Heart failure (HF) is a complex and multifactorial syndrome with high morbidity and mortality rates worldwide. Accumulative evidence suggests that microRNAs (miRNAs) play critical roles in maintaining cardiac homeostasis. The dysregulation of various miRNAs has been reported in different studies on failing human hearts. However, little is known about their circulatory profile. In this study, comprehensive miRNA profiling was performed by next-generation sequencing for plasma samples of 24 HF and 24 age and sex-matched, non-HF patients. A total of 1391 miRNAs were detected, of which 228 miRNAs and 261 miRNAs were commonly expressed in the HF and non-HF groups, respectively. Eight miRNAs (hsa-let-7b-3p, hsa-miR-92b-5p, hsa-miR-145-3p, hsa-miR-206, hsa-miR-664a-5p, hsa-miR-1307-5p, hsa-miR-1908-5p, and hsa-miR-3074-5p) were found to be dysregulated between HF and non-HF patients. The expression of another seven miRNAs (hsa-miR-589-5p, hsa-miR-30b-5p, hsa-miR-654-3p, hsa-miR-1292-5p, hsa-miR-659-5p, hsa-miR-548d-5p, and hsa-miR-7847-3p) was frequently observed in HF patients but not in non-HF cases. Subsequent analyses of target gene prediction and associated pathways revealed the enrichment of pathways related to vascular development, the cell cycle, and transcriptional activity. These data reveal the expression profile and the dysregulation of circulating miRNAs in our patients with HF.

Background: Nanomaterials have emerged as a transformative approach in modern pharmaceutical applications, offering advanced benefits compared to conventional therapies. Among available pharmaceutical nanomaterials, silver nanoparticles (AgNPs) have been reported with broad-spectrum antimicrobial potential and drug delivery potency. Nevertheless, some studies suggested that chemical synthesis of AgNPs might result in redundant chemicals, posing environmental and health risks. To minimize undesired products, a promising approach is to biologically synthesize this potent nanomaterial. Methods: This study ultilized an eco-friendly system for AgNPs synthesis using Aspergillus terreus isolated from the air. Physical properties of biosynthesized AgNPs were evaluated by UV–visible spectroscopy, dynamic light scattering, and scanning electron microscopy analysis. Antibacterial activity of biosynthesized AgNPs was examined by well diffusion and minimum inhibitory concentration, while in vitro cytotoxicity was used to determine the antitumor activity of AgNPs. Results: The biosynthesized AgNPs had a size of around 60 nm, a PDI inferior to 0.2, and a zeta potential of −30 mV. They exhibited potent antibacterial activity against both Gram-positive and Gram-negative pathogens. Additionally, these nanoparticles also exerted a selective antiproliferative effect on MCF-7, A549, and MDA-MB-231 cell lines. Conclusions: Our research presented the potential of biosynthesized AgNPs using Aspergillus terreus for antimicrobial and anticancer applications, offering an eco-friendly and sustainable alternative to traditional chemical methods.

Heart failure (HF) is one of the largest contributors to disease burden and healthcare expenditure worldwide. Countless studies have shown that microRNAs (miRNAs) are pivotal regulators of heart homeostasis and promising biomarkers for the diagnosis and management of HF. Among the reported miRNAs, miR-106b-5p and miR-185-5p have been implicated in various cardiovascular diseases through involvement in cardiac injury, fibrosis, and cell survival pathways. Although cellular functions of miR-106b-5p and miR-185-5p have been investigated intensively, their circulating levels remain largely elusive in patients with HF. This study examined expression levels of plasma miR-106b-5p and miR-185-5p by quantitative reverse transcription PCR (RT-qPCR) in a study cohort comprising 41 chronic HF patients and 41 matched, non-HF subjects. Bioinformatic analysis was conducted for miR-106b-5p and miR-185-5p to discover their potential target genes, biological functions, and association with cardiovascular-related clinical phenotypes. Chronic HF patients presented a significant increase in plasma miR-106b-5p and miR-185-5p levels. Diverse expressive patterns of miR-106b-5p and miR-185-5p were observed in different types and functional classes of HF. A positive correlation between plasma miR-106b-5p and miR-185-5p was also identified. In silico analysis suggested that many genes related to cell proliferation and metabolic pathways were shared targets of miR-106b-5p and miR-185-5p. Our study reveals dysregulation of plasma miR-106b-5p and miR-185-5p in patients with chronic HF that may contribute to the pathological course of this disease.