LINC00152/miR-145-5p/KLF4 ceRNA Axis: Diagnostic and Prognostic Value in Aortic Dissection

Abstract

Aortic dissection (AD) is a fatal cardiovascular emergency. This study explored the clinical value and mechanism of the LINC00152/miR-145-5p/KLF4 ceRNA axis in AD. 105 ad patients and 55 healthy controls were enrolled. LINC00152, miR-145-5p, and KLF4 levels were measured by qRT-PCR. ROC and Cox regression analyses assessed diagnostic and prognostic value. Dual-luciferase reporter and rescue experiments in Ang II-induced HASMCs validated the ceRNA axis. As a result, LINC00152 and KLF4 were upregulated, while miR-145-5p was downregulated in AD patients. The three molecules showed good diagnostic efficacy (combined AUC = 0.9087). LINC00152, KLF4, and their joint risk signature were independent prognostic factors for adverse outcomes. Mechanistically, LINC00152 sponged miR-145-5p to upregulate KLF4, promoting pro-inflammatory factors (TNF-α, IL-1β) and matrix metalloproteinases (MMP-2, MMP-9) in HASMCs. In conclusion, the LINC00152/miR-145-5p/KLF4 ceRNA axis shows preliminary diagnostic and prognostic potential for AD, and drives AD development by regulating vascular inflammation and extracellular matrix degradation, which may serve as a candidate molecular target for subsequent translational research.