Heterogeneity and Differentiation of the Human Arterial Tree: Focus on microRNA Expression in Vascular Frail Patients

Human arteries show structural and functional peculiarities according to the nutrient and oxygen needs of a specific vascular district. This architectural heterogeneity is reflected in the pathological setting of cardiovascular diseases (CVDs). Indeed, the responsiveness to cardiovascular risk factors, the morphological and molecular patterns are discriminating factors among CVDs affecting different vascular beds. Micro-RNAs (miRNAs) are endogenous regulators of gene expression and fine tuners of vascular cell differentiation, thus these non-coding RNAs can modulate the arterial heterogeneity. The identification of a miRNA signature artery-specific would be promising in the therapy of CVDs, especially in frail elderly patients. In the present review we will provide a concise description of the arterial tree heterogeneity on structural and cellular basis, mainly in the pathological context. Secondly, we will address the miRNA potential as crucial mediators of arterial heterogeneity focusing on abdominal aorta and femoral artery, with the final goal of strengthening the search of more targeted therapies in CVDs and stratification approaches in frail elderly patients.