Eureka: objective assessment of the empty pelvis syndrome to measure volumetric changes in pelvic dead space following pelvic exenteration

BACKGROUND

Large tissue defects following pelvic exenteration (PE) fill with fluid and small bowel, leading to the empty pelvis syndrome (EPS). EPS causes a constellation of complications including pelvic sepsis and reduced quality of life. EPS remains poorly defined and cannot be objectively measured. Pathophysiology of EPS is multifactorial, with increased pelvic dead space potentially important. This study aims to describe methodology to objectively measure volumetric changes relating to EPS.

METHODS

The true pelvis is defined by the pelvic inlet and outlet. Within the true pelvis there is physiological pelvic dead space (PDS) between the peritoneal reflection and the inlet. This dead space is increased following PE and is defined as the exenteration pelvic dead space (EPD). EPD may be reduced with pelvic filling and the volume of filling is defined as the pelvic filling volume (PFV). PDS, EPD, and PFV were measured intraoperatively using a bladder syringe, and Archimedes' water displacement principle.

RESULTS

A patient undergoing total infralevator PE had a PDS of 50 ml. A rectus flap rendered the pelvic outlet watertight. EPD was then measured as 540 ml. Therefore there was a 10.8-fold increase in true pelvis dead space. An omentoplasty was placed into the EPD, displacing 130 ml; therefore, PFV as a percentage of EPD was 24.1%.

CONCLUSIONS

This is the first reported quantitative assessment of pathophysiological volumetric changes of pelvic dead space; these measurements may correlate to severity of EPS. PDS, EPD, and PFV should be amendable to assessment based on perioperative cross-sectional imaging, allowing for potential prediction of EPS-related outcomes.

Metabolite signatures associated with microRNA miR-143-3p serve as drivers of poor lung function trajectories in childhood asthma

BACKGROUND

Lung function trajectories (LFTs) have been shown to be an important measure of long-term health in asthma. While there is a growing body of metabolomic studies on asthma status and other phenotypes, there are no prospective studies of the relationship between metabolomics and LFTs or their genomic determinants.

METHODS

We utilized ordinal logistic regression to identify plasma metabolite principal components associated with four previously-published LFTs in children from the Childhood Asthma Management Program (CAMP) (n = 660). The top significant metabolite principal component (PCLF) was evaluated in an independent cross-sectional child cohort, the Genetic Epidemiology of Asthma in Costa Rica Study (GACRS) (n = 1151) and evaluated for association with spirometric measures. Using meta-analysis of CAMP and GACRS, we identified associations between PCLF and microRNA, and SNPs in their target genes. Statistical significance was determined using an false discovery rate-adjusted Q-value.

FINDINGS

The top metabolite principal component, PCLF, was significantly associated with better LFTs after multiple-testing correction (Q-value = 0.03). PCLF is composed of the urea cycle, caffeine, corticosteroid, carnitine, and potential microbial (secondary bile acid, tryptophan, linoleate, histidine metabolism) metabolites. Higher levels of PCLF were also associated with increases in lung function measures and decreased circulating neutrophil percentage in both CAMP and GACRS. PCLF was also significantly associated with microRNA miR-143-3p, and SNPs in three miR-143-3p target genes; CCZ1 (P-value = 2.6 × 10-5), SLC8A1 (P-value = 3.9 × 10-5); and TENM4 (P-value = 4.9 × 10-5).

INTERPRETATION

This study reveals associations between metabolites, miR-143-3p and LFTs in children with asthma, offering insights into asthma physiology and possible interventions to enhance lung function and long-term health.

FUNDING

Molecular data for CAMP and GACRS via the Trans-Omics in Precision Medicine (TOPMed) program was supported by the National Heart, Lung, and Blood Institute (NHLBI).

Circulating miRNAs associate with historical childhood asthma hospitalization in different serum vitamin D groups

BACKGROUND

Vitamin D may help to alleviate asthma exacerbation because of its anti-inflammation effect, but the evidence is inconsistent in childhood asthma. MiRNAs are important mediators in asthma pathogenesis and also excellent non-invasive biomarkers. We hypothesized that circulating miRNAs are associated with asthma exacerbation and modified by vitamin D levels.

METHODS

We sequenced baseline serum miRNAs from 461 participants in the Childhood Asthma Management Program (CAMP). Logistic regression was used to associate miRNA expression with asthma exacerbation through interaction analysis first and then stratified by vitamin D insufficient and sufficient groups. Microarray from lymphoblastoid B-cells (LCLs) treated by vitamin D or sham of 43 subjects in CAMP were used for validation in vitro. The function of miRNAs was associated with gene modules by weighted gene co-expression network analysis (WGCNA).

RESULTS

We identified eleven miRNAs associated with asthma exacerbation with vitamin D effect modification. Of which, five were significant in vitamin D insufficient group and nine were significant in vitamin D sufficient group. Six miRNAs, including hsa-miR-143-3p, hsa-miR-192-5p, hsa-miR-151a-5p, hsa-miR-24-3p, hsa-miR-22-3p and hsa-miR-451a were significantly associated with gene modules of immune-related functions, implying miRNAs may mediate vitamin D effect on asthma exacerbation through immune pathways. In addition, hsa-miR-143-3p and hsa-miR-451a are potential predictors of childhood asthma exacerbation at different vitamin D levels.

CONCLUSIONS

miRNAs are potential mediators of asthma exacerbation and their effects are directly impacted by vitamin D levels.

A novel piwi-interacting RNA associates with type 2-high asthma phenotypes

BACKGROUND

Piwi-interacting RNAs (piRNAs), comprising the largest noncoding RNA group, regulate transcriptional processes. Whether piRNAs are associated with type 2 (T2)-high asthma is unknown.

OBJECTIVE

We sought to investigate the association between piRNAs and T2-high asthma in childhood asthma.

METHODS

We sequenced plasma samples from 462 subjects in the Childhood Asthma Management Program (CAMP) as the discovery cohort and 1165 subjects in the Genetics of Asthma in Costa Rica Study (GACRS) as a replication cohort. Sequencing reads were filtered first, and piRNA reads were annotated and normalized. Linear regression was used for the association analysis of piRNAs and peripheral blood eosinophil count, total serum IgE level, and long-term asthma exacerbation in children with asthma. Mediation analysis was performed to investigate the effect direction. We then ascertained if the circulating piRNAs were present in asthmatic airway epithelial cells in a Gene Expression Omnibus (GEO; www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/geo) public data set.

RESULTS

Fifteen piRNAs were significantly associated with eosinophil count in CAMP (P ≤ .05), and 3 were successfully replicated in GACRS. Eleven piRNAs were associated with total IgE in CAMP, and one of these was replicated in GACRS. All 22 significant piRNAs were identified in epithelial cells in vitro, and 6 of these were differentially expressed between subjects with asthma and healthy controls. Fourteen piRNAs were associated with long-term asthma exacerbation, and effect of piRNAs on long-term asthma exacerbation are mediated through eosinophil count and serum IgE level.

CONCLUSION

piRNAs are associated with peripheral blood eosinophils and total serum IgE in childhood asthma and may play important roles in T2-high asthma.

Oral Release Kinetics, Biodistribution, and Excretion of Dopants from Barium-Containing Bioactive Glass in Rats

Background: Inorganic biomaterials are biologically active and are used as implants and drug delivery system. They have therapeutically active elements present in their framework that are released in the physiological milieu. Release of these dopants above the supraphysiological limit may produce adverse effects and physicochemical interactions with the loaded drugs. Therefore, this necessitates evaluating the in vivo release kinetics, biodistribution, and excretion profiles of dopants from barium-doped bioglass (BaBG) that has potential anti-inflammatory, antiulcer, and regenerative properties. Methods: In vitro leaching of Ca, Si, and Ba from BaBG was analyzed in simulated body fluid. Release kinetics post single-dose oral administration (1, 5, and 10 mg/kg) was performed in rats. Blood was collected at different time points, and pharmacokinetic parameters of released elements were calculated. The routes of excretion and biodistribution in major organs were evaluated using ICP-MS. Results: Elements were released after the oral administration of BaBG into the plasma. They showed dose-dependent release kinetics and mean residence time. Cmax was observed at 24 h for all elements, followed by a downhill fall. There was also a dose-dependent increase in the volume of distribution, and the clearance of dopants was mostly through feces. Ba and Si were biodistributed significantly in the liver, spleen, and kidneys. However, by the end of day 7, there was a leveling-off effect observed for all elements. Conclusion: All of the dopants exhibited a dose-dependent increase in release kinetics and biodistribution in vital organs. This study will help in dose optimization and understanding of various physicochemical and pharmacokinetic interactions when BaBG is used for future pharmacological studies.

Polygenic risk scores identify heterogeneity in asthma and chronic obstructive pulmonary disease

BACKGROUND

Asthma and chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) have distinct and overlapping genetic and clinical features.

OBJECTIVE

We sought to test the hypothesis that polygenic risk scores (PRSs) for asthma (PRSAsthma) and spirometry (FEV1 and FEV1/forced vital capacity; PRSspiro) would demonstrate differential associations with asthma, COPD, and asthma-COPD overlap (ACO).

METHODS

We developed and tested 2 asthma PRSs and applied the higher performing PRSAsthma and a previously published PRSspiro to research (Genetic Epidemiology of COPD study and Childhood Asthma Management Program, with spirometry) and electronic health record-based (Mass General Brigham Biobank and Genetic Epidemiology Research on Adult Health and Aging [GERA]) studies. We assessed the association of PRSs with COPD and asthma using modified random-effects and binary-effects meta-analyses, and ACO and asthma exacerbations in specific cohorts. Models were adjusted for confounders and genetic ancestry.

RESULTS

In meta-analyses of 102,477 participants, the PRSAsthma (odds ratio [OR] per SD, 1.16 [95% CI, 1.14-1.19]) and PRSspiro (OR per SD, 1.19 [95% CI, 1.17-1.22]) both predicted asthma, whereas the PRSspiro predicted COPD (OR per SD, 1.25 [95% CI, 1.21-1.30]). However, results differed by cohort. The PRSspiro was not associated with COPD in GERA and Mass General Brigham Biobank. In the Genetic Epidemiology of COPD study, the PRSAsthma (OR per SD: Whites, 1.3; African Americans, 1.2) and PRSspiro (OR per SD: Whites, 2.2; African Americans, 1.6) were both associated with ACO. In GERA, the PRSAsthma was associated with asthma exacerbations (OR, 1.18) in Whites; the PRSspiro was associated with asthma exacerbations in White, LatinX, and East Asian participants.

CONCLUSIONS

PRSs for asthma and spirometry are both associated with ACO and asthma exacerbations. Genetic prediction performance differs in research versus electronic health record-based cohorts.

COVID-19 SAFETY MEASURES AND THEIR EFFECTS ON GAMBLING HABITS: AN INVESTIGATIVE STUDY

This study looked at the way COVID-19 was starting to affect gambling during first six weeks of emergency actions. The following factors were evaluated: the economic effect of COVID-19 on internet gambling, according to COVID-19, psychological issues, addiction to drugs, and risky gambling habits and intentions. Online survey with cross-sectional data of 2015 gamblers was conducted, with a subsample of 1048 people who gambled online (age 18 and older). Numerous metrics of correlation and probability ratio analyses were performed. The Issue of Gambling Intensity Index's extremely dangerous gamblers and those who have gambled online are more likely to engage in gambling online, according to the outcomes, even though there was an obvious transition toward physical gaming. The most predicted indicators for high-risk gamblers on the internet were moderate to severe depression and anxiety, reduced work weeks, convincing themselves to gamble by COVID-19, gambling under the effects of alcohol or cannabis, and dangerous gambling motivations related to psychological disorders, such as gambling to relieve anxiety and depressive disorders, chasing gambling damages, and trying to make money from gambling. This research has validated numerous risk connections associated with gambling risk, psychological issues, and substance use reported in previous studies on the worldwide recession and upcoming COVID-19-related investigations. In contrast to many other inquiries, the current research considers each component comprehensively. It offers more information on the risk factors associated with online gambling throughout the epidemic.

Circulating MicroRNAs associated with Bronchodilator Response in Childhood Asthma

Rationale

Bronchodilator response (BDR) is a measure of improvement in airway smooth muscle tone, inhibition of liquid accumulation and mucus section into the lumen in response to short-acting beta-2 agonists that varies among asthmatic patients. MicroRNAs (miRNAs) are well-known post-translational regulators. Identifying miRNAs associated with BDR could lead to a better understanding of the underlying complex pathophysiology.

Objective

The purpose of this study is to identify circulating miRNAs associated with bronchodilator response in asthma and decipher possible mechanism of bronchodilator response variation.

Methods

We used available small RNA sequencing on blood serum from 1,134 asthmatic children aged 6 to 14 years who participated in the Genetics of Asthma in Costa Rica Study (GACRS). We filtered the participants into high and low bronchodilator response (BDR) quartiles and used DeSeq2 to identify miRNAs with differential expression (DE) in high (N= 277) vs low (N= 278) BDR group. Replication was carried out in the Leukotriene modifier Or Corticosteroids or Corticosteroid-Salmeterol trial (LOCCS), an adult asthma cohort. The putative target genes of DE miRNAs were identified, and pathway enrichment analysis was performed.

Results

We identified 10 down-regulated miRNAs having odds ratios (OR) between 0.37 and 0.76 for a doubling of miRNA counts and one up-regulated miRNA (OR=2.26) between high and low BDR group. These were assessed for replication in the LOCCS cohort, where two miRNAs (miR-200b-3p and miR-1246) were associated. Further, functional annotation of 11 DE miRNAs were performed as well as of two replicated miRs. Target genes of these miRs were enriched in regulation of cholesterol biosynthesis by SREBPs, ESR-mediated signaling, G1/S transition, RHO GTPase cycle, and signaling by TGFB family pathways.

Conclusion

MiRNAs miR-1246 and miR-200b-3p are associated with both childhood and adult asthma BDR. Our findings add to the growing body of evidence that miRNAs play a significant role in the difference of asthma treatment response among patients as it points to genomic regulatory machinery underlying difference in bronchodilator response among patients.

Trial registration

LOCCS cohort [ClinicalTrials.gov number: NCT00156819], GACRS cohort [ClinicalTrials.gov number: NCT00021840].

Systems Genomics Reveals microRNA Regulation of ICS Response in Childhood Asthma

BACKGROUND

Asthmatic patients' responses to inhaled corticosteroids (ICS) are variable and difficult to quantify. We have previously defined a Cross-sectional Asthma STEroid Response (CASTER) measure of ICS response. MicroRNAs (miRNAs) have shown strong effects on asthma and inflammatory processes.

OBJECTIVE

The purpose of this study was to identify key associations between circulating miRNAs and ICS response in childhood asthma.

METHODS

Small RNA sequencing in peripheral blood serum from 580 children with asthma on ICS treatment from The Genetics of Asthma in Costa Rica Study (GACRS) was used to identify miRNAs associated with ICS response using generalized linear models. Replication was conducted in children on ICS from the Childhood Asthma Management Program (CAMP) cohort. The association between replicated miRNAs and the transcriptome of lymphoblastoid cell lines in response to a glucocorticoid was assessed.

RESULTS

The association study on the GACRS cohort identified 36 miRNAs associated with ICS response at 10% false discovery rate (FDR), three of which (miR-28-5p, miR-339-3p, and miR-432-5p) were in the same direction of effect and significant in the CAMP replication cohort. In addition, in vitro steroid response lymphoblastoid gene expression analysis revealed 22 dexamethasone responsive genes were significantly associated with three replicated miRNAs. Furthermore, Weighted Gene Co-expression Network Analysis (WGCNA) revealed a significant association between miR-339-3p and two modules (black and magenta) of genes associated with immune response and inflammation pathways.

CONCLUSION

This study highlighted significant association between circulating miRNAs miR-28-5p, miR-339-3p, and miR-432-5p and ICS response. miR-339-3p may be involved in immune dysregulation, which leads to a poor response to ICS treatment.

Recent miRNA Research in Asthma

PURPOSE OF REVIEW

The study of microRNA in asthma has revealed a vibrant new level of gene regulation underlying asthma pathology. Several miRNAs have been shown to be important in asthma, influencing various biological mechanisms which lead to asthma pathology and symptoms. In addition, miRNAs have been proposed as biomarkers of asthma affection status, asthma severity, and asthma treatment response. We review all recent asthma-miRNA work, while also presenting comprehensive tables of all miRNA results related to asthma.

RECENT FINDINGS

We here reviewed 63 recent studies published reporting asthma and miRNA research, and an additional 14 reviews of the same. We summarized the information for both adult and childhood asthma, as well as research on miRNAs in asthma-COPD overlap syndrome (ACOs), and virus-induced asthma exacerbations. We attempted to present a comprehensive collection of recently published asthma-associated miRNAs as well as tables of all published asthma-related miRNA results.

Neuronal miR-29a protects from obesity in adult mice

Objective

Obesity, a growing threat to the modern society, represents an imbalance of metabolic queues that normally signal to the arcuate hypothalamic nucleus, a critical brain region sensing and regulating energy homeostasis. This is achieved by various neurons many of which developmentally originate from the proopiomelanocortin (POMC)-expressing lineage. Within the mature neurons originating from this lineage, we aimed to identify non-coding genes in control of metabolic function in the adulthood.

Methods

In this work, we used microRNA mimic delivery and POMC^Cre-dependent CRISPR-Cas9 knock-out strategies in young or aged mice. Importantly, we also used CRISPR guides directing suicide cleavage of Cas9 to limit the off-target effects.

Results

Here we found that mature neurons originating from the POMC lineage employ miR-29a to protect against insulin resistance obesity, hyperphagia, decreased energy expenditure and obesity. Moreover, we validated the miR-29 family as a prominent regulator of the PI3K-Akt-mTOR pathway. Within the latter, we identified a direct target of miR-29a-3p, Nras, which was up-regulated in those and only those mature POMC^CreCas9 neurons that were effectively transduced by anti-miR-29 CRISPR-equipped construct. Moreover, POMC^Cre-dependent co-deletion of Nras in mature neurons attenuated miR-29 depletion-induced obesity.

Conclusions

Thus, the first to our knowledge case of in situ Cre-dependent CRISPR-Cas9-mediated knock-out of microRNAs in a specific hypothalamic neuronal population helped us to decipher a critical metabolic circuit in adult mice. This work significantly extends our understanding about the involvement of neuronal microRNAs in homeostatic regulation.

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Delivery of miR-29a-3p to the arcuate hypothalamic nucleus attenuates obesity.

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Knock-out of genes in mature neurons by Cre-dependent CRISPR/Cas9 technique involving Cas9-cleaving sgRNAs to limit off-target effects.

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Deletion of miR-29a in mature Pomc^Cre neurons leads to early-onset insulin resistance and later to hyperphagia and decreased energy expenditure.

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POMC^Cre-restricted deletion of miR-29a causes cell-autonomous Nras up-regulation leading to obesity.

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POMC^Cre-restricted knock-out of Nras, a direct target of miR-29a-3p, attenuates obesity in mice.

Blood miRNAs Are Linked to Frequent Asthma Exacerbations in Childhood Asthma and Adult COPD

MicroRNAs have been independently associated with asthma and COPD; however, it is unclear if microRNA associations will overlap when evaluating retrospective acute exacerbations. Objective: We hypothesized that peripheral blood microRNAs would be associated with retrospective acute asthma exacerbations in a pediatric asthma cohort and that such associations may also be relevant to acute COPD exacerbations. Methods: We conducted small-RNA sequencing on 374 whole-blood samples from children with asthma ages 6-14 years who participated in the Genetics of Asthma in Costa Rica Study (GACRS) and 450 current and former adult smokers with and without COPD who participated in the COPDGene study. Measurements and Main Results: After QC, we had 351 samples and 649 microRNAs for Differential Expression (DE) analysis between the frequent (n = 183) and no or infrequent exacerbation (n = 168) groups in GACRS. Fifteen upregulated miRs had odds ratios (OR) between 1.22 and 1.59 for a doubling of miR counts, while five downregulated miRs had ORs between 0.57 and 0.8. These were assessed for generalization in COPDGene, where three of the upregulated miRs (miR-532-3p, miR-296-5p, and miR-766-3p) and two of the downregulated miRs (miR-7-5p and miR-451b) replicated. Pathway enrichment analysis showed MAPK and PI3K-Akt signaling pathways were strongly enriched for target genes of DE miRNAs and miRNAs generalizing to COPD exacerbations, as well as infection response pathways to various pathogens. Conclusion: miRs (451b; 7-5p; 532-3p; 296-5p and 766-3p) associated with both childhood asthma and adult COPD exacerbations may play a vital role in airflow obstruction and exacerbations and point to shared genomic regulatory machinery underlying exacerbations in both diseases.

Adding to her woes: child bride's higher risk of hypertension at young adulthood

BACKGROUND

Child marriage is associated with various adverse socio-economic and pregnancy outcomes. However, there remains a dearth of research on the long-term health implications of child marriage. As such, this study sought to expand upon the growing literature on child marriage, specifically examining the associations between child marriage and hypertension during young adult age.

METHODS

We obtained data of 5369 women aged 20-34 from the Tajikistan Demographic and Health Survey 2017. Using multivariable logistic regression framework, we estimated the adjusted odds in favor of being hypertensive for women who were married before the age of 18. We also explored the presence of several stressors to understand the role of probable medication factors.

RESULTS

We found that the odds of being hypertensive for young adult women married before the age of 18 were 1.6 (95% confidence interval: 1.1-2.4) times that of those who were not. Likelihood of having stressors, such as pregnancy loss or child death, marital control and spousal violence, was found higher among child brides compared to their peers.

CONCLUSIONS

Findings suggest that child marriage may increase the risk of hypertension among young adult women. This work reinforces recommendations by the United Nations to the end child marriage.

Molecular detection of Salmonella isolated from commercial chicken

BACKGROUND

Salmonella in chicken, specially, the motile salmonellae, causes the food chain unsafe from farm to table and is considered a significant global threat to public health.

AIMS

The present study was carried out for molecular detection of Salmonellae in commercial poultry using PCR.

METHODS

The study was conducted for eight months, from July 2019 to February 2020, and a total of 26 poultry farms, including 15 broiler and 11-layer farms, were visited individually. Pooled faecal samples were obtained from the sheds. A total of 189 necropsy cases were examined for gastrointestinal lesions. Isolation and identification of the organism were done using microbe culture method, and the molecular characterization was performed via PCR targeting invA and ent genes.

RESULTS

The prevalence of salmonellosis in the broiler and layer farms was recorded at 20.0% and 45.4%, respectively, through the traditional gold standard culture method. From 189 necropsy birds, salmonellosis was recorded at 1.58% dead cases. Molecular detection of Salmonella isolates by PCR targeting invA gene was confirmed in 13.33% of the broiler farms and 36.3% of the layer farms. Further detection of Salmonella enteritidis was performed by PCR targeting ent gene by which 11.11% positivity was determined.

CONCLUSION

This study, focused on the Salmonella prevalence, highlighted the zoonotic importance of the bacterium in the commercial poultry farms, which can subsequently be dispersed into the human food chain causing harmful health effects.

Malaria, COVID-19 and angiotensin-converting enzyme 2: what does the available population data say?

The etiopathogenesis of COVID-19 and its differential geographic spread suggest some populations are apparently 'less affected' through many host-related factors that involve angiotensin-converting enzyme 2 (ACE2) protein, which is also the entry receptor for SARS-CoV-2. The role of ACE2 has been well studied in COVID-19 but not in the context of malaria and COVID-19. We have previously suggested how malaria might intersect with COVID-19 through ACE2 mutation and here we evaluate the currently available data that could provide a link between the two diseases. Based on the existing global and Indian data on malaria, COVID-19 and the suggested ACE2 mutation, the association could not be examined robustly, neither accepting nor refuting the suggested hypothesis. We strongly recommend targeted evaluation of this hypothesis through carefully designed robust molecular epidemiological studies.

Seasonal Variation in miR-328-3p and let-7d-3p Are Associated With Seasonal Allergies and Asthma Symptoms in Children

OBJECTIVE

MicroRNAs (miRs) are small non-coding RNA molecules of around 18-22 nucleotides that are key regulators of many biologic processes, particularly inflammation. The purpose of this study was to determine the association of circulating miRs from asthmatic children with seasonal variation in allergic inflammation and asthma symptoms.

METHODS

We used available small RNA sequencing on blood serum from 398 children with mild-to-moderate asthma from the Childhood Asthma Management Program. We used seasonal asthma symptom data at the study baseline and allergen affection status from baseline skin prick tests as primary outcomes. We identified differentially expressed (DE) miRs between pairs of seasons using DESeq2. Regression analysis was used to identify associations between allergy status to specific seasonal allergens and DE miRs in 4 seasons and between seasonal asthma symptom data and DE miRs. We performed pathway enrichment analysis for target genes of the DE miRs using DAVID.

RESULTS

After quality control, 398 samples underwent differential analysis between the 4 seasons. We found 52 unique miRs from a total of 81 DE miRs across seasons. Further investigation of the association between these miRs and sensitization to seasonal allergens using skin prick tests revealed that 26 unique miRs from a total of 38 miRs were significantly associated with a same-season allergen. Comparison between seasonal asthma symptom data revealed that 2 of these 26 miRs also had significant associations with asthma symptoms in the same seasons: miR-328-3p (P < 0.03) and let-7d-3p (P < 0.05). Enrichment analysis showed that the most enriched pathway clusters were Rap1, Ras, and MAPK signaling pathways.

CONCLUSION

Our results show seasonal variation in miR-328-3p and let-7d-3p are significantly associated with seasonal asthma symptoms and seasonal allergies. These indicate a potentially protective role for let-7d-3p and a deleterious role for miR-328-3p in asthmatics sensitized to mulberry. Further work will determine whether these miRs are drivers or results of the allergic response.