Abstract 15321: Increased Expression of Mircorna-21 Contributes to Reduced Microvascular Function in Young Adult Regular Binge Drinkers

Departments of Medicine1, Biobehavioral Health Science2, Physical Therapy3, Kinesiology and Nutrition4, The University of Illinois at Chicago Binge drinking (BD) is one of the biggest health dangers confronting college students and compared to previous generations, the pervasiveness, regularity, and intensity (i.e., 6-7 drinks) of BD may place today’s youth at greater risk for more profound rates of alcohol-induced harm and premature disease. Micro RNAs are a class of molecules involved in a large number of cellular functions and changes in miRNAs may play a role in gene-environment interactions related to cardiovascular (CV) disease. The aim of this study was to determine if microvascular function is reduced in BD and if increases of microRNA-21 (miR-21) contribute to this dysfunction. Methods: Gluteal subcutaneous adipose biopsies were obtained from young adults (mean age 23 yrs, n=5 BD and n=5 abstainers (A)). Resistance arterioles (RAs) were isolated and vasoreactivity responses to flow (10-100 cmH2O ...