRNAs, Inflammation and Endothelial Dysfunction of HUVECs.

Background/Aim: Radiotherapy (RT) can lead to cardiovascular disease (CVD). Evidence suggests that radiation modulates miRNA levels. Our purpose was to assess the acute response to radiation-induced modulation of the expression of miRNA-146a, miRNA-155, miRNA-221, and miRNA-222, inflammatory response and endothelial dysfunction on endothelial cells. Materials and Methods: Human umbilical vein endothelial cells (HUVECs) were exposed to 2 Gy RT, and intracellular levels of selected miRNAs were measured by real-time polymerase chain reaction at 2 and 24 h. Cytokine and adhesion molecule release were also assessed. Results: Results showed that 2 Gy significantly increased the expression of miRNA-221 and miRNA-222, and reduced the level of miRNA-155 after 2 h; whereas miRNA-146a and miRNA-155 were significantly overexpressed and miRNA-222 was significantly down-regulated at 24 h. Interleukin-8 and soluble vascular cell adhesion molecule 1 levels were not affected by the studied RT. Conclusion: RT at 2 Gy modulated expression of selected miRNAs by endothelial cells after 2 and 24 h, which might be related to CVD development in patients who receive RT.