Illustration showing the connection between gastric cancer surgery and heart damage, with miR-133a molecules.

Heartbreak After Gastric Cancer Surgery: Is There a Hidden Link?

Rhea Morgan in Health & Wellness July 2025 • 4 min read.

"Unveiling the connection between gastric cancer surgery, myocardial infarction, and a tiny molecule called miR-133a."

Gastric cancer, a major global health concern, often requires surgery as a primary treatment. While surgery aims to remove the tumor and improve patient outcomes, it can sometimes lead to unexpected complications, especially for older adults. One of the most serious of these complications is acute myocardial infarction (AMI), also known as a heart attack.

AMI is a life-threatening condition where blood flow to the heart is severely reduced or blocked, often leading to damage of the heart muscle. It's characterized by inflammation, heart muscle cell death, and the formation of scar tissue. Rapid diagnosis and treatment are crucial to improve survival rates and long-term heart health. But what does this have to do with gastric cancer surgery?

A recent study investigated a possible link between radical surgery for gastric cancer and the development of AMI, focusing on a tiny molecule called microRNA-133a (miR-133a). MicroRNAs are small, non-coding RNA molecules that regulate gene expression, and they've been implicated in various cardiovascular diseases. The study aimed to uncover how miR-133a might be involved in the heart problems that sometimes arise after gastric cancer surgery.

The Surprising Role of miR-133a: From Gastric Cancer to Heart Health

Illustration showing the connection between gastric cancer surgery and heart damage, with miR-133a molecules.

Researchers examined blood samples from patients who had undergone radical surgery for gastric cancer, comparing those who developed AMI with those who didn't. They measured the levels of miR-133a and markers of endothelial injury, which indicate damage to the inner lining of blood vessels. Additionally, they created an AMI rat model to further investigate the effects of miR-133a.

The study revealed some intriguing findings:

Elevated miR-133a and Endothelial Injury Markers: Patients who experienced AMI after gastric cancer surgery had significantly higher levels of miR-133a and endothelial injury markers in their blood compared to those without AMI.
miR-133a's Impact on Endothelial Injury: In the rat model, increasing miR-133a levels worsened endothelial injury, while decreasing miR-133a had the opposite effect.
Targeting Bcl211: The researchers discovered that miR-133a directly targets a gene called Bcl211, which plays a role in cell survival and programmed cell death (apoptosis). By targeting Bcl211, miR-133a can influence the health and function of endothelial cells.
Protecting Endothelial Cells: Further experiments showed that inhibiting miR-133a could promote the proliferation and reduce the apoptosis (cell death) of human umbilical vein endothelial cells (HUVECs) in vitro, suggesting a protective effect on these cells.

These results suggest that miR-133a plays a significant role in the endothelial injury process following AMI in patients who have undergone radical surgery for gastric cancer. By targeting Bcl211, miR-133a can disrupt the delicate balance of endothelial cell survival and function, contributing to heart complications.

What Does This Mean for Patients?

This study sheds light on a potential mechanism behind heart complications after gastric cancer surgery, highlighting the role of miR-133a. While more research is needed, these findings suggest that miR-133a could be a therapeutic target for preventing or treating AMI in these patients. Further studies are necessary to determine whether targeting miR-133a as a preventative measure could benefit individuals undergoing radical surgery for gastric cancer. Understanding the intricate relationship between cancer treatment and cardiovascular health is crucial for improving patient care and outcomes.

About this Article -

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Everything You Need To Know

What is the primary focus of the study linking gastric cancer surgery and heart health?

The study primarily investigates the connection between radical surgery for gastric cancer and the occurrence of acute myocardial infarction (AMI), also known as a heart attack. It explores the role of a small RNA molecule called miR-133a in the development of heart complications in patients who have undergone this type of surgery. The goal is to understand how miR-133a might contribute to endothelial injury, which is damage to the inner lining of blood vessels, potentially leading to AMI.

How does miR-133a influence the development of heart problems after gastric cancer surgery?

miR-133a is a microRNA that regulates gene expression and has been found to play a significant role in the endothelial injury process following radical surgery for gastric cancer. The study found that patients who developed AMI after surgery had elevated levels of miR-133a and endothelial injury markers. miR-133a directly targets the Bcl211 gene, which is involved in cell survival and programmed cell death. By targeting Bcl211, miR-133a can disrupt the health and function of endothelial cells, thereby contributing to heart complications like AMI.

What is the significance of endothelial injury markers in the context of gastric cancer surgery and AMI?

Endothelial injury markers indicate damage to the inner lining of blood vessels. This is a critical factor because the endothelium plays a vital role in maintaining the health and function of the cardiovascular system. When the endothelium is injured, it can lead to inflammation, impaired blood flow, and ultimately, the development of conditions like AMI. In the study, the presence of elevated endothelial injury markers alongside increased miR-133a levels in patients who experienced AMI suggests a direct link between miR-133a, endothelial damage, and heart complications following gastric cancer surgery.

How can the findings related to miR-133a potentially impact patient treatment and outcomes after gastric cancer surgery?

The research suggests that miR-133a could be a therapeutic target for preventing or treating AMI in patients who have undergone radical surgery for gastric cancer. If further studies confirm these findings, interventions that inhibit or target miR-133a might protect against endothelial injury, potentially reducing the risk of heart complications. This could involve developing drugs or other therapies that modulate miR-133a activity, ultimately improving patient care and outcomes by mitigating cardiovascular risks associated with cancer treatment.

Beyond miR-133a, what other aspects of the study shed light on the connection between gastric cancer surgery and heart health?

The study also highlights the broader implications of cancer treatment on cardiovascular health. It emphasizes the importance of considering the potential side effects of radical surgery for gastric cancer, especially in older adults, who may be at higher risk for complications like AMI. The research suggests that understanding the molecular mechanisms underlying these complications, such as the role of miR-133a and its impact on endothelial cells, can lead to improved patient care. This involves a deeper understanding of how the body responds to cancer treatments and how to mitigate associated risks, underscoring the need for more comprehensive patient management strategies.