MiR-181b hypermethylation is associated with the incidence and severity of coronary artery disease. (A) Schematic diagram of miR-181b promoter. Upper, CG percentages within the target region (start from −2,000 bp relative to transcription start site) of miR-181b promoter. Bottom, red pillars show the CpG sites within the sequencing fragment of miR-181b promoter. Green arrow indicates the MethyLight PCR primer predesigned for miR-181b methylation. (B) Comparison of miR-181b methylation in circulating CD14+ monocytes between controls and patients with coronary artery disease (CAD). (C) Comparison of miR-181b expression in circulating CD14+ monocytes between controls and patients with CAD. (D) Comparison of miR-181b methylation in circulating CD14+ monocytes from CAD patients according to the number of culprit vessels. (E) Comparison of miR-181b methylation in circulating CD14+ monocytes from CAD patients according to the length of plaque detected by coronary angiography. (F) Comparison of miR-181b methylation in circulating CD14+ monocytes from CAD patients according to the degree of stenosis. Data are presented as mean ± SD. *, P<0.05. PMR, percentage methylated of reference.