The crosstalk between MicroRNAs and sirtuins: a bit unexpected therapeutic target for cardiovascular diseases

Abstract

Cardiovascular diseases (CVDs) remain the leading cause of morbidity and mortality globally, necessitating a deeper understanding of their underlying mechanisms. Sirtuins (SIRTs) are a family of NAD +/- dependent deacetylases that play pivotal roles in various biological processes, including metabolism, oxidative stress response, and apoptosis. Evidence highlights the critical involvement of sirtuins in the pathophysiology of CVDs, with SIRT1 demonstrating cardioprotective effects by inhibiting cardiac hypertrophy and oxidative stress. At the same time, SIRT3 and SIRT6 also contribute to reducing oxidative stress and stabilizing atherosclerotic plaques. MicroRNAs (miRNAs), small non-coding RNA molecules, play a crucial role in regulating gene expression by degrading or inhibiting target mRNAs. They are implicated in various biological processes, including cellular stress responses, inflammation, and mitochondrial function. Recent studies have identified miRNAs as key biomarkers for various diseases, including Alzheimer's disease, diabetes, cancer, and CVDs. Our review summarizes the relationship between microRNAs and sirtuins in CVDs and explores their potential applications in clinical practice, emphasizing the therapeutic promise of targeting these molecular pathways.