Abstract 281: Local MicroRNA Modulation Using a Novel Anti-mir-21-eluting Stent Effectively Prevents In-stent Restenosis

The major limitation of vascular angioplasty remains the occurrence of in-stent restenosis (ISR). The central role of miRNAs in the pathophysiology of the proliferative response in cardiovascular disease offers attractive concepts for possible therapeutic interventions, with systemic miRNA modulation however potentially causing substantial off-target effects. Aim of the current study was to test the feasibility of local miRNA modulation using drug eluted stent (DES) technology. Utilizing human ISR tissue samples, as well as a humanized rodent model of balloon-injured human internal mammary arteries with subsequent stent implantation in RNU rats, we were able to identify several miRNAs dys-regulated, including the well-characterized miR-21. We inhibited miR-21 (with a FAM-tagged-LNA-anti-miR-21), using either systemic or local delivery via DES. Systemic suppression of miR-21 showed a dose-dependent reduction of luminal obliteration, while not impeding vascular re-endothelialization. However, miR-21 expression in liver, heart, lung, and kidney appeared significantly reduced, with increased levels of serum creatinine, pointing towards the expected off-target effects of systemic miRNA modulation. Local mir-21 suppression, using the anti-miR-21-DES, effectively reduced myointimal hyperplasia and ISR compared to bare metal stents, while not exerting detectable off-target effects on any other organ we investigated. Additional in vitro experiments in cultured human coronary artery smooth muscle and endothelial cells further confirmed the ability of anti_miR-21 to limit SMC proliferation and migration by repressing mRNA and protein levels of its established target PTEN, while not affecting the proliferative response in the ECs. This is the first experimental study to demonstrate the efficacy, feasibility and suitability of an anti-miRNA-eluting stent (anti-miR-21-DES) for the reduction of ISR through dominant inhibition of SMC proliferation.