Overcoming Heparin-Associated RT-qPCR Inhibition and Normalization Issues for microRNA Quantification in Patients with Acute Myocardial Infarction

Abstract

miRNA quantification in STEMI patients receiving heparin is jeopardized by its effect on all RT-qPCR normalization approaches. Use of samples from bivalirudin-treated patients or in vitro treatment of heparin-contaminated samples with heparinase are suitable alternatives for miRNA quantification in this cohort. Finally, we reinforce the evidence that cardiac-enriched miRNAs early after myocardial reperfusion reflect the severity of cardiac injury.