Journal of Cardio-Thoracic Medicine

Journal of Cardio-Thoracic Medicine

The Potential Role of MicroRNAs in Cardiac Myxoma: A comprehensive Review on the Current Evidence

Document Type : Review Article

Authors
Abtin Malekpour Afshar
Mehrshad Dabbagh
Mohammad Amin Shajareh Pour Salavati
Student Research Committee, School of Medicine, Kerman University of Medical Sciences, Kerman, Iran.
10.22038/jctm.2025.89910.1499
Abstract
Cardiac myxoma (CM) is the most common primary cardiac tumor, often benign but potentially life-threatening due to embolic events and intra-cardiac obstruction. Recent advances suggest a significant role for microRNAs (miRNAs) in CM pathogenesis, diagnosis, and treatment. This review aims to synthesize current evidence regarding the diagnostic implications of miRNAs in cardiac myxoma. Several miRNAs, including miR-217, miR-218, miR-335, miR-320a, miR-122, and miR-634, have been implicated in regulating proliferation, apoptosis, inflammation, and differentiation in CM. Notably, miR-217 and miR-218 act as tumor suppressors, while dysregulated pathways involving Myocyte Enhancer Factor 2D (MEF2D) and Interleukin-6 (IL-6) further elucidate the molecular basis of tumor progression. Circulating miRNA profiles also offer potential as non-invasive diagnostic biomarkers. miRNAs offer promising avenues for both early detection and targeted therapy in cardiac myxoma. Further research into miRNA-based diagnostics and therapeutics may enhance personalized treatment and reduce recurrence risk in affected patients.
Keywords
Cardiac surgery
Cardiac tumors
MicroRNAs
Myxoma
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Journal of Cardio-Thoracic Medicine
Volume 13, Issue 3
Summer 2025
Pages 1585-1593