MicroRNAs as Potential Therapeutic Targets in Peripheral Arterial Disease

Micro RNAs (miRNAs)are small non-coding RNAs that play a role in many biological processes. Many studies have shown that miRNAs are involved in ischemic conditions and emphasized their role as negative or positive modulators in angiogenesis. In vivo studies using various models bring light to the potential benefits of these miRNAs in perfusion recovery following surgically induced hind limb ischemia (HLI), a model of Peripheral arterial disease (PAD). PAD remains a major healthcare burden, affecting millions of Americans. With little advancement in effective therapy the morbidity and mortality of this disease continues to rise. A better understanding of how miRNAs modulate perfusion recovery may provide a potential effective therapy for PAD.