Serum Alpha-1-Acid Glycoprotein-1 and Urinary Extracellular Vesicle miR-21-5p as Potential Biomarkers of Primary Aldosteronism

Abstract

Primary aldosteronism (PA) is the most common cause of secondary hypertension and reaches a prevalence of 6-10%. PA is an endocrine disorder, currently identified as a broad-spectrum phenotype, spanning from normotension to hypertension. In this regard, several studies have made advances in the identification of mediators and novel biomarkers of PA as specific proteins, miRNAs, and lately, extracellular vesicles (EVs) and their cargo.

Aim:

To evaluate lipocalins LCN2 and AGP1, and specific urinary EV miR-21-5p and Let-7i-5p as novel biomarkers for PA.

Subjects and Methods:

A cross-sectional study was performed in 41 adult subjects classified as normotensive controls (CTL), essential hypertensives (EH), and primary aldosteronism (PA) subjects, who were similar in gender, age, and BMI. Systolic (SBP) and diastolic (DBP) blood pressure, aldosterone, plasma renin activity (PRA), and aldosterone to renin ratio (ARR) were determined. Inflammatory parameters were defined as hs-C-reactive protein (hs-CRP), PAI-1, MMP9, IL6, LCN2, LCN2-MMP9, and AGP1. We isolated urinary EVs (uEVs) and measured two miRNA cargo miR-21-5p and Let-7i-5p by Taqman-qPCR. Statistical analyses as group comparisons were performed by Kruskall-Wallis, and discriminatory analyses by ROC curves were performed with SPSS v21 and Graphpad-Prism v9.

Results:

PA and EH subjects have significantly higher SBP and DBP (p <0.05) than the control group. PA subjects have similar hs-CRP, PAI-1, IL-6, MMP9, LCN2, and LCN2-MMP9 but have higher levels of AGP1 (p <0.05) than the CTL&EH group. The concentration and size of uEVs and miRNA Let-7i-5p did not show any difference between groups. In PA, we found significantly lower levels of miR-21-5p than controls (p <0.05). AGP1 was associated with aldosterone, PRA, and ARR. ROC curves detected AUC for AGP1 of 0.90 (IC 95 [0.79 – 1.00], p <0.001), and combination of AGP1 and EV-miR-21-5p showed an AUC of 0.94 (IC 95 [0.85 – 1.00], p<0.001) to discriminate the PA condition from EH and controls.

Conclusion:

Serum AGP1 protein was found to be increased, and miR-21-5p in uEVs was decreased in subjects classified as PA. Association of AGP1 with aldosterone, renin activity, and ARR, besides the high discriminatory capacity of AGP1 and uEV-miR-21-5p to identify the PA condition, place both as potential biomarkers of PA.

Introduction

The etiology of arterial hypertension (AHT) is unknown in more than 80-90% of cases, which is named essential hypertension (EH). One third of EH has been suggested to be associated with endocrine disorders (1). Primary aldosteronism (PA) is an endocrine disorder, currently identified as a broad-spectrum phenotype, spanning from normotension (4% prevalence) to hypertension (10% prevalence) (2–6). PA is characterized by an inappropriately high circulating aldosterone independent of known physiological regulators such as renin, angiotensin II, potassium, and sodium status (e.g., high saline intake) (7). The diagnosis of PA is relevant, not only for its association to high blood pressure but also for the harmful effects in extra-renal tissues, generally associated with the mineralocorticoid receptor (MR) activation by aldosterone which induces inflammation (8, 9), tissue remodeling, and fibrosis (8, 10–14), affecting the renal, heart, the vascular system (endothelial cells and smooth muscles cells), the immune system (15) and the adipose tissue (16).

Several studies have tied to advance in the identification of novel biomarkers for PA that support its early detection and also other reported effects as inflammation, endothelial dysfunction, renal damage, vascular remodeling and (17, 18), and oxidative stress (19, 20). Early “surrogate biomarkers” have been previously evaluated, such as high sensitive C-reactive protein (hs-CRP), Plasminogen inhibitor activator-1 (PAI-1), matrix metallopeptidase 9 (MMP-9) and malondialdehyde (MDA) (8, 9), free Cystatin-C (CysC), and neutrophil gelatinase associated lipocalin (NGAL or LCN2) (21–23). However, none of these biomarkers are currently available in clinical diagnoses for arterial hypertension or PA. Recent proteomic studies have shown that urinary and serum alpha-1-acid glycoprotein-1 (AGP1), also known as ORM1, have been proposed as prognostic biomarkers for inflammatory diseases such as chronic heart failure (24), some types of cancer (25), and lately for PA (26).

Experimental and clinical studies demonstrate that small extracellular vesicles (sEVs) or exosomes are potential biomarkers of disease (27), including in cancer, metabolic disorders, and cardiovascular diseases (28, 29). Urinary EVs originated mainly from cells lining the renal tubules carrying proteins, lipids, RNA, and miRNA, and have been recognized recently as a source of diagnostic biomarkers for different renal and endocrine pathologies (30–36), including primary aldosteronism (26).

MicroRNAs (miRNAs) are short non-coding RNA molecules genome-encoded, that are approximately 22 nucleotides in length and modulate downstream gene expression by post-transcriptional mechanisms, specifically by binding to the 3′ untranslated regions (UTR) of a target messenger RNA (mRNA), leading to mRNA degradation or repression of translation (37–39). Recent literature (30, 37, 40–46) proposes that microRNAs in exosomes are involved in physiological and pathophysiological processes correlated with hypertension (47) response to sodium intake (48) and PA (26, 30). miRNAs are packaged into EVs for transport into different biofluids (e.g., blood, urine) and change according to the metabolic microenvironment (e.g., inflammation) of the parent cell. In endocrine hypertension phenotypes, such as nonclassic-AME (31) and PA, have been identified in the differential expression of EV-associated miRNAs, such as miR-192, miR-204 (31), miRNA-21, and Let-7i. miR-21 has been found in EVs isolated from urine (43), plasma (44), and endothelial cells (45). Romero et al. reported on the protective role of miR-21 in the cardiac pathology triggered by excess aldosterone in the heart of mice and rats (49, 50). Let-7i negatively regulates cardiac inflammation and fibrosis in presence of angiotensin II or aldosterone (49–51). Similarly, Deccman et al. identified circulating miR-30e-5p, miR-30d-5p, miR-223-3p, and miR-7-5p in PA patients with bilateral adrenal hyperplasia (BAH) and aldosterone-producing adenoma (APA). Altogether, these reports highlight the potential role of both miRNA and EV-associated miRNAs as biomarkers or mediators of PA (46).

The current study aimed to evaluate lipocalins LCN2 and AGP1, and specific urinary extracellular vesicles miR-21-5p and Let-7i-5p as novel biomarkers of primary aldosteronism.

Methods

This study used the serum, plasma, and urine samples from a biobank obtained from a cohort of 206 adult Chilean subjects of both genders, between 18 and 65 years old. The subjects were recruited from outpatient centers associated with the UC-Christus Health Network in Santiago, Chile, following the guidelines of the Declaration of Helsinki and approved by the Ethics Committee of the Faculty of Medicine of the Pontificia Universidad Católica de Chile (Certification CEC-MEDUC 12-207 and 14-268, and updated by CEC-MEDUC 190823001 and 200619004).

All subjects had a sodium diet ad libitum and declared that they did not ingest any herbal products or extreme diets during the month prior to the analysis. Subjects with a BMI >30 kg/m², kidney disease, diabetes mellitus, liver, and heart failure were excluded. Subjects using glucocorticoids, contraceptives, or some interfering drugs, such Ag-II-receptor blockers (ARB), ACE-Inhibitors (ACEI), and spironolactone (MR antagonist), were also excluded.

After exclusion criteria were applied, 132 subjects were included in the study. The subjects were classified as normotensive controls (CTL), have clinical and biochemical parameters in the normal range, essential hypertensives (EH) according to the 2017 ACC/AHA Guidelines for High Blood Pressure (52), and subjects having a positive screening for PA (Aldosterone >9ng/dl, PRA <1 ng/ml*h), according to The Endocrine Society 2016 guidelines (53) and Vaidya et al. (5, 54–56). All studied subjects (PA, EH, and CTL) have a clinical record including medical history and physical examination, as well a biochemical profile, creatinine, electrolytes, aldosterone, plasma renin activity (PRA), serum, and 24-hour and morning urine samples. Aldosterone and PRA were measured by immunoassay using a commercial kit (DiaSorin, Stillwater, MN). Urine samples for uEV isolation were stored at -80C with a 1X protease inhibitor cocktail (Roche, USA).

Evaluation of the Parameters Associated With Inflammation, Endothelial, and Renal Damage in PA Subjects

The inflammatory status of all subjects was evaluated by measuring hs-CRP with a nephelometric assay (BN ProSpec Systems; Siemens Healthcare Diagnostics Products, Marburg, Germany) and IL-6 by an ELISA with commercial reagents and standards (D6050, R&D Systems, Minneapolis, MN), according to the manufacturer’s protocols. Endothelial damage was evaluated by surrogate markers such as PAI-1, MMP9, and MMP2 activities. PAI-1 was determined by ELISA (HYPHEN BioMed, Neuville sur Oise, France), and MMP9 and MMP2 activities by zymography, as previously described (57). Early renal damage was evaluated with 24-hour urine albuminuria to creatinine ratio (UACR). Albumin is measured by a turbidimetric immunoassay (Roche, Germany), and urine creatinine was measured with a colorimetric assay (Roche, Indianapolis, IN) in a Hitachi Automatic Analyzer 7600 (Roche/Hitachi, Kobe, Japan). Plasma and urinary electrolytes (sodium and potassium) were evaluated with methods previously described (58).

Determination of Serum Lipocalins AGP1, LCN2, and LCN2-MMP9 in PA Subjects

We measured the serum levels of lipocalins AGP1, LCN2, and LCN2-MMP9 proteins (26) by commercial ELISA immunoassay for AGP1 (Human α1-Acid Glycoprotein Immunoassay, DAGP00, USA R&D Systems, Inc.) according to the manufacturer’s protocol, LCN2 (DLCN20, R&D Systems, Minneapolis, MN), LCN2-MMP9 (DM9L20, R&D Systems, Minneapolis, MN).

Isolation and Characterization of Urinary Extracellular Vesicles From PA Subjects

Urinary EVs (uEVs) were isolated by a sequential ultracentrifugation protocol previously described by Barros et al. (26). Urinary creatinine was used to normalize samples of uEVs (59, 60). Isolated uEVs were characterized as previously described (26, 31) and according to the International Society for Extracellular Vesicles guidelines (27) using transmission electron microscopy (TEM), nanoparticle tracking analysis (NTA), and western blot with characteristic EV proteins (61).

TEM was performed with 15 μl of uEVs suspension were absorbed onto a 200 mesh carbon-coated copper grid for 1 min. Samples were negatively stained with 2% uranyl acetate solution for 1 min. Grids were visualized in a Phillips Tecnai transmission electron microscope at 80 kV and images were acquired using a SIS-CCD Camera Megaview G2 (62). The concentration and size of uEVs were determined by nanotracking analyses (NTA) performed in a low-volume flow cell (LVFC) of a NanoSight NS300 and NTA 3.2 software (Malvern Instruments Ltd, Malvern, UK). Camera level and detection threshold was optimized to identify individual particles and minimum background noise during recordings (camera level = 12-14; detection threshold = 3-5; flow speed = 50). Particles were tracked by passing a laser beam through the liquid sample and the scattered light was detected and captured in short videos by a sCMOS camera (3 videos of 20 seconds each). The Brownian motion of particles was determined, and the distance moved by the detected particles will be used to calculate the diameter (mean and mode size) and concentration of vesicles using the Stokes-Einstein equation (63).

Western Blot of Exosome Markers TSG101 and CD9 Proteins

Similar quantities of EVs were resuspended in Laemmli buffer and then separated by SDS polyacrylamide gel electrophoresis (SDS-PAGE) and transferred to nitrocellulose membranes (Bio-Rad, CA, USA), blocked with 5% skim milk in PBS-Tween20 (PBST) 0.1% (vol/vol) for 1 hour and probed with primary rabbit monoclonal anti-TSG101 (1:10.000 Ab125011, Abcam, MS, USA), rabbit monoclonal anti-CD9 (1:500 (D801A) cat#13174; Cell Signaling Technology, MA, USA). After washing, membranes were incubated with horseradish peroxidase-conjugated goat anti-rabbit IgG-HRP (1:10.000; ab6939; Abcam, USA) for 1 hour at RT. Proteins were detected using chemiluminescence (ECL Western Blotting substrate reagent, Pierce, USA) in a Chemi-Doc MP imaging system (Bio-Rad, CA, USA).

Urinary EV RNA Isolation

RNA from the extracellular vesicle was isolated by organic extraction using the Trizol^® reagent according to the manufacturer’s instructions. Two microliters of each RNA sample were pipetted on the NanoQuant Plate™ of the Infinite^® M200 PRO spectrophotometer (TECAN; Männedorfl; Switzerland) to quantify the RNA concentration (A260 nm) and purity (A260/A280 nm ratio) using Tecan i-control™ software.

Expression of miR-21-5p and Let-7i-5p in Urinary Extracellular Vesicles

Reverse transcription of miRNA samples was performed using the TaqMan™ Advanced miRNA cDNA Synthesis Kit (A28007), according to the manufacturer’s instructions. The expression of miRNAs (Hsa-miR-21-5p and Hsa-let-7i-5p) were evaluated with TaqMan™ Advanced miRNA Assay (A25576) and the TaqMan™ Fast Advanced Master Mix (4444557, Applied Biosystems) in the RotorGene 6000 thermocycler (Corbett Research, Sydney, Australia). The amplification reactions were performed as follows: Enzyme activation at 95°C for 20 seconds and 40 cycles of 95°C for 3 seconds, anneal/extend at 60°C for 30 seconds. RNU6 snRNA was used as an internal normalization control (TaqMan™ MicroRNA Assay, ID001973). The fold changes of miRNA expression were calculated using the relative cycle threshold (2−ΔΔCt) method and further normalized by the spot urinary creatinine. Unpaired Kruskal-Wallis test was performed to identify differences in PA patients versus EH and healthy controls.

Statical Analyses

Clinical, biochemical, and expression data are expressed as median [Q1-Q3]. Data normality was determined by Kolmogorov-Smirnov test. For parametric and non-parametric comparisons between two sets of data, an unpaired Student t-test or a Mann-Whitney test were performed. To assess differences between groups of data and an independent variable, a one-way Analysis of Variance (ANOVA) or Kruskal Wallis was performed using a Tukey or Dunn post hoc test, respectively. Associations were performed by linear regression by Pearson or Spearman regression according to data normality.

Receiver operating characteristic (ROC) analysis was used to test the ability of lipocalins (LCN2, AGP1) and uEV-associated miRNAs (miR-21-5p and Let-7i-5p) to discriminate PA patients from EH and control subjects. A p value < 0.05 was considered statistically significant. Data were analyzed using GraphPad Prism v9.1 (GraphPad, CA, USA) or SPSS v21 (IBM, USA) software.

Results

Clinical and Biochemical Characteristics of Subjects With PA

We identified 11 PA subjects (8.3%) in our cohort of study according to the PA criteria described in the Methods section. Clinical and biochemical baseline characteristics are shown in Table 1. PA, EH, and CTL groups were similar in age, gender, and body mass index. Systolic (140 [125-153] vs. 134 [123-139] vs 116 [110-121] mmHg, p<0.05) and diastolic blood pressure (89 [76-98] vs. 87 [81-93] vs. 75 [71-78] mmHg, p <0.05) were higher in the PA and EH group compared to healthy controls, respectively (Figure 1).

Figure 1

Serum aldosterone was higher in PA in respect to EH, but similar to the control group (12.7 [10.4-13.7] vs. 7.8 [6.1-8.4] vs. 9.8 [6.9-12.5] ng/dL, p <0.0001). PRA was significantly lower in PA in respect to EH and controls (0.8 [0.5-0.9] vs. 1.9 [1.4-2.8] vs. 1.8 [1.3-2.3] ng/mL*h, p <0.0001). The ARR was higher in PA than EH and controls (17.9 [13.7-20.8] vs. 4.1 [2.6-5.4] vs. 5.4 [3.2-7.3], p<0.0001) (Table 1, Figure 2). No differences were found in plasma and urinary sodium and potassium electrolytes, nor in the fractional excretion of potassium (FEK) or the fractional excretion of sodium (FENa) in PA, EH, and controls (Table 1).

Figure 2

Evaluation of Parameters Associated With Inflammation, Endothelial, and Renal Dysfunction in PA Subjects

We found similar plasma levels of hs-CRP (1.4 [1.1-2.0] vs 2.1 [0.5-4.0] vs 1.1 [0.9-2.9] mg/L, p NS) and Interleukin 6 (IL-6) (3.0 [1.5-3.1] vs. 3.2 [2.7-3.9] vs. 3.0 [1.7-3.2] pg/ml, p NS) in PA from those found in EH and controls, respectively. Endothelial markers PAI-1, MMP9 and MMP2 were also evaluated, showing no differences in PA respect to EH or control subjects (Table 2, Figure 3). Renal dysfunction was evaluated with the urinary albumin to creatinine ratio (UACR) (3.2 [2.0-4.6] vs. 3.6 [1.5-5.4] vs. 4.3 [1.9-6.6] mg/gr Crea) which was also similar in PA and EH and Controls (Table 2).

Figure 3

Determination of Serum AGP1, LCN2, and LCN2-MMP9 in PA Subjects

We detected higher levels of AGP1 in PA (934.1 [736.5-1255] vs 62.50 [47.1-365.9] and 60.7 [18,0-609,0] ug/ml, p<0.01) compared to EH and controls subjects. LCN2 and LCN2-MMP9 were similar between the groups (p NS) (Table 3). Total LCN2 was found to be higher in EH with respect to the control group, meanwhile, PA was similar to EH but did not reach a significant difference when compared to the control (Figure 4). We observed significant associations of AGP1 with Aldosterone (rho = 0.34, p <0.05), with PRA (rho = -0.44, p <0.01) and with ARR (rho = 0.38; p <0.05) (Figure 5).

Figure 4

Figure 5

Characterization and Quantification of Urinary Extracellular Vesicles

We isolated uEVs from all subjects in this study. Figure 6 shows a representative image of isolated uEVs with a donut-shape morphology by TEM (Figure 6A), a characteristic plot size/concentration from NTA with the main peak near to 150 nm (Figure 6B), and the western-blot of EV markers CD9 and TSG101 (Figure 6C). No differences were observed in concentration, mean and mode size of uEVs measured by NTA in PA, EH, and controls (Table 4 and Figure 7).

Figure 6

Figure 7

Expression of miR-21-5p and Let-7i-5p in Urinary Extracellular Vesicles

We identified a low expression of miR-21-5p in uEVs in PA and EH in the control group. No difference was detected of miR-21-5p between the PA and EH group (Table 5). Concerning Let-7i-5p, we did not detect any differences between all groups (Table 5 and Figure 8).

Figure 8

Receiver Operating Characteristic Curve Analyses for AGP1 and miR-21-5p

Receiver operating characteristic (ROC) analysis showed that a serum AGP1 concentration of 647.9 mg/ml had the best sensitivity (90%) and specificity (83%) to discriminate PA from EH and control subjects. In this analysis, the area under the curve (AUC) for AGP1 was 0.90 (IC 95 [0.79 – 1.00], p <0.001) (Figure 9) and for miR-21-5p (AUC 0.63 [0.40-0.86], p NS]. The ROC curve for both AGP1 + EV-miR-21-5p showed a sensitivity of 90% and specificity of 85% with an AUC of 0.94 (IC 95 [0.85 – 1.00], p<0.001) (Figure 9).

Figure 9

Discussion

In the present study, we evaluated the concentration of lipocalins AGP1 and LCN2, and the expression of miR-21-5p and Let-7i-5p in uEVs as potential biomarkers of PA. We observed a higher concentration of AGP1 in PA subjects, which is associated with the critical variables used to screen PA, as plasma aldosterone, renin, and ARR. Further to these novel findings, we noted a low expression of miR-21-5p in PA subjects, which is interesting since it supports a combinate model for the identification of PA conditions. We suggest that both AGP1 and miR-21-5p are associated with the pathogenic course of the primary aldosteronism and can be useful in the design of a novel diagnostic algorithm for PA. There is also a widely accepted consensus regarding a positive screening for PA is an ARR >30 ng/dL per ng/mL/h, with suppressed renin (PRA<1.0 ng/mL*h or DRC <10 uUI/ml) and an aldosterone concentration >15 ng/dL. Some studies have been identified that can improve the detection of milder forms of primary aldosteronism when using less conservative ARR thresholds with suppressed renin activity and plasma aldosterone levels >9 ng/dL (5, 53, 54), which is in agreement with the outcome of this study.

We found similar levels of hs-CRP and IL-6 as markers of inflammation in PA subjects, which were similar to EH and control groups, according to previous studies (12, 64). Similarly, endothelial damage markers (PAI-1, MMP9, and MMP2) and renal function markers (Urinary albumin (UACR)) do not show any significant changes in PA compared with EH and controls. It suggests these subjects, currently classified as subclinical PA (54, 65) do not have chronic inflammation, vascular compromise, or renal function impairment as is seen in overt or classic PA. Hence, is highly necessary novel and sensitive biomarkers aimed to detect subclinical PA and avoid complications associated with the renal and extra-renal effects reported in classic PA.

This perspective is the first to report findings that show a higher serum AGP1 concentration in PA than EH and controls subjects (Figure 4). We also observed a significant association of AGP1 with classic screening parameters for PA (e.g., aldosterone, PRA, and ARR) (Figure 5). Moreover, we found by discriminative analyses by ROC curves that AGP1 can identify PA from HE&CTL subjects with high sensitivity and specificity. All these results suggest that circulating AGP1 protein is a novel and potential biomarker of PA, which was also suggested for AGP1 protein in urinary exosomes (26). Since AGP1 is a protein from the family lipocalin associated with the acute phase response with immunomodulatory properties (66, 67), affected by glucocorticoids (68–70) and mineralocorticoids (71), we suggest that AGP1 expression is modified by high aldosterone levels through MR activation, having a dual role as a potential biomarker of PA, and possible mediator of the tissue response to high aldosterone. Further clinical and animal model or in-vitro studies using MR antagonists should be performed to support this hypothesis.

Similarly, we measured free LCN2 and LCN2 conjugated with matrix metalloproteinase 9 protein as a potential biomarker of PA (72). We found an increase only in total LCN2 (the sum of free and complexed LCN2) in EH, but it did not reach a significant difference in PA when compared with the control or EH. LCN2 is a proinflammatory molecule upregulated in obese individuals or patients with cardiometabolic syndrome, as also has been described in classic PA (73, 74) and is suggested as an MR sensitive protein (75, 76). LCN2 expression is influenced by several factors including obesity, salt intake, aging, infection, and inflammatory status (72, 74, 77–79). Since these subjects have a middle or subclinical PA, with no clear evidence of inflammation, renal/vascular damage (Figure 3), or concomitant cardiometabolic disease, we hypothesize the LCN2 fails to increase in these PA subjects since they require a concomitant hit as inflammation (78, 79), obesity (high adipose tissue) (74), or high salt intake (72) to increase the circulating LCN2 levels.

We studied the urinary extracellular vesicles as a source of potential biomarkers for PA (26, 30). In the present study, uEVs showed similar particle concentration and size in PA subjects with respect to EH and controls (Table 4). Previous studies in PA show similar findings in uEVs concentration (26) but differ from studies in circulating EVs in PA (75, 76), where they reported an increased concentration of circulating EVs in the serum of PA patients when compared with essential hypertensives and attributed it to an enhanced biological response of the endothelium to aldosterone in vivo (75), which has also been observed in vitro (80–82). These differences could be related to the PA classification, overt PA versus subclinical PA, and also the different biofluids used to quantify the impact of high aldosterone in EV concentration, serum versus urine, which is associated with distinct mechanisms and the rates of EV shedding that have different tissues (e.g., vascular endothelium vs renal epithelia).

Based on previous reports, we measured the expression of two miRNA in urinary EVs, miR-21-5p, and Let-7i-5p, as potential biomarkers of PA. We observed that uEV-associated miR-21-5p expression in uEVs from PA were lower than controls (Figure 8) and similar to EH, however a trend to lower levels was observed in PA. This result suggests that uEV-miR-21-5p is downregulated and associated with pathophysiological mechanisms depending on both high BP and PA conditions. miR-21-5p expression is regulated by cytokines, inflammatory modulators (e.g., NF1, AP1), and steroids. Downregulation of miR-21-5p would affect the downstream target genes related with inflammation (83) as IL-1B gene, aldosterone effect as NEDD4, YWHAZ, SCL12A2 genes, and fibrotic processes (42, 84) as COL1A and COL4A1 genes (Table 6). Prospective animal models and in vitro studies with miR-21-5p are necessary to gain depth of understanding about the role of this miRNA in high aldosterone conditions in renal epithelia, as occurs in PA.

With respect to uEV-associated Let-7i-5p, we did not observe any differences in Let-7i-5p expression in all groups. Let-7i has been found in either urine (31) and plasma exosomes (44) and is associated with RAAS, mediating inflammation and fibrosis, in both in vitro models and experimental models of kidney disease (51, 85). Let-7i regulates downstream target genes TGFBR1, IL6, IL10, COL1A1, COL3A1, DNMT3A, NEDD4, ORM1, VIM, FN1, ACTIN, SCL12A1, and YWHAZ, among others (85–87) (Table 6). In the current study, we did not find differences in inflammation parameters, and were unable to measure other important parameters related to fibrosis in these PA subjects, such as the procollagen type 1 protein (PINP, COL1A1).

The ROC curves analyses with AGP1 and miR-21-5p as significant variables associated with PA subjects, support a simple (AGP1) or combinate model (AGP1 + miR-21-5p) to discriminate PA with significant AUC of 90% or 94%, respectively. This AUC is similar to previous reports on AGP1 in uEVs (92%), which support free or uEV-associated AGP1 as potential biomarkers of PA (26).

In summary, we found higher levels of serum AGP1 and lower uEV-miR-21-5p expression in subjects classified as PA with respect to EH and controls. Besides the high discriminatory capacity identified by ROC curves, the association of AGP1 with aldosterone, PRA, and ARR, place both as potential biomarkers of PA. Further studies examining the possible role of AGP1 and miR-21-5p as a mediator of the pathogenic course of PA are encouraged.

Funding

This study was supported partially by grants ANID-FONDECYT 1212006 (CC) and 3200646 (AT-C); CONICYT-FONDEQUIP EQM150023 (CC); ANID–Millennium Science Initiative Program- IMII P09/016-F, ICN09_016 (CF); SOCHED 2019-09 (CC).

Publisher’s Note

All claims expressed in this article are solely those of the authors and do not necessarily represent those of their affiliated organizations, or those of the publisher, the editors and the reviewers. Any product that may be evaluated in this article, or claim that may be made by its manufacturer, is not guaranteed or endorsed by the publisher.

References

• 1

  PappachanJMBuchHN. Endocrine Hypertension: A Practical Approach. Adv Exp Med Biol (2017) 956:215–37. doi: 10.1007/5584_2016_26

  • CrossRef
  • Google Scholar

• 2

  FardellaCEMossoLGomez-SanchezCCortesPSotoJGomezLet al. Primary Hyperaldosteronism in Essential Hypertensives: Prevalence, Biochemical Profile, and Molecular Biology. J Clin Endocrinol Metab (2000) 85(5):1863–7. doi: 10.1210/jc.85.5.1863

  • CrossRef
  • Google Scholar

• 3

  MossoLFardellaCMonteroJRojasPSanchezORojasVet al. High Prevalence of Undiagnosed Primary Hyperaldosteronism Among Patients With Essential Hypertension. Rev Med Chil (1999) 127(7):800–6.

  • Google Scholar

• 4

  CortesPFardellaCOestreicherEGacHMossoLSotoJet al. Evidences for Mineralocorticoid Excess in Essential Hypertension. Rev Med Chile (2000) 128(9):955–61.

  • Google Scholar

• 5

  MossoLCarvajalCGonzalezABarrazaAAvilaFMonteroJet al. Primary Aldosteronism and Hypertensive Disease. Hypertension (2003) 42(2):161–5. doi: 10.1161/01.HYP.0000079505.25750.11

  • CrossRef
  • Google Scholar

• 6

  MulateroPStowasserMLohKCFardellaCEGordonRDMossoLet al. Increased Diagnosis of Primary Aldosteronism, Including Surgically Correctable Forms, in Centers From Five Continents. J Clin Endocrinol Metab (2004) 89(3):1045–50. doi: 10.1210/jc.2003-031337

  • CrossRef
  • Google Scholar

• 7

  TomaschitzAPilzSRitzEObermayer-PietschBPieberTR. Aldosterone and Arterial Hypertension. Nat Rev Endocrinol (2010) 6(2):83–93. doi: 10.1038/nrendo.2009.263

  • CrossRef
  • Google Scholar

• 8

  StehrCBMelladoROcaranzaMPCarvajalCAMossoLBecerraEet al. Increased Levels of Oxidative Stress, Subclinical Inflammation, and Myocardial Fibrosis Markers in Primary Aldosteronism Patients. J Hypertension (2010) 28:2120–6. doi: 10.1097/HJH.0b013e32833d0177

  • CrossRef
  • Google Scholar

• 9

  Martinez-AguayoACarvajalCACampinoCAglonyMBolteLGarciaHet al. Primary Aldosteronism and Its Impact on the Generation of Arterial Hypertension, Endothelial Injury and Oxidative Stress. J Pediatr Endocrinol Metab (2010) 23(4):323–30. doi: 10.1515/jpem.2010.052

  • CrossRef
  • Google Scholar

• 10

  SechiLAColussiGCatenaC. Hyperaldosteronism and Left Ventricular Hypertrophy. Hypertension (2010) 56(3):e26; author reply e7. doi: 10.1161/HYPERTENSIONAHA.110.156273

  • CrossRef
  • Google Scholar

• 11

  Muñoz-DurangoNBarakeMFLetelierNACampinoCFardellaCEKalergisAM. Immune System Alterations by Aldosterone During Hypertension: From Clinical Observations to Genomic and Non-Genomic Mechanisms Leading to Vascular Damage. Curr Mol Med (2013) 13:1035–46. doi: 10.2174/1566524011313060015

  • CrossRef
  • Google Scholar

• 12

  StehrCBCarvajalCALacourtPAlcaínoHMelladoRCattaniAet al. Marcadores De Inflamación Tipo I Por Mutación De Novo. Rev Méd Chil (2008) 13:1134–40. doi: 10.4067/S0034-98872008000900007

  • CrossRef
  • Google Scholar

• 13

  ZhuXManningRDLuDGomez-SanchezCEFuYJuncosLAet al. Aldosterone Stimulates Superoxide Production in Macula Densa Cells. Am J Physiol Renal Physiol (2011) 301:F529–35. doi: 10.1152/ajprenal.00596.2010

  • CrossRef
  • Google Scholar

• 14

  CarvajalCAHerradaAACastilloCRContrerasFJStehrCBMossoLMet al. Primary Aldosteronism can Alter Peripheral Levels of Transforming Growth Factor Beta and Tumor Necrosis Factor Alpha. J Endocrinol Invest (2009) 32:759–65. doi: 10.1007/BF03346533

  • CrossRef
  • Google Scholar

• 15

  McCurleyAJaffeIZ. Mineralocorticoid Receptors in Vascular Function and Disease. Mol Cell Endocrinol (2012) 350(2):256–65. doi: 10.1016/j.mce.2011.06.014

  • CrossRef
  • Google Scholar

• 16

  SchuttenMTHoubenAJde LeeuwPWStehouwerCD. The Link Between Adipose Tissue Renin-Angiotensin-Aldosterone System Signaling and Obesity-Associated Hypertension. Physiol (Bethesda) (2017) 32(3):197–209. doi: 10.1152/physiol.00037.2016

  • CrossRef
  • Google Scholar

• 17

  GilbertKCBrownNJ. Aldosterone and Inflammation. Curr Opin Endocrinol Diabetes Obes (2010) 17(3):199–204. doi: 10.1097/MED.0b013e3283391989

  • CrossRef
  • Google Scholar

• 18

  ConnellJMMacKenzieSMFreelEMFraserRDaviesE. A Lifetime of Aldosterone Excess: Long-Term Consequences of Altered Regulation of Aldosterone Production for Cardiovascular Function. Endocr Rev (2008) 29(2):133–54. doi: 10.1210/er.2007-0030

  • CrossRef
  • Google Scholar

• 19

  MilliezPGirerdXPlouinPFBlacherJSafarMEMouradJJ. Evidence for an Increased Rate of Cardiovascular Events in Patients With Primary Aldosteronism. J Am Coll Cardiol (2005) 45(8):1243–8. doi: 10.1016/j.jacc.2005.01.015

  • CrossRef
  • Google Scholar

• 20

  RossiGPBerniniGDesideriGFabrisBFerriCGiacchettiGet al. Renal Damage in Primary Aldosteronism: Results of the PAPY Study. Hypertension (2006) 48(2):232–8. doi: 10.1161/01.HYP.0000230444.01215.6a

  • CrossRef
  • Google Scholar

• 21

  GoffDCJr.Lloyd-JonesDMBennettGCoadySD'AgostinoRBGibbonsRet al. 2013 ACC/AHA Guideline on the Assessment of Cardiovascular Risk: A Report of the American College of Cardiology/American Heart Association Task Force on Practice Guidelines. Circulation (2014) 129(25 Suppl 2):S49–73. doi: 10.1161/01.cir.0000437741.48606.98

  • CrossRef
  • Google Scholar

• 22

  KshirsagarAVCoreshJBrancatiFColindresRE. Ankle Brachial Index Independently Predicts Early Kidney Disease. Ren Fail (2004) 26(4):433–43. doi: 10.1081/JDI-120039828

  • CrossRef
  • Google Scholar

• 23

  PalazzuoliARuoccoGPellegriniMDe GoriCDel CastilloGFranciBet al. Comparison of Neutrophil Gelatinase-Associated Lipocalin Versus B-Type Natriuretic Peptide and Cystatin C to Predict Early Acute Kidney Injury and Outcome in Patients With Acute Heart Failure. Am J Cardiol (2015) 116(1):104–11. doi: 10.1016/j.amjcard.2015.03.043

  • CrossRef
  • Google Scholar

• 24

  AgraRMVarela-RomanAGonzalez-FerreiroRVinuelaJECastro-PaisAFernandez-TrasancosAet al. Orosomucoid as Prognosis Factor Associated With Inflammation in Acute or Nutritional Status in Chronic Heart Failure. Int J Cardiol (2017) 228:488–94. doi: 10.1016/j.ijcard.2016.11.134

  • CrossRef
  • Google Scholar

• 25

  LiFYuZChenPLinGLiTHouLet al. The Increased Excretion of Urinary Orosomucoid 1 as a Useful Biomarker for Bladder Cancer. Am J Cancer Res (2016) 6(2):331–40.

  • Google Scholar

• 26

  BarrosERRigalliJPTapia-CastilloAVecchiolaAYoungMJHoenderopJGHet al. Proteomic Profile of Urinary Extracellular Vesicles Identifies AGP1 as a Potential Biomarker of Primary Aldosteronism. Endocrinology (2021) 162(4):bqab032. doi: 10.1210/endocr/bqab032

  • CrossRef
  • Google Scholar

• 27

  TheryCWitwerKW. Minimal Information for Studies of Extracellular Vesicles 2018 (MISEV2018): A Position Statement of the International Society for Extracellular Vesicles and Update of the MISEV2014 Guidelines. J Extracell Vesicles (2018) 7(1):1535750. doi: 10.1080/20013078.2018.1535750

  • CrossRef
  • Google Scholar

• 28

  NevesKBRiosFJJonesREvansTRJMontezanoACTouyzRM. Microparticles From Vascular Endothelial Growth Factor Pathway Inhibitor-Treated Cancer Patients Mediate Endothelial Cell Injury. Cardiovasc Res (2019) 115(5):978–88. doi: 10.1093/cvr/cvz021

  • CrossRef
  • Google Scholar

• 29

  AmabileNGuerinAPLeroyerAMallatZNguyenCBoddaertJet al. Circulating Endothelial Microparticles Are Associated With Vascular Dysfunction in Patients With End-Stage Renal Failure. J Am Soc Nephrol (2005) 16(11):3381–8. doi: 10.1681/ASN.2005050535

  • CrossRef
  • Google Scholar

• 30

  BarrosERCarvajalCA. Urinary Exosomes and Their Cargo: Potential Biomarkers for Mineralocorticoid Arterial Hypertension? Front Endocrinol (Lausanne) (2017) 8:230. doi: 10.3389/fendo.2017.00230

  • CrossRef
  • Google Scholar

• 31

  Tapia-CastilloAGuanzonDPalmaCLaiABarrosEAllendeFet al. Downregulation of Exosomal miR-192-5p and miR-204-5p in Subjects With Nonclassic Apparent Mineralocorticoid Excess. J Transl Med (2019) 17(1):392. doi: 10.1186/s12967-019-02143-8

  • CrossRef
  • Google Scholar

• 32

  StreetJMKoritzinskyEHGlispieDMStarRAYuenPS. Urine Exosomes: An Emerging Trove of Biomarkers. Adv Clin Chem (2017) 78:103–22. doi: 10.1016/bs.acc.2016.07.003

  • CrossRef
  • Google Scholar

• 33

  CorbettaSRaimondoFTedeschiSSyrenMLReboraPSavoiaAet al. Urinary Exosomes in the Diagnosis of Gitelman and Bartter Syndromes. Nephrol Dial Transplant (2015) 30(4):621–30. doi: 10.1093/ndt/gfu362

  • CrossRef
  • Google Scholar

• 34

  RigalliJPBarrosERSommersVBindelsRJMHoenderopJGJ. Novel Aspects of Extracellular Vesicles in the Regulation of Renal Physiological and Pathophysiological Processes. Front Cell Dev Biol (2020) 8:244. doi: 10.3389/fcell.2020.00244

  • CrossRef
  • Google Scholar

• 35

  VinasJLBurgerDZimpelmannJHaneefRKnollWCampbellPet al. Transfer of microRNA-486-5p From Human Endothelial Colony Forming Cell-Derived Exosomes Reduces Ischemic Kidney Injury. Kidney Int (2016) 90(6):1238–50. doi: 10.1016/j.kint.2016.07.015

  • CrossRef
  • Google Scholar

• 36

  StreetJMBirkhoffWMenziesRIWebbDJBaileyMADearJW. Exosomal Transmission of Functional Aquaporin 2 in Kidney Cortical Collecting Duct Cells. J Physiol (2011) 589(Pt 24):6119–27. doi: 10.1113/jphysiol.2011.220277

  • CrossRef
  • Google Scholar

• 37

  FrisoSCarvajalCAFardellaCEOlivieriO. Epigenetics and Arterial Hypertension: The Challenge of Emerging Evidence. Transl Res (2015) 165(1):154–65. doi: 10.1016/j.trsl.2014.06.007

  • CrossRef
  • Google Scholar

• 38

  SunYKooSWhiteNPeraltaEEsauCDeanNMet al. Development of a Micro-Array to Detect Human and Mouse microRNAs and Characterization of Expression in Human Organs. Nucleic Acids Res (2004) 32(22):e188. doi: 10.1093/nar/gnh186

  • CrossRef
  • Google Scholar

• 39

  TianZGreeneASPietruszJLMatusIRLiangM. MicroRNA-Target Pairs in the Rat Kidney Identified by microRNA Microarray, Proteomic, and Bioinformatic Analysis. Genome Res (2008) 18(3):404–11. doi: 10.1101/gr.6587008

  • CrossRef
  • Google Scholar

• 40

  RomeroDGPlonczynskiMWCarvajalCAGomez-SanchezEPGomez-SanchezCE. Microribonucleic Acid-21 Increases Aldosterone Secretion and Proliferation in H295R Human Adrenocortical Cells. Endocrinology (2008) 149(5):2477–83. doi: 10.1210/en.2007-1686

  • CrossRef
  • Google Scholar

• 41

  ChenXBaYMaLCaiXYinYWangKet al. Characterization of microRNAs in Serum: A Novel Class of Biomarkers for Diagnosis of Cancer and Other Diseases. Cell Res (2008) 18(10):997–1006. doi: 10.1038/cr.2008.282

  • CrossRef
  • Google Scholar

• 42

  ChenCLuCQianYLiHTanYCaiLet al. Urinary miR-21 as a Potential Biomarker of Hypertensive Kidney Injury and Fibrosis. Sci Rep (2017) 7(1):17737. doi: 10.1038/s41598-017-18175-3

  • CrossRef
  • Google Scholar

• 43

  ChengLSunXSciclunaBJColemanBMHillAF. Characterization and Deep Sequencing Analysis of Exosomal and Non-Exosomal miRNA in Human Urine. Kidney Int (2014) 86(2):433–44. doi: 10.1038/ki.2013.502

  • CrossRef
  • Google Scholar

• 44

  HuangXYuanTTschannenMSunZJacobHDuMet al. Characterization of Human Plasma-Derived Exosomal RNAs by Deep Sequencing. BMC Genomics (2013) 14:319. doi: 10.1186/1471-2164-14-319

  • CrossRef
  • Google Scholar

• 45

  MensàEGuesciniMGiulianiABacaliniMGRaminiDCorleoneGet al. Small Extracellular Vesicles Deliver miR-21 and miR-217 as Pro-Senescence Effectors to Endothelial Cells. J Extracell Vesicles (2020) 9(01):1725285. doi: 10.1080/20013078.2020.1725285

  • CrossRef
  • Google Scholar

• 46

  DecmannANyiroGDarvasiOTuraiPBancosIKaurRJet al. Circulating miRNA Expression Profiling in Primary Aldosteronism. Front Endocrinol (Lausanne) (2019) 10:739. doi: 10.3389/fendo.2019.00739

  • CrossRef
  • Google Scholar

• 47

  LiuZZJosePAYangJZengC. Importance of Extracellular Vesicles in Hypertension. Exp Biol Med (2021) 246(3):342–53. doi: 10.1177/1535370220974600

  • CrossRef
  • Google Scholar

• 48

  GildeaJJCarlsonJMSchoeffelCDCareyRMFelderRA. Urinary Exosome Mirnome Analysis and Its Applications to Salt Sensitivity of Blood Pressure. Clin Biochem (2013) 46(12):1131–4. doi: 10.1016/j.clinbiochem.2013.05.052

  • CrossRef
  • Google Scholar

• 49

  SyedMBallJPMathisKWHallMERyanMJRothenbergMEet al. MicroRNA-21 Ablation Exacerbates Aldosterone-Mediated Cardiac Injury, Remodeling, and Dysfunction. Am J Physiol Endocrinol Metab (2018) 315(6):E1154–E67. doi: 10.1152/ajpendo.00155.2018

  • CrossRef
  • Google Scholar

• 50

  BallJPSyedMMaranonROHallMEKcRReckelhoffJFet al. Role and Regulation of MicroRNAs in Aldosterone-Mediated Cardiac Injury and Dysfunction in Male Rats. Endocrinology (2017) 158(6):1859–74. doi: 10.1210/en.2016-1707

  • CrossRef
  • Google Scholar

• 51

  WangXWangHXLiYLZhangCCZhouCYWangLet al. MicroRNA Let-7i Negatively Regulates Cardiac Inflammation and Fibrosis. Hypertension (2015) 66(4):776–85. doi: 10.1161/HYPERTENSIONAHA.115.05548

  • CrossRef
  • Google Scholar

• 52

  WheltonPKCareyRMAronowWSCaseyDECollinsKJHimmelfarbCDet al. 2017 ACC/AHA/AAPA/ABC/ACPM/AGS/APhA/ASH/ASPC/NMA/PCNA Guideline for the Prevention, Detection, Evaluation, and Management of High Blood Pressure in Adults: A Report of the American College of Cardiology/American Heart Association Task Force on Clinical Practice Guidelines. Hypertension (2018) 71(6):e13–e115. doi: 10.1161/HYP.0000000000000065

  • CrossRef
  • Google Scholar

• 53

  FunderJWCareyRMManteroFMuradMHReinckeMShibataHet al. The Management of Primary Aldosteronism: Case Detection, Diagnosis, and Treatment: An Endocrine Society Clinical Practice Guideline. J Clin Endocrinol Metab (2016) 101(5):1889–916. doi: 10.1210/jc.2015-4061

  • CrossRef
  • Google Scholar

• 54

  VaidyaAMulateroPBaudrandRAdlerGK. The Expanding Spectrum of Primary Aldosteronism: Implications for Diagnosis, Pathogenesis, and Treatment. Endocr Rev (2018) 39(6):1057–88. doi: 10.1210/er.2018-00139

  • CrossRef
  • Google Scholar

• 55

  CarvajalCATapia-CastilloAValdiviaCPAllendeFSolariSLagosCFet al. Serum Cortisol and Cortisone as Potential Biomarkers of Partial 11β-Hydroxysteroid Dehydrogenase Type-2 Deficiency. Am J Hypertension (2018) 31:hpy051–hpy. doi: 10.1093/ajh/hpy051

  • CrossRef
  • Google Scholar

• 56

  Tapia-CastilloABaudrandRVaidyaACampinoCAllendeFValdiviaCet al. Clinical, Biochemical and Genetic Characteristics of “Non-Classical” Apparent Mineralocorticoid Excess Syndrome. J Clin Endocrinol Metab (2018) 104:jc.2018–01197-jc.2018-. doi: 10.1210/jc.2018-01197

  • CrossRef
  • Google Scholar

• 57

  Martinez-AguayoACampinoCBaudrandRCarvajalCAGarcíaHAglonyMet al. Cortisol/cortisone Ratio and Matrix Metalloproteinase-9 Activity are Associated With Pediatric Primary Hypertension. J Hypertens (2016) 34(9):1808–14. doi: 10.1097/HJH.0000000000001017

  • CrossRef
  • Google Scholar

• 58

  CampinoCHillCBaudrandRMartinez-AguayoAAglonyMCarrascoCAet al. Usefulness and Pitfalls in Sodium Intake Estimation: Comparison of Dietary Assessment and Urinary Excretion in Chilean Children and Adults. Am J Hypertens (2016) 29(10):1212–7. doi: 10.1093/ajh/hpw056

  • CrossRef
  • Google Scholar

• 59

  WolleyMJWuAXuSGordonRDFentonRAStowasserM. In Primary Aldosteronism, Mineralocorticoids Influence Exosomal Sodium-Chloride Cotransporter Abundance. J Am Soc Nephrol (2017) 28(1):56–63. doi: 10.1681/ASN.2015111221

  • CrossRef
  • Google Scholar

• 60

  BlijdorpCJTutakhelOAZHartjesTAvan den BoschTPPvan HeugtenMHRigalliJPet al. Comparing Approaches to Normalize, Quantify, and Characterize Urinary Extracellular Vesicles. J Am Soc Nephrol (2021) 32(5):1210–26. doi: 10.1681/ASN.2020081142

  • CrossRef
  • Google Scholar

• 61

  SimpsonRJLimJWMoritzRLMathivananS. Exosomes: Proteomic Insights and Diagnostic Potential. Expert Rev Proteomics (2009) 6(3):267–83. doi: 10.1586/epr.09.17

  • CrossRef
  • Google Scholar

• 62

  JerezSArayaHThalerRCharlesworthMCLopez-SolisRKalergisAMet al. Proteomic Analysis of Exosomes and Exosome-Free Conditioned Media From Human Osteosarcoma Cell Lines Reveals Secretion of Proteins Related to Tumor Progression. J Cell Biochem (2017) 118(2):351–60. doi: 10.1002/jcb.25642

  • CrossRef
  • Google Scholar

• 63

  GardinerCFerreiraYJDragovicRARedmanCWSargentIL. Extracellular Vesicle Sizing and Enumeration by Nanoparticle Tracking Analysis. J Extracell Vesicles (2013) 2(1):19671. doi: 10.3402/jev.v2i0.19671

  • CrossRef
  • Google Scholar

• 64

  IritaJOkuraTManabeSKurataMMiyoshiK-IWatanabeSet al. Plasma Osteopontin Levels Are Higher in Patients With Primary Aldosteronism Than in Patients With Essential Hypertension. Am J Hypertension (2006) 19(3):293–7. doi: 10.1016/j.amjhyper.2005.08.019

  • CrossRef
  • Google Scholar

• 65

  ByrdJBTurcuAFAuchusRJ. Primary Aldosteronism: Practical Approach to Diagnosis and Management. Circulation (2018) 138(8):823–35. doi: 10.1161/CIRCULATIONAHA.118.033597

  • CrossRef
  • Google Scholar

• 66

  HochepiedTBergerFGBaumannHLibertC. Alpha(1)-Acid Glycoprotein: An Acute Phase Protein With Inflammatory and Immunomodulating Properties. Cytokine Growth Factor Rev (2003) 14(1):25–34. doi: 10.1016/S1359-6101(02)00054-0

  • CrossRef
  • Google Scholar

• 67

  LeeYSChoiJWHwangILeeJWLeeJHKimAYet al. Adipocytokine Orosomucoid Integrates Inflammatory and Metabolic Signals to Preserve Energy Homeostasis by Resolving Immoderate Inflammation. J Biol Chem (2010) 285(29):22174–85. doi: 10.1074/jbc.M109.085464

  • CrossRef
  • Google Scholar

• 68

  MaiyarACPhuPTHuangAJFirestoneGL. Repression of Glucocorticoid Receptor Transactivation and DNA Binding of a Glucocorticoid Response Element Within the Serum/Glucocorticoid-Inducible Protein Kinase (Sgk) Gene Promoter by the P53 Tumor Suppressor Protein. Mol Endocrinol (1997) 11(3):312–29. doi: 10.1210/mend.11.3.9893

  • CrossRef
  • Google Scholar

• 69

  AlamTAnMRMifflinRCHsiehCCGeXPapaconstantinouJ. Trans-Activation of the Alpha 1-Acid Glycoprotein Gene Acute Phase Responsive Element by Multiple Isoforms of C/EBP and Glucocorticoid Receptor. J Biol Chem (1993) 268(21):15681–8. doi: 10.1016/S0021-9258(18)82310-9

  • CrossRef
  • Google Scholar

• 70

  SavoldiGFenaroliAFerrariFRigaudGAlbertiniADi LorenzoD. The Glucocorticoid Receptor Regulates the Binding of C/EPBbeta on the Alpha-1-Acid Glycoprotein Promoter In Vivo. DNA Cell Biol (1997) 16(12):1467–76. doi: 10.1089/dna.1997.16.1467

  • CrossRef
  • Google Scholar

• 71

  Fejes-TóthGNáray-Fejes-TóthA. Early Aldosterone-Regulated Genes in Cardiomyocytes: Clues to Cardiac Remodeling? Endocrinology (2007) 148(4):1502–10. doi: 10.1210/en.2006-1438

  • CrossRef
  • Google Scholar

• 72

  TarjusAMartinez-MartinezEAmadorCLatoucheCEl MoghrabiSBergerTet al. Neutrophil Gelatinase-Associated Lipocalin, a Novel Mineralocorticoid Biotarget, Mediates Vascular Profibrotic Effects of Mineralocorticoids. Hypertension (2015) 66(1):158–66. doi: 10.1161/HYPERTENSIONAHA.115.05431

  • CrossRef
  • Google Scholar

• 73

  VecchiolaAFuentesCABarrosERMartinez-AguayoAGarciaHAllendeFet al. The Aldosterone/Renin Ratio Predicts Cardiometabolic Disorders in Subjects Without Classic Primary Aldosteronism. Am J Hypertens (2019) 32(5):468–75. doi: 10.1093/ajh/hpz023

  • CrossRef
  • Google Scholar

• 74

  SunWYBaiBLuoCYangKLiDWuDet al. Lipocalin-2 Derived From Adipose Tissue Mediates Aldosterone-Induced Renal Injury. JCI Insight (2018) 3(17):e120196. doi: 10.1172/jci.insight.120196

  • CrossRef
  • Google Scholar

• 75

  BurrelloJGaiCTettiMLopatinaTDeregibusMCVeglioFet al. Characterization and Gene Expression Analysis of Serum-Derived Extracellular Vesicles in Primary Aldosteronism. Hypertension (2019) 74(2):359–67. doi: 10.1161/HYPERTENSIONAHA.119.12944

  • CrossRef
  • Google Scholar

• 76

  BurrelloJTettiMForestieroVBiemmiVBolisSPomattoMACet al. Characterization of Circulating Extracellular Vesicle Surface Antigens in Patients With Primary Aldosteronism. Hypertension (2021) 78(3):726–37. doi: 10.1161/HYPERTENSIONAHA.121.17136

  • CrossRef
  • Google Scholar

• 77

  YangKDengHBManAWCSongEZhangJLuoCet al. Measuring non-Polyaminated Lipocalin-2 for Cardiometabolic Risk Assessment. ESC Heart Fail (2017) 4(4):563–75. doi: 10.1002/ehf2.12183

  • CrossRef
  • Google Scholar

• 78

  BuonafineMMartinez-MartinezEJaisserF. More Than a Simple Biomarker: The Role of NGAL in Cardiovascular and Renal Diseases. Clin Sci (Lond) (2018) 132(9):909–23. doi: 10.1042/CS20171592

  • CrossRef
  • Google Scholar

• 79

  BuonafineMMartinez-MartinezEAmadorCGravezBIbarrolaJFernandez-CelisAet al. Neutrophil Gelatinase-Associated Lipocalin From Immune Cells is Mandatory for Aldosterone-Induced Cardiac Remodeling and Inflammation. J Mol Cell Cardiol (2018) 115:32–8. doi: 10.1016/j.yjmcc.2017.12.011

  • CrossRef
  • Google Scholar

• 80

  RobertsonSRomanoADababnehEBursillC. Abstract P002: Aldosterone Promotes the Release of miRNA-Containing Exosomes From Endothelial Cells, Leading to Uptake by Smooth Muscle Cells. Hypertension (2015) 66(suppl_1):AP002–AP. doi: 10.1161/hyp.66.suppl_1.p002

  • CrossRef
  • Google Scholar

• 81

  JeongYChaupinDFMatsushitaKYamakuchiMCameronSJMorrellCNet al. Aldosterone Activates Endothelial Exocytosis. Proc Natl Acad Sci USA (2009) 106(10):3782–7. doi: 10.1073/pnas.0804037106

  • CrossRef
  • Google Scholar

• 82

  NevesKBTouyzRM. Extracellular Vesicles as Biomarkers and Biovectors in Primary Aldosteronism. Hypertension (2019) 74(2):250–2. doi: 10.1161/HYPERTENSIONAHA.119.13088

  • CrossRef
  • Google Scholar

• 83

  SheedyFJ. Turning 21: Induction of miR-21 as a Key Switch in the Inflammatory Response. Front Immunol (2015) 6:19. doi: 10.3389/fimmu.2015.00019

  • CrossRef
  • Google Scholar

• 84

  ChengYZhangC. MicroRNA-21 in Cardiovascular Disease. J Cardiovasc Transl Res (2010) 3(3):251–5. doi: 10.1007/s12265-010-9169-7

  • CrossRef
  • Google Scholar

• 85

  SyedMBallJPRomeroDG. Let-7i: Lethal Weapon Against Angiotensin Ii-Induced Cardiac Injury. Hypertension (2015) 66(4):739–41. doi: 10.1161/HYPERTENSIONAHA.115.05659

  • CrossRef
  • Google Scholar

• 86

  ZhangKChenJZhouSYangRWangYFuQet al. Let-7i-5p Regulation of Cell Morphology and Migration Through Distinct Signaling Pathways in Normal and Pathogenic Fibroblasts From Urethra. bioRxiv (2018) 8(428). doi: 10.1101/330332

  • CrossRef
  • Google Scholar

• 87

  BaoMHFengXZhangYWLouXYChengYZhouHH. Let-7 in Cardiovascular Diseases, Heart Development and Cardiovascular Differentiation From Stem Cells. Int J Mol Sci (2013) 14(11):23086–102. doi: 10.3390/ijms141123086

  • CrossRef
  • Google Scholar