Involvement of Expression of miR33-5p and ABCA1 in Human Peripheral Blood Mononuclear Cells in Coronary Artery Disease

MicroRNAs (miRs) are small non-coding RNAs that regulate gene expression post-transcriptionally and are crucial in lipid metabolism. ATP-binding cassette transporter A1 (ABCA1) is essential for cholesterol efflux from cells to high-density lipoprotein (HDL). Dysregulation of miRs targeting can affect cholesterol homeostasis and contribute to coronary artery disease (CAD). This study aimed to investigate the expression of miRs targeting in human monocytes, their role in cholesterol efflux, and their relationship with CAD. We included 50 control and 50 CAD patients. RT-qPCR examined the expression of miR-33a-5p, miR-26a-5p, and miR-144-3p in monocytes. Logistic regression analysis explored the association between these miRs and CAD. HDL's cholesterol acceptance was analyzed using the J774A.1 cell line. Results showed that miR-26a-5p ( = 0.027) and ( = 0.003) expression levels were higher in CAD patients, while miR-33a-5p ( < 0.001) levels were lower. Downregulation of miR-33a-5p and upregulation of were linked to a lower CAD risk. Atorvastatin upregulated mRNA, and metformin downregulated miR-26a-5p in CAD patients. Decreased cholesterol efflux correlated with higher CAD risk and inversely with miRs in controls. Reduced miR-33a-5p expression and increased expression are associated with decreased CAD risk. miR deregulation in monocytes may influence atherosclerotic plaque formation by regulating cholesterol efflux. Atorvastatin and metformin could offer protective effects by modulating miR-33a-5p, miR-26a-5p, and , suggesting potential therapeutic strategies for CAD prognosis and treatment.