Rationale: MicroRNAs (miRNAs) have been implicated in the epigenetic regulation of key metabolic, inflammatory, and antiangiogenic pathways in type 2 diabetes (DM) and may contribute to common disease complications.Objective: In this study, we explore plasma miRNA profiles in patients with DM. Methods and Results:

Pioneering studies have revealed the presence of endogenous microRNAs (miRNAs) in the circulation that are not cell-associated. 1 The cellular origin and the biological function of circulating miRNAs, however, are less clear. Editorial, see p 576We have previously quantified circulating miRNAs in a large population-based cohort, the Bruneck study.3,4 Using concepts of network topology, 5 we identified altered miRNA signatures in patients with type 2 diabetes mellitus 3 and with future myocardial infarction. 4 In addition, we subjected healthy volunteers to limb ischemia-reperfusion generated by thigh cuff inflation. 4 Computational analysis identified 6 distinct miRNA clusters. 4 One cluster included all miRNAs associated with risk of myocardial infarction and consisted of miRNAs predominantly expressed in platelets. Microarray screening revealed that miR-126, miR-197, miR-223, miR-24, and miR-21 are among the most highly expressed miRNAs in platelets and platelet microparticles (PMPs), and their circulating levels correlated with PMPs as quantified by flow cytometry.Original received November 14, 2012; revision received December 21, 2012; accepted December 28, 2012. In November 2012, the average time from submission to first decision for all original research papers submitted to Circulation Research was 15.8 days.Brief UltraRapid Communications are designed to be a format for manuscripts that are of outstanding interest to the readership, report definitive observations, but have a relatively narrow scope.