Expression levels of circulating microRNAs‐126, ‐155, and ‐145 in Mexican women exposed to polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons through biomass fuel use

Human exposure to polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons (PAHs) has been considered a risk determinant for the development of cardiovascular diseases (CVD). Therefore, the aim of this study was to assess expression levels of vascular‐related miRNAs, miR‐126, miR‐155, and miR‐145, in plasma from women (aged 19–81 years) exposed (n = 100) and non‐exposed (n = 20) to PAHs via biomass combustion smoke.1‐hydroxypyrene (1‐OHP) was determined in urine as a biomarker of exposure to PAHs using high‐resolution liquid chromatography. Plasma expression levels of proposed miRNAs were determined by quantitative real‐time PCR. Additionally, traditional risk factors (age, blood pressure, serum lipid profile, blood glucose, and among others) associated with CVD were evaluated. Urinary 1‐OHP concentrations and plasma expression levels of miR‐126 and miR‐155 were significantly higher (P