Decreased circulating microRNA-223 level predicts high on-treatment platelet reactivity in patients with troponin-negative non-ST elevation acute coronary syndrome

To investigate the relationship between circulating microRNA 223 (miR-223) levels and clopidogrel responsiveness in patients with coronary heart disease. A total of 62 consecutive patients with troponin-negative non-ST elevation acute coronary syndrome (NSTE-ACS) scheduled for elective percutaneous coronary intervention were enrolled. The plasma circulating miR-223 levels were quantified by real-time PCR, and platelet reactivity was determined by platelet reactivity index (PRI), measured by vasodilator-stimulated phosphoprotein (VASP) phosphorylation flow cytometry after 300 mg (for at least 24 h) or 75 mg clopidogel (for at least 5 days) plus aspirin treatment. All subjects were dichotomized according to PRI median (normal-responders: PRI a parts per thousand currency sign 56.3 %, n = 31 and low-responders: PRI > 56.3 %, n = 31). Compared with normal-responders, circulating miR-223 level was significantly decreased in low-responders (P = 0.007). In addition, miR-223 level was statistically correlated with PRI (Spearman r = -0.379, P = 0.002). Stepwise binary logistic regression analysis revealed that among factors that potentially influence platelet reactivity (CYP2C19*2/*3 loss-of-function genotypes, use of calcium channel blockers/proton-pump inhibitors, age, diabetes and smoking), decreased circulating miR-223 level was the only independent predictor for the presence of PRI-determined lower responders (OR 0.111, 95 % CI 0.018-0.692, P = 0.019). Our data suggest that circulating miR-223 may serve as a novel biomarker for assessment of clopidogrel responsiveness in troponin-negative NSTE-ACS patients.