Circulating microRNAs as early molecular predictors of cardiac remodeling in pre-hypertensive individuals: A biotech perspective

Cardiac remodeling is a dynamic and progressive process characterized by structural and molecular alterations in the myocardium, often occurring silently in the early stages of hypertension. Early detection remains a major clinical challenge, as conventional imaging and biochemical markers typically identify changes only after significant damage has occurred. Emerging evidence from molecular cardiology highlights circulating microRNAs (miRNAs), notably miR-21, associated with myocardial fibrosis, and miR-133a, linked to cardiomyocyte hypertrophy, as promising early biomarkers of subclinical cardiac remodeling. This short communication presents findings from a focused observational study evaluating plasma levels of these miRNAs in pre-hypertensive individuals. Results demonstrated a consistent trend of elevated miR-21 and suppressed miR-133a expression compared to normotensive controls, suggesting early molecular shifts in cardiac homeostasis. These findings underscore the potential for integrating microRNA-based diagnostics into routine screening, offering a novel, non-invasive tool for personalized risk assessment and early intervention in cardiovascular care.