Circulating microRNAs: novel biomarkers for cardiovascular diseases

Unveiling the regulatory role of miRNAs in stroke pathophysiology and diagnosis

Stroke, a major global cause of mortality, leads to a range of problems for those who survive. Besides its brutal events, stroke also tends to have a characteristic of recurrence, making it a complex disease involving intricate regulatory networks. One of the major cellular regulators is the non-coding RNAs (ncRNA), specifically microRNAs (miRNAs), thus the possible functions of miRNAs in the pathogenesis of stroke are discussed as well as the possibility of using miRNA-based therapeutic approaches. Firstly, the molecular mechanisms by which miRNAs regulate vital physiological processes, including synaptic plasticity, oxidative stress, apoptosis, and the integrity of the blood-brain barrier (BBB) are reviewed. The miRNA indirectly impacts stroke outcomes by regulating BBB function and angiogenesis through the targeting of transcription factors and angiogenic factors. In addition, the tendency for some miRNAs to be upregulated in response to hypoxia, which is a prevalent phenomenon in stroke and various neurological disorders, highlights the possibility that it controls hypoxia-inducible factor (HIF) signaling and angiogenesis, thereby influencing the integrity of the BBB as examples of the discussed mechanisms. Furthermore, this review explores the potential therapeutic targets that miRNAs may offer for stroke recovery and highlights their promising capacity to alleviate post-stroke complications. This review provides researchers and clinicians with valuable resources since it attempts to decipher the complex network of miRNA-mediated mechanisms in stroke. Additionally, the review addresses the interplay between miRNAs and stroke risk factors as well as clinical applications of miRNAs as diagnostic and prognostic markers.

Potential roles of circulatory microRNAs in the onset and progression of renal and cardiac diseases: a focussed review for clinicians

The signalling mechanisms involving the kidney and heart are a niche of networks causing pathological conditions inducing inflammation, reactive oxidative species, cell apoptosis, and organ dysfunction during the onset of clinical complications. The clinical manifestation of the kidney and heart depends on various biochemical processes that influence organ dysfunction coexistence through circulatory networks, which hold utmost importance. The cells of both organs also influence remote communication, and evidence states that it may be explicitly by circulatory small noncoding RNAs, i.e. microRNAs (miRNAs). Recent developments target miRNAs as marker panels for disease diagnosis and prognosis. Circulatory miRNAs expressed in renal and cardiac disease can reveal relevant information about the niche of networks and gene transcription and regulated networks. In this review, we discuss the pertinent roles of identified circulatory miRNAs regulating signal transduction pathways critical in the onset of renal and cardiac disease, which can hold promising future targets for clinical diagnostic and prognostic purposes.

Evaluation of microRNA Expression Features in Patients with Various Types of Arterial Damage: Thoracic Aortic Aneurysm and Coronary Atherosclerosis

Circulating serum miRNA are increasingly used as biomarkers and potential treatment targets in several clinical scenarios, including cardiovascular diseases. However, the current data on circulating miRNA in thoracic aorta aneurism (TAA) patients are inconclusive. The aim of the present study is to compare the levels of several circulating miRNA in patients with degenerative TAA, coronary artery disease (CAD), and controls for special profile identification. We have identified several candidates for the role of new biomarkers: miR-143-3p, miR-181-5p, miR-126-3p, miR-126-5p, miR-145-5p, miR-150-5p, and miR-195-5p.

MATERIALS AND METHODS

Serum samples of 100 patients were analyzed, including 388 TAA patients scheduled for elective surgery, 67 patients with stable CAD and 17 controls, were used for miRNA isolation and identification.

RESULTS

More specific for TAA with very high predictive ability in ROC analysis was an increase in the levels of miR-21-5p, miR-29b-5p, miR-126-5p/-3p, miR-181b-5p, and miR-92a-3p, with the latter microRNA being investigated as a novel potential marker of TAA for the first time.

CONCLUSION

TAA and CAD patients demonstrated a significant increase in the levels of circulating miR-126-5p/-3p, miR-181b-5p, and miR-29b-3p. More specific for TAA with very high predictive ability in ROC analysis was an increase in the levels of miR-21-5p, -29b-5p, -126-5p/-3p, 181b-5p, and -92a-3p, with the latter microRNA being investigated as a potential marker of TAA for the first time.

Diagnosis of acute myocardial infarction using a combination of circulating circular RNA cZNF292 and clinical information based on machine learning

Circulating circular RNAs (circRNAs) are emerging as novel biomarkers for cardiovascular diseases (CVDs). Machine learning can provide optimal predictions on the diagnosis of diseases. Here we performed a proof-of-concept study to determine if combining circRNAs with an artificial intelligence approach works in diagnosing CVD. We used acute myocardial infarction (AMI) as a model setup to prove the claim. We determined the expression level of five hypoxia-induced circRNAs, including cZNF292, cAFF1, cDENND4C, cTHSD1, and cSRSF4, in the whole blood of coronary angiography positive AMI and negative non-AMI patients. Based on feature selection by using lasso with 10-fold cross validation, prediction model by logistic regression, and ROC curve analysis, we found that cZNF292 combined with clinical information (CM), including age, gender, body mass index, heart rate, and diastolic blood pressure, can predict AMI effectively. In a validation cohort, CM + cZNF292 can separate AMI and non-AMI patients, unstable angina and AMI patients, acute coronary syndromes (ACS), and non-ACS patients. RNA stability study demonstrated that cZNF292 was stable. Knockdown of cZNF292 in endothelial cells or cardiomyocytes showed anti-apoptosis effects in oxygen glucose deprivation/reoxygenation. Thus, we identify circulating cZNF292 as a potential biomarker for AMI and construct a prediction model "CM + cZNF292."

Dysregulation of Serum MicroRNA after Intracerebral Hemorrhage in Aged Mice

Stroke is one of the most common diseases that leads to brain injury and mortality in patients, and intracerebral hemorrhage (ICH) is the most devastating subtype of stroke. Though the prevalence of ICH increases with aging, the effect of aging on the pathophysiology of ICH remains largely understudied. Moreover, there is no effective treatment for ICH. Recent studies have demonstrated the potential of circulating microRNAs as non-invasive diagnostic and prognostic biomarkers in various pathological conditions. While many studies have identified microRNAs that play roles in the pathophysiology of brain injury, few demonstrated their functions and roles after ICH. Given this significant knowledge gap, the present study aims to identify microRNAs that could serve as potential biomarkers of ICH in the elderly. To this end, sham or ICH was induced in aged C57BL/6 mice (18–24 months), and 24 h post-ICH, serum microRNAs were isolated, and expressions were analyzed. We identified 28 significantly dysregulated microRNAs between ICH and sham groups, suggesting their potential to serve as blood biomarkers of acute ICH. Among those microRNAs, based on the current literature, miR-124-3p, miR-137-5p, miR-138-5p, miR-219a-2-3p, miR-135a-5p, miR-541-5p, and miR-770-3p may serve as the most promising blood biomarker candidates of ICH, warranting further investigation.

Circulating miR-320a-3p and miR-483-5p level associated with pharmacokinetic-pharmacodynamic profiles of rivaroxaban

BACKGROUND

Novel biomarkers for personalizing anticoagulation remain undetermined. We aimed to investigate the association of plasma miRNAs with pharmacokinetic-pharmacodynamic (PK-PD) profiles of rivaroxaban.

METHODS

This is a multicenter, exploratory study of miRNAs in a Chinese population. Healthy volunteers and patients receiving rivaroxaban were enrolled in the study. The area under the plasma concentration-time curve from time 0-t h (AUC_0-t) and anti-Xa activity at 3 h (AXA_3h) were measured in healthy volunteers, and AXA_3h was measured in patients. MiRNAs were detected by miRNA microarray in 26 healthy volunteers with 20 mg rivaroxaban, and quantitative reverse transcription polymerase chain reaction was used to exclude undetectable ones. MiR-320a-3p and miR-483-5p were then quantified in 65 healthy volunteers and 71 patients. MiRNA levels at 3 h were compared between high and low AXA_3h or AUC_0-t subjects and in matched patients with or without bleeding during follow-up. The miRNA targets were predicted by TargetScan, miRTarBase, and miRDB. Validated genes were included in GO enrichment and KEGG analyses. The protein-protein interaction network was established by STRING and visualized by Cytoscape.

RESULTS

A total of 136 Chinese subjects completed the study. In healthy volunteers taking 15 mg rivaroxaban, the miR-320a level at 3 h was significantly positively correlated with AXA_3h and AUC_0-t (r = 0.359, p = 0.025; r = 0.370, p = 0.02, respectively). A positive correlation was also observed between miR-483 and AXA_3h or AUC_0-t (r = 0.372, p = 0.02; r = 0.523, p = 0.001, respectively). MiR-320a and miR-483 levels at 3 h in the higher AUC_0-t group were significantly higher than those at 0 h. MiR-483 levels at 3 h may distinguish healthy volunteers with high or low AXA_3h or AUC_0-t. In the 10 mg fed subgroup, higher 3 h mir-483 levels were also observed compared with the control group. No significant differences were found in the comparisons among patients. Bioinformatic analysis showed that these miRNAs may play a regulatory role by targeting ABCG2, ITGB3, PTEN, MAPK1/3, etc. CONCLUSIONS: MiR-320a and miR-483 levels were found to be associated with PK and PD profiles of rivaroxaban in healthy Chinese subjects. Further studies are required to verify these findings and explore the mechanisms.

PBMCs: a new source of diagnostic and prognostic biomarkers

There are various types of molecular biomarkers that are derived from distinct starting materials. Although many indirect biomarkers are found in blood, their detection remains a challenging issue because of the high degree of fragmentation, minute quantity and a vast amount of non-specific background. The present review points out the sensitivity and specificity of peripheral blood mononuclear cells (PBMCs) as an intact source of biomarkers in a variety of diseases. Multiple recent studies that have used PBMCs as a source of biomarkers reveal the alteration of mRNAs/microRNAs (miRNAs) signature and methylation profile in many kinds of disorders; for instance, dysregulation of mRNAs/miRNAs in schizophrenia, diabetes and different types of cancers and change in the methylation status of LINE-1 in neoplasms. In conclusion with a strong probability, PBMCs mimic conditions of some tissues which are in contact with them like the tumour cells, hence providing a non-invasive and suitable source of biomarkers.

Copeptin, miRNA-208, and miRNA-499 as New Biomarkers for Early Detection of Acute Coronary Syndrome

cTn and CK-MB are gold standard biomarkers for acute coronary syndrome (ACS) but are less sensitive in the first 3 h after onset of symptoms. A need thus exists for novel biomarkers for early detection of ACS. We evaluated circulating copeptin, miRNA-208, and miRNA-499 as possible biomarkers for early detection of unstable angina (UA) and non-ST-segment elevation myocardial infarction (NSTEMI). Sixty-five patients with probable ACS that presented within 4 h of the onset of chest pain (23 UA and 42 NSTEMI) and 25 apparently healthy individuals were studied. Two sets of blood samples collected in the first 3 h and at 6 h after onset were analyzed for copeptin levels via ELISA and miRNA-208 and miRNA-499 expression via real-time PCR. Copeptin, miRNA-208, and miRNA-499 expression levels were significantly increased in UA and NSTEMI patients compared with controls (p < 0.001) and in NSTEMT compared with UA patients (p < 0.001). Levels were also significantly elevated in UA and NSTEMI patients with negative cardiac troponin in the first 3 h (p < 0.001). ROC curves displayed AUC for prediction of ACS of 0.96 for copeptin, 0.97 for miRNA-208, and 0.97 for miRNA-499. Their combination improved AUC to 0.98. Copeptin and miRNA-208 and miRNA-499 expression are promising biomarkers for UA and NSTEMI that present in the first 3 h of pain onset. A combination of these markers with cTn may increase the accuracy of diagnosis by avoiding the gray zone of cTn as a biomarker.

Circulating miRNA as potential biomarkers for diabetes mellitus type 2: should we focus on searching for sex differences?

microRNAs are non-coding molecules, approximately 22 nucleotides in length, that regulate various cellular processes. A growing body of evidence has suggested that their dysregulated expression is involved in the pathogenesis of diverse diseases, including diabetes mellitus type 2 (DM2). Early onset of this chronic and complex metabolic disorder is frequently undiagnosed, leading to the development of severe diabetic complications. Notably, DM2 prevalence is rising globally and an increasing number of articles demonstrate that DM2 susceptibility, development, and progression differ between males and females. Therefore, this paper discusses the role of microRNAs as a source of novel diagnostic biomarkers for DM2 and aims to underline the importance of sex disparity in biomarkers research. Taking into account an urgent need for the development of sex-specific diagnostic strategies in DM2, recent results have shown that circulating miRNAs are promising candidates for sex-biased biomarkers.

Identification and Characterization of Circulating MicroRNAs as Novel Biomarkers in Dogs With Heart Diseases

Background: Previous studies in humans have confirmed dysregulations of circulating microRNAs (miRNAs) in patients with various cardiovascular diseases. However, studies on circulating miRNAs in dogs with various heart diseases are limited in number. This study aimed to identify significantly dysregulated circulating miRNAs and characterize them as novel biomarkers in dogs with heart diseases. Materials and Methods: Circulating levels of 11 miRNAs were investigated in serum samples of 82 dogs (72 with heart diseases and 10 healthy dogs) using quantitative reverse transcription-polymerase chain reaction. The results were correlated to clinical data including echocardiographic results and N-terminal pro B-type natriuretic peptide (NT-proBNP) levels. Results: Upregulation of cfa-miR-130b was observed in dogs with myxomatous mitral valve degeneration (MMVD) stage B, patent ductus arteriosus, and pulmonic stenosis. In dogs with MMVD stage B, cfa-miR-130b was upregulated and correlated with clinical indices. In receiver operating characteristic (ROC) analysis, cfa-miR-130b accurately distinguished dogs with diseases from healthy dogs. We also observed that cfa-miR-375 and cfa-let-7b were upregulated in dogs with concentric cardiac hypertrophy. The cfa-miR-375 was correlated with concentric hypertrophy indices and was an accurate indicator of concentric hypertrophy in ROC analysis. Conclusions: The miRNAs identified in this study may be used as novel biomarkers and possible candidates for therapeutic targets in various canine heart diseases.

Exosome microRNAs in Amyotrophic Lateral Sclerosis: A Pilot Study

The pathogenesis of amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS), a lethal neurodegenerative disease, remains undisclosed. Mutations in ALS related genes have been identified, albeit the majority of cases are unmutated. Clinical pathology of ALS suggests a prion-like cell-to-cell diffusion of the disease possibly mediated by exosomes, small endocytic vesicles involved in the propagation of RNA molecules and proteins. In this pilot study, we focused on exosomal microRNAs (miRNAs), key regulators of many signaling pathways. We analyzed serum-derived exosomes from ALS patients in comparison with healthy donors. Exosomes were obtained by a commercial kit. Purification of miRNAs was performed using spin column chromatography and RNA was reverse transcribed into cDNA. All samples were run on the miRCURY LNA^TM Universal RT miRNA PCR Serum/Plasma Focus panel. An average of 29 miRNAs were detectable per sample. The supervised analysis did not identify any statistically significant difference among the groups indicating that none of the miRNA of our panel has a strong pathological role in ALS. However, selecting samples with the highest miRNA content, six biological processes shared across miRNAs through the intersection of the GO categories were identified. Our results, combined to those reported in the literature, indicated that further investigation is needed to elucidate the role of exosome-derived miRNA in ALS.

Expression Profile of Circulating MicroRNAs in Dogs With Cardiac Hypertrophy: A Pilot Study

This study aimed to identify the expression profile of circulating microRNAs in dogs with eccentric or concentric cardiac hypertrophy. A total of 291 microRNAs in serum samples of five dogs with myxomatous mitral valve degeneration (MMVD) and five dogs with pulmonic stenosis (PS) were compared with those of five healthy dogs using microarray analysis. Results of microarray analysis revealed up-regulation of cfa-miR-130b [fold change (FC) = 2.13, p = 0.014), down-regulation of cfa-miR-375 (FC = 1.51, p = 0.014), cfa-miR-425 (FC = 2.56, p = 0.045), cfa-miR-30d (FC = 3.02, p = 0.047), cfa-miR-151 (FC = 1.89, p = 0.023), cfa-miR-19b (FC = 3.01, p = 0.008), and cfa-let-7g (FC = 2.53, p = 0.015) in MMVD group which showed eccentric cardiac hypertrophy, up-regulation of cfa-miR-346 (FC = 2.74, p = 0.032), down-regulation of cfa-miR-505 (FC = 1.56, p = 0.016) in PS group which showed concentric cardiac hypertrophy, and down-regulation of cfa-miR-30c (FC = 3.45, p = 0.013 in MMVD group; FC = 3.31, p = 0.014 in PS group) and cfa-let-7b (FC = 11.42, p = 0.049 in MMVD group; FC = 5.88, p = 0.01 in PS group) in both MMVD and PS groups. In addition, the unsupervised hierarchical clustering of differentially expressed microRNAs in each group resulted in complete separation of healthy dogs from dogs with heart diseases. Therefore, eleven microRNAs among 291 microRNAs were identified as differentially expressed circulating microRNAs related to MMVD or PS in dogs. This pilot study demonstrates that the microRNAs identified in this study could be possible candidates for novel biomarker or therapeutic target related to cardiac hypertrophy in dogs.

The Predictive Value of microRNA-134 and microRNA-1233 for the Early Diagnosis of Acute Exacerbation of Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease with Acute Pulmonary Embolism

Background

The differential diagnosis of acute exacerbation of chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (AECOPD) with acute pulmonary embolism (APE) complications are difficult because of the variability of clinical presentations and the shortage of an unfailing screening biomarkers or instruments.

Objective

Aimed to detect and compare the expression of serum microRNAs (miR-1233, miR-134) in AECOPD patients complicated with APE.

Patients/Methods

Blood samples were collected from 52 AECOPD patients (13 patients with APE complications, 39 patients without APE) and 10 patients with stable COPD. Serum miRNAs expression was detected with real-time quantitative reverse transcription polymerase chain reaction (qRT-PCR). The levels of plasma D-dimers were determined by detection with an enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA). The receiver-operator characteristic (ROC) curve was used for evaluating the diagnostic accuracy of the studied miRNAs.

Results

According to the Wells score, 42 of the 52 AECOPD patients were unlikely to have APE (≤4 points), whereas the remaining 10 (>4 points) were likely to have APE. There were 4 cases (4/13 30.8%) in the AECOPD combined with APE group with a Wells score of >4 points. The expression levels of miR-1233 and miR-134 in the serum were considerably upregulated in the AECOPD+APE group compared with the AECOPD group and the stable COPD group (P<0.05). The areas under the curve (AUCs) for miR-134 and miR-1233 were, respectively, 0.931 (95% CI 0.863-0.999) (P<0.05) and 0.884 (95% CI 0.79-0.978) (P<0.05) and were higher compared with the AUC for D-dimer of 0.628 (95% CI 0.447-0.809), the AUC for age-adjusted D-dimer of 0.705 (95% CI 0.525-0.885) and the AUC for Wells score of 0.577 (95% CI 0.389-0.765).

Conclusion

Our study indicated that serum miR-1233 and miR-134 have high clinical value in the early diagnosis of AECOPD patients combined with APE, or could be used as potential biomarkers for clinical identification of AECOPD with or without APE complication.

Diabetes and COVID-19 risk: an miRNA perspective

Coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) and diabetes outcomes (CORONADO) trial revealed that 10.6% of patients with diabetes mellitus hospitalized for COVID-19 (COVID-19) die within 7 days. Several studies from New York, Italy, and China confirm that patients with diabetes are at a much higher risk for mortality due to COVID-19. Besides respiratory illness, COVID-19 increases cardiac injury and diabetic ketoacidosis. In the absence of specific guidelines for the prevention and treatment of COVID-19 for patients with diabetes, they remain at higher risk and are more susceptible to COVID-19. Furthermore, there is a scarcity of basic knowledge on how diabetes affects pathogenesis of severe acute respiratory coronavirus (SARS-CoV-2) infection. In patients with diabetes, impaired glucose use alters metabolic and consequently biological processes instigating pathological remodeling, which has detrimental effects on cardiovascular systems. A majority of biological processes are regulated by noncoding microRNAs (miRNAs), which have emerged as a promising therapeutic candidate for several diseases. In consideration of the higher risk of mortality in patients with diabetes and COVID-19, novel diagnostic test and treatment strategy are urgently warranted in post-COVID-19 era. Here, we describe potential roles of miRNA as a biomarker and therapeutic candidate, especially for heart failure, in patients with diabetes and COVID-19.

Resveratrol inhibits hypertrophic scars formation by activating autophagy via the miR-4654/Rheb axis

Hypertrophic scars (HSs) are a type of pathological scar which are induced by surgery, burn injuries or trauma during the healing process. Due to the high recurrence rates and strong invasive properties, HSs have become a major clinical issue. Resveratrol has been identified as a potential agent to suppress scar formation; however, the underlying mechanism of action remains unclear. Therefore, the present study aimed to investigate the effect of resveratrol on HS-derived fibroblasts (HSFBs) in vitro. MTT assay was performed to evaluate cell viability following the resveratrol treatment. Western blot and RT-qPCR analysis was used to identify the expression levels and the relationship among autophagic markers, miR-4654 and resveratrol treatment. Finally, GFP-LC3 stable HSFBs cells were generated to further assess the effect of resveratrol. The results revealed that resveratrol significantly induced cell death in a dose-dependent manner and induced autophagy by downregulating the expression levels of Rheb in HSFBs. Notably, microRNA-4654 (miR-4654) was significantly decreased in the HSFBs and re-upregulated by resveratrol treatment dose-dependently. Through the bioinformatic analysis and luciferase assay, miR-4654 was identified to directly target Rheb. Transfection studies showed that miR-4654 negative correlated with Rheb expression, suggesting that the autophagic process may be altered by the miR-4654/Rheb axis under the control of resveratrol. In conclusion, the results of the present study suggested that resveratrol may promote autophagy by upregulating miR-4654, which in turn may suppress Rheb expression via directly binding to the 3′-untranslated region of Rheb. These findings provided a novel insight into the development of potential therapeutic targets for HSs.

The role of CDC25C in cell cycle regulation and clinical cancer therapy: a systematic review

One of the most prominent features of tumor cells is uncontrolled cell proliferation caused by an abnormal cell cycle, and the abnormal expression of cell cycle-related proteins gives tumor cells their invasive, metastatic, drug-resistance, and anti-apoptotic abilities. Recently, an increasing number of cell cycle-associated proteins have become the candidate biomarkers for early diagnosis of malignant tumors and potential targets for cancer therapies. As an important cell cycle regulatory protein, Cell Division Cycle 25C (CDC25C) participates in regulating G2/M progression and in mediating DNA damage repair. CDC25C is a cyclin of the specific phosphatase family that activates the cyclin B1/CDK1 complex in cells for entering mitosis and regulates G2/M progression and plays an important role in checkpoint protein regulation in case of DNA damage, which can ensure accurate DNA information transmission to the daughter cells. The regulation of CDC25C in the cell cycle is affected by multiple signaling pathways, such as cyclin B1/CDK1, PLK1/Aurora A, ATR/CHK1, ATM/CHK2, CHK2/ERK, Wee1/Myt1, p53/Pin1, and ASK1/JNK-/38. Recently, it has evident that changes in the expression of CDC25C are closely related to tumorigenesis and tumor development and can be used as a potential target for cancer treatment. This review summarizes the role of CDC25C phosphatase in regulating cell cycle. Based on the role of CDC25 family proteins in the development of tumors, it will become a hot target for a new generation of cancer treatments.

Blood microRNA 202-3p associates with the risk of essential hypertension by targeting soluble ST2

MicroRNA (miR)-202-3p has attracted a great deal of attention in the fields of oncology, gynecology, and metabolic disorders. However, its role in cardiovascular diseases remains to be clarified. We previously found that disruption of miR-202-3p mediated regulation of expression of soluble (s)ST2, a decoy receptor for interleukin (IL)-33, promotes essential hypertension (EH). In the present study, we first measured miR-202-3p expression levels in the blood of 182 EH cases and 159 healthy controls using TaqMan assays. miR-202-3p levels were shown to be significantly higher in EH cases than controls (fold change = 3.58, P<0.001). Logistic regression analysis revealed that higher miR-202-3p expression was associated with an increased occurrence of EH (adjusted odds ratio (OR): 1.57; 95% confidence interval (CI), 1.36-1.82; P<0.001). Addition of miR-202-3p to traditional risk factors showed an additive prediction value for EH. Further functional experiments indicated that miR-202-3p could be induced by angiotensin II (Ang II) and inhibited by Ang II-triggered soluble ST2 (sST2) expression in a negative feedback manner. Moreover, blood miR-202-3p levels were negatively correlated with sST2 expression in vivo. Our study shows that blood miR-202-3p levels were significantly associated with the occurrence of EH. These findings indicate that miR-202-3p exerts a protective role against EH by antagonizing the induction of sST2 by Ang II.

Elevated Plasma Levels of Circulating Extracellular miR-320a-3p in Patients with Paroxysmal Atrial Fibrillation

The potential of extracellular circulating microRNAs (miRNAs) as non-invasive biomarkers of atrial fibrillation (AF) has been confirmed by a number of recent studies. However, the current data for some miRNAs are controversial and inconsistent, probably due to pre-analytical and methodological differences. In this work, we attempted to fulfill the basic pre-analytical requirements provided for circulating miRNA studies for application to paroxysmal atrial fibrillation (PAF) research. We used quantitative PCR (qPCR) to determine the relative plasma levels of circulating miRNAs expressed in the heart or associated with atrial remodeling or fibrillation with reported altered plasma/serum levels in AF: miR-146a-5p, miR-150-5p, miR-19a-3p, miR-21-5p, miR-29b-3p, miR-320a-3p, miR-328-3p, miR-375-3p, and miR-409-3p. First, in a cohort of 90 adult outpatient clinic patients, we found that the plasma level of miR-320a-3p was elevated in PAF patients compared to healthy controls and hypertensive patients without AF. We further analyzed the impact of medication therapies on miRNA relative levels and found elevated miR-320a-3p levels in patients receiving angiotensin-converting-enzyme inhibitors (ACEI) therapy. Additionally, we found that miR-320a-3p, miR-21-5p, and miR-146a-5p plasma levels positively correlated with the CHA₂DS₂-Vasc score and were elevated in subjects with CHA₂DS₂-Vasc ≥ 2. Our results indicate that, amongst the analyzed miRNAs, miR-320a-3p may be considered as a potential PAF circulating plasma biomarker, leading to speculation as to whether this miRNA is a marker of platelet state change due to ACEI therapy.

Nutritional genomics, inflammation and obesity

The Human Genome Project has significantly broadened our understanding of the molecular aspects regulating the homeostasis and the pathophysiology of different clinical conditions. Consequently, the field of nutrition has been strongly influenced by such improvements in knowledge - especially for determining how nutrients act at the molecular level in different conditions, such as obesity, type 2 diabetes, cardiovascular disease, and cancer. In this manner, characterizing how the genome influences the diet and vice-versa provides insights about the molecular mechanisms involved in chronic inflammation-related diseases. Therefore, the present review aims to discuss the potential application of Nutritional Genomics to modulate obesity-related inflammatory responses. Arch Endocrinol Metab. 2020;64(3):205-22.

Hemin-Bridged MOF Interface with Double Amplification of G-Quadruplex Payload and DNAzyme Catalysis: Ultrasensitive Lasting Chemiluminescence MicroRNA Imaging

Here, we report a double-amplified sensing platform for ultrasensitive chemiluminescence (CL) miRNA detection in real patients' blood in which a hemin-bridged metal-organic framework (MOF) is employed as a functional interface to boost the payload and catalysis of G-quadruplex (G4) DNAzymes. Hemin is here used as the organic ligand for the MOF synthesis, which endows the MOF with an intrinsic peroxidase-like catalytic activity. Most importantly, the MOF surface provides a large amount of binding sites for polymeric G4 DNAzymes that are produced by miRNA-triggered rolling circle amplification reactions, and meanwhile, the interfaced G4 DNAzymes on MOFs (G4/MOFzymes) display an about 100-fold higher catalytic activity than those in solution. By using the G4/MOFzyme catalysts in the luminol/H₂O₂ CL system, the amplification detection of two acute myocardial infarction (AMI)-related miRNAs (low to 1 fM seen with naked eyes) is achieved in human serum with a smartphone as a portable imaging detector, which provides a facile methodology for point-of-care (POC) diagnosis of AMI. Compared with previous smartphone-based counterparts not requiring sophisticated equipment, this new facile methodology shows both 6 orders of magnitude higher sensitivity and an ∼50-fold longer duration for CL miRNA imaging. These unique features allow our developed G4/MOFzymes to be further employed as a novel luminescent ink for printing commonly used patterns.

Inhibition of miR-193a-3p protects human umbilical vein endothelial cells against intermittent hypoxia-induced endothelial injury by targeting FAIM2

OBJECTIVE

The functions and molecular regulatory mechanisms of miR-193a-3p in cardiac injury induced by obstructive sleep apnea (OSA) are poorly understood. This study aimed to explore the role of miR-193a-3p in intermittent hypoxia(IH)-induced human umbilical vein endothelial cells (HUVECs) injury.

RESULTS

In this study, we found that IH significantly decreased viability but enhanced cell apoptosis. Concurrently, the miR-193a-3p expression level was increased in HUVECs after IH. Subsequent experiments showed that IH-induced injury was ameliorated through miR-193a-3p silence. Fas apoptotic inhibitory molecule 2 (FAIM2) was predicted by bioinformatics analysis and further identified as a direct target gene of miR-193a-3p. Interestingly, the effect of miR-193a-3p inhibition under IH could be reversed by down-regulating FAIM2 expression.

CONCLUSION

In conclusion, our study first revealed that miR-193a-3p inhibition could protect HUVECs against intermittent hypoxia-induced damage by negatively regulating FAIM2. These findings could advance our understanding of the underlying mechanisms for OSA-related cardiac injury.

METHODS

We exposed HUVECs to IH condition; the expression levels of miR-193a-3p were detected by RT-qPCR. Cell viability, and the expressions of apoptosis-associated proteins were examined via CCK-8, and western blotting, respectively. Target genes of miR-193a-3p were confirmed by dual-luciferase reporter assay.

Circulating miRNAs as Potential Biomarkers Associated with Cardiac Remodeling and Fibrosis in Chagas Disease Cardiomyopathy

Chagas disease (CD) affects approximately 6-7 million people worldwide, from which 30% develop chronic Chagas cardiomyopathy (CCC), usually after being asymptomatic for years. Currently available diagnostic methods are capable of adequately identifying infected patients, but do not provide information regarding the individual risk of developing the most severe form of the disease. The identification of biomarkers that predict the progression from asymptomatic or indeterminate form to CCC, may guide early implementation of pharmacological therapy. Here, six circulating microRNAs (miR-19a-3p, miR-21-5p, miR-29b-3p, miR-30a-5p, miR-199b-5p and miR-208a-3p) were evaluated and compared among patients with CCC (n = 28), CD indeterminate form (n = 10) and healthy controls (n = 10). MiR-19a-3p, miR-21-5p, and miR-29b-3p were differentially expressed in CCC patients when compared to indeterminate form, showing a positive correlation with cardiac dysfunction, functional class, and fibrosis, and a negative correlation with ejection fraction and left ventricular strain. Cardiac tissue analysis confirmed increased expression of microRNAs in CCC patients. In vitro studies using human cells indicated the involvement of these microRNAs in the processes of cardiac hypertrophy and fibrosis. Our study suggests that miRNAs are involved in the process of cardiac fibrosis and remodeling presented in CD and indicate a group of miRNAs as potential biomarkers of disease progression in CCC.

Pattern of cell-to-cell transfer of microRNA by gap junction and its effect on the proliferation of glioma cells

MicroRNA is expected to be a novel therapeutic tool for tumors. Gap junctions facilitate the transfer of microRNA, which exerts biological effects on tumor cells. However, the length of microRNA that can pass through certain gap junctions composed of specific connexin remains unknown. To address this question, the present study investigated the permeability of gap junctions composed of various connexins, including connexin 43, connexin 32 or connexin 37, to microRNAs consisting of 18-27 nucleotides in glioma cells and cervical cancer cells. Results indicated that all of the microRNAs were able to be transferred from donor glioma cells to neighboring cells through the connexin 43 composed gap junction, but not the gap junctions composed of connexin 32 or connexin 37, in cervical cancer cells. Downregulation of the function of gap junctions comprising connexin 43 by pharmacological inhibition and shRNA significantly decreased the transfer of these microRNAs. In contrast, gap junction enhancers and overexpression of connexin 43 effectively increased these transfers. In glioma cells, cell proliferation was inhibited by microRNA-34a. Additionally, these effects of microRNA-34a were significantly enhanced by overexpression of connexin 43 in U251 cells, indicating that gap junctions play an important role in the antitumor effect of microRNA by transfer of microRNA to neighboring cells. Our data are the first to clarify the pattern of microRNA transmission through gap junctions and provide novel insights to show that antitumor microRNAs should be combined with connexin 43 or a connexin 43 enhancer, not connexin 32 or connexin 37, in order to improve the therapeutic effect.

MicroRNAs in Atrial Fibrillation

MicroRNAs (miRNAs) are small non-coding RNAs, involved in regulation of post-transcriptional gene expression. They exert key role not only in physiology and normal development of the cardiovascular system but also in cardiovascular disease development and progression. Recent animal and human studies of tissue specific miRNAs have suggested a role in structural and electrical remodeling in atrial fibrillation (AF). Their emerging role as biomarkers and potential therapeutic targets in patients with AF is discussed in this review.

Supramolecular Microgels with Molecular Beacons at the Interface for Ultrasensitive, Amplification-Free, and SNP-Selective miRNA Fluorescence Detection

In this study, a supramolecular structure with femtomolar biorecognition properties is proposed for use in analytical devices. It is obtained by an innovative interface between synthetic hydrogel polymers and molecular beacon (mb) probes. Supramolecularly structured microgels are synthetized with a core-shell architecture with specific dyes polymerized in a desired compartment. Mb probes are opportunely conjugated at the microgel interface so that their recognition mechanism is preserved and their spatial distribution is optimized to avoid crowding effects. The miR-21, a microRNA involved in various biological processes and usually used as a biomarker in early cancer diagnosis, has been selected as the target. The results demonstrate that by tuning the spatial distribution of molecular probes immobilized on the microgel and/or the amount of microgels, the assay shows scalable sensitivity reaching a limit of detection down to about 10 fM, without amplification steps and with detection time as short as 1 h. The assay results specific toward single mutated targets, and it is stable in the presence of high-interfering oligonucleotides concentrations. The miRNA target is also detected in human serum with performances similar to those observed in PBS buffer because of microgel antifouling properties without the need of any surface treatment. All tests were performed in a low sample volume (20 μL). As a result, mb-microgel represents an innovative biosensor to precisely quantify microRNAs in a direct (mix&read), scalable, and selective way. Such an approach paves the way for creating innovative biosensing interfaces with other probes, such as hairpins, aptamers, and PNA.

Effect of Endothelial Microparticles Induced by Hypoxia on Migration and Angiogenesis of Human Umbilical Vein Endothelial Cells by Delivering MicroRNA-19b

Background:

Microparticles (MPs) are small extracellular plasma membrane particles shed by activated and apoptotic cells, which are involved in the development of atherosclerosis. Our previous study found that microRNA (miR)-19b encapsulated within endothelial MPs (EMPs) may contribute to the upregulation of circulating miR-19b in unstable angina patients. Hypoxia is involved in atherosclerosis as a critical pathological stimulus. However, it still remains unclear whether the increase of miR-19b levels in EMPs is related to hypoxia and if the effect of miR-19b – wrapped within EMPs – stimulates hypoxia on vascular endothelial cells. This study aimed to explore the changes of miR-19b in EMPs induced by hypoxia as well as their effects on endothelial cells.

Methods:

Human umbilical vein endothelial cells (HUVECs) were cultured in vitro and arranged to harvest EMPs in two parts: the first part consisted of EMP^control and EMP^hypoxia and the second part included EMP^vehicle, EMP^{NC mimic}, and EMP^{miR-19b mimic}. Cell migration was detected by scratch migration and transwell chamber migration. Angiogenesis was assessed by tube formation assays. Furthermore, we predicted the target gene of miR-19b by bioinformatics analysis, and luciferase assay was used to verify the targeted gene of miR-19b. Data were analyzed by one-way analysis of variance. Student's t-test was used when two groups were compared.

Results:

Compared with EMP^control- and EMP^hypoxia-inhibited migration of cells by scratch migration assay (80.77 ± 1.10 vs. 28.37 ± 1.40, P < 0. 001) and transwell chamber migration assay (83.00 ± 3.46 vs. 235.00 ± 16.52, P < 0.01), the number of tube formations was markedly reduced by 70% in the EMP^hypoxia group (P < 0.001) in vitro analysis of HUVECs. Meanwhile, a strong inhibition of migration and tube formation of HUVECs in the presence of miR-19b-enriched EMP^{miR-19b mimic} was observed. This effect might be due to the delivery of miR-19b in EMPs. Transforming growth factor-β2 (TGFβ2) was predicted to be one of the target genes of miR-19b, and we further confirmed that TGFβ2 was a direct target gene of miR-19b using the luciferase assay. The expression of TGFβ2 in HUVECs was inhibited by treatment with EMP^hypoxia and EMP^{miR-19b mimic}.

Conclusions:

MiR-19b in EMPs induced by hypoxia could reduce endothelial cell migration and angiogenesis by downregulating TGFβ2 expression, which may have inhibited the progression of atherosclerosis.

MiRNA-575 suppresses angiogenesis by targeting Rab5-MEK-ERK pathway in endothelial cells

Hypertension is a major risk factor for the development of atherosclerosis. Increased carotid intima-media thickness (CIMT) is generally considered as an early marker of atherosclerosis. Recently, circulating miRNAs have been implicated both as sensitive biomarkers and key regulators in the development of atherosclerosis. However, the biological functions and molecular regulatory mechanisms for miR-575 on angiogenesis remain unknown. In our study, we first identified up-regulation of circulating miR-575 in plasma of essential hypertensive patients with increased CIMT (iCIMT) compared with those patients with normal CIMT (nCIMT). Furthermore, the overexpression of miR-575 in human umbilical vein endothelial cells (HUVECs) by its mimics significantly inhibited migration and proliferation as well as induction of apoptosis of HUVECs. Inhibition of miR-575 performed the reverse effects of HUVECs. We further suggested Rab5B was the downstream target of miR-575 and knockdown of Rab5B significantly inhibited migration and proliferation of HUVECs. Overexpression of Rab5B largely rescued the miR-575-mediated impairment of angiogenesis processes including: cell proliferation, migration, and apoptosis as well as activation of mitogen-activated protein kinase/extracellular signal-regulated kinase (MEK-ERK) signaling. Therefore, our results uncover a novel role of miR-575 in endothelial cells, implying a potential biomarker and clinical target for atherosclerosis in hypertensive patients.

miRNA-1, miRNA-145 as a Myocardial Infarction Diagnostic Biomarker

Many myocardial infarction biomarkers currently available but they are a lack of specificity, therefore present study suggests to evaluate the significant importance of miRNA-1, miRNA-145 as biomarkers for early diagnosis of myocardial infarction. A blood sample was collected from three groups. The first group was patients with acute myocardial infarction (MI), the Second group was patients who have a risk factor for MI, and the Third group included healthy volunteers. Serum blood of this sample used to RNA purification and cDNA application with stem-loop specific primer then miRNA-1, and miRNA-145 was quantitated by using RT-PCR. The level of miR-1 fold change was significantly highest in the MI group followed by risk group and then by control group (P<0.05). while of miRNA-145 fold change was significantly lowest in the MI group followed by risk group and then by control group (P<0.05). A receiver operator characteristic (ROC) analysis; the cut off value was identified at miRNA-1 of >5.28 fold change with a sensitivity of 91.67 % and a specificity of 90.7%, while the cut off value of miRNA-145 has cut off ≤ 0.7 fold change with a sensitivity of 95.83 % and a specificity of 89.47%. miRNA-1, miR145 has high sensitivity and Specificity in this study which was bushed to using them as an alone biomarker or supported for Another biomarker in AMI diagnosis.

Circulating miRs-183-5p, -206-3p and -381-3p may serve as novel biomarkers for 4,4'-methylene diphenyl diisocyanate exposure

BACKGROUND

Occupational exposure to the most widely used diisocyanate, 4,4'-methylene diphenyl diisocyanate (MDI), is a cause of occupational asthma (OA). Early recognition of MDI exposure and sensitization is essential for the prevention of MDI-OA.

OBJECTIVE

Identify circulating microRNAs (miRs) as novel biomarkers for early detection of MDI exposure and prevention of MDI-OA.

MATERIALS AND METHODS

Female BALB/c mice were exposed to one of three exposure regimens: dermal exposure to 1% MDI in acetone; nose-only exposure to 4580 ± 1497 μg/m³ MDI-aerosol for 60 minutes; or MDI dermal exposure/sensitization followed by MDI-aerosol inhalation challenge. Blood was collected and miRCURY™ miRs qPCR Profiling Service was used to profile circulate miRs from dermally exposed mice. Candidate miRs were identified and verified from mice exposed to three MDI-exposure regimens by TaqMan^® miR assays.

RESULTS

Up/down-regulation patterns of circulating mmu-miRs-183-5p, -206-3p and -381-3p were identified and verified. Circulating mmu-miR-183-5p was upregulated whereas mmu-miRs-206-3p and -381-3p were downregulated in mice exposed via all three MDI exposure regimens.

DISCUSSION AND CONCLUSION

Upregulation of circulating miR-183-5p along with downregulation of circulating miRs-206-3p and -381-3p may serve as putative biomarkers of MDI exposure and may be considered as potential candidates for validation in exposed human worker populations.

The Role of MicroRNAs in Patients with Amyotrophic Lateral Sclerosis

Amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS) is a serious neurodegenerative disease that affects motor neurons and leads to death within 2 to 3 years after the first symptoms manifest. MicroRNAs (miRNAs) are small non-coding RNA molecules that regulate gene expression in fundamental cellular processes and, post-transcriptionally, the translation levels of target mRNA transcripts. We searched PubMed for studies that examined miRNAs in ALS patients and attempted to group the results in order to find the strongest miRNA candidate for servings as an ALS biomarker. The studies on humans so far have been diverse, yielding considerably heterogeneous results, as they were performed on a wide variety of tissues and subjects. Among the miRNAs that were found consistently deregulated are miR-206, miR-133, miR-149, and miR-338-3p. Additively, the deregulation of some specific miRNAs seems to compose a miRNA expression profile that is specific for ALS. More research is required in order for the scientific community to reach a consensus.

MiRNA-224-5p inhibits autophagy in breast cancer cells via targeting Smad4

BACKGROUND/AIMS

Autophagy is known as a protective intracellular procedure, which can be regulated by several factors. MiRNA has been suggested as a potential element to mediate autophagy pathway in carcinomas. Our study was aim to investigate the role of autophagy in breast cancer cells and identify the involved molecular mechanism METHODS: The expression of LC3I/II, SQSTM1 and Smad4 were detected by western blot. The mRNA level were quantified by real-time PCR. MDC staining was used to directly visualize autophagosome formation. Target Scan 7.2 was used to predict biological targets of miR-224-5p RESULTS: MiR-224 -5p expression was upregulated in metastatic breast cancer and non-metastatic breast cancer cells compare with control. Moreover, miR-224-5p inhibition enhanced cellular autophagy levels in breast cancer cells. MiR-224-5p could suppress Smad4 expression in MDA-MB-231 cells, which indicated that Smad4 was identified as a target of miR-224-5p in breast cancer cells with high metastatic potential CONCLUSIONS: Our study revealed that miR-224-5p inhibited autophagy by targeting Smad4 in MDA-MB-231 cells. The results indicated that miR-224-5p/Smad4 regulating autophagy might be a novel regulatory network contributing to metastasis of breast cancer. MiR-224-5p and Smad4 is involved in breast tumorigenesis, which is possibly a novel target for breast cancer therapy.

MicroRNA and Diabetic Complications: A Clinical Perspective

SIGNIFICANCE

The rising global prevalence of diabetes and its debilitating complications give rise to significant disability and premature mortality. Due to the silent nature of diabetes and its vascular complications, and limitations in current methods for detection, there is a need for novel biomarkers for early detection and prognosis. Recent Advances: Metabolic memory and epigenetic factors are important in the pathogenesis of diabetic complications and interact with genetic variants, metabolic factors, and clinical risk factors. Micro(mi)RNAs interact with epigenetic mechanisms and pleiotropically mediate the effects of hyperglycemia on the vasculature. Utilizing mature profiling techniques and platforms, an increasing number of miRNA signatures and interaction networks have been identified for diabetes and its related cardiorenal complications. As a result, these short, single-stranded molecules are emerging as potential diagnostic and predictive tools in human studies, and may function as disease biomarkers, as well as treatment targets.

CRITICAL ISSUES

However, there is complex interaction between the genome and epigenome. The regulation of miRNAs may differ across species and tissues. Most profiling studies to date lack validation, often requiring large, well-characterized cohorts and reliable normalization strategies. Furthermore, the incremental benefits of miRNAs as biomarkers, beyond prediction provided by traditional risk factors, are critical issues to consider, yet often neglected in published studies.

FUTURE DIRECTIONS

All in all, the future for miRNA-based diagnostics and therapeutics for diabetic complications appears promising. Improved understanding of the complex mechanisms underlying miRNA dysregulation, and more well-designed studies utilizing prospective samples would facilitate the translation to clinical use.

Anesthetic-induced Myocardial Conditioning: Molecular Fundamentals and Scope

BACKGROUND

The pre- and post-conditioning effects of halogenated anesthetics make them most suitable for cardiac surgery. Several studies have demonstrated that the mechanism of drug-induced myocardial conditioning is enzyme-mediated via messenger RNA and miRNA regulation. The objective of this study was to investigate the role that miRNAs play in the cardioprotective effect of halogenated anesthetics. For such purpose, we reviewed the literature to determine the expression profile of miRNAs in ischemic conditioning and in the complications prevented by these phenomena.

METHODS

A review was conducted of more than 100 studies to identify miRNAs involved in anesthetic-induced myocardial conditioning. Our objective was to determine the miRNAs that play a relevant role in ischemic disease, heart failure and arrhythmogenesis, which expression is modulated by the perioperative administration of halogenated anesthetics. So far, no studies have been performed to assess the role of miRNAs in anesthetic-induced myocardial conditioning. The potential of miRNAs as biomarkers and miRNAs-based therapies involving the synthesis, inhibition or stimulation of miRNAs are a promising avenue for future research in the field of cardiology.

RESULTS

Each of the cardioprotective effects of myocardial conditioning is related to the expression of several (not a single) miRNAs. The cumulative evidence on the role of miRNAs in heart disease and myocardial conditioning opens new therapeutic and diagnostic opportunities.

CONCLUSION

Halogenated anesthetics regulate the expression of miRNAs involved in heart conditions. Further research is needed to determine the expression profile of miRNAs after the administration of halogenated drugs. The results of these studies would contribute to the development of new hypnotics for cardiac surgery patients.

Composition-Tunable Hollow Au/Ag SERS Nanoprobes Coupled with Target-Catalyzed Hairpin Assembly for Triple-Amplification Detection of miRNA

Detecting disease-related biomarkers is of great significance for disease diagnosis and therapy. In this work, we develop an ultrasensitive surface-enhanced Raman scattering (SERS) biosensor for the detection of an acute myocardial infarction-related miRNA (miR-133a) using composition-adjustable hollow Ag/Au nanosphere-based SERS probes coupled with the target-catalyzed hairpin assembly (CHA) strategy. Bimetallic probes displaying high stability and a strong surface plasmon resonance effect were synthesized with a controllable ratio of silver and gold by a galvanic replacement method and then captured by a duplex linker produced in the CHA process to accomplish signal amplification. In this way, the target miR-133a can be detected in a wide linear range with a detection limit of 0.306 fM and high selectivity over other miRNAs expressed in human hearts. Practical applications in human blood samples reveal the strong anti-interference ability and ideal sensitivity of our developed sensing platform in physiological environments, benefiting its potential biomedical applications.

Serum miRNAs in women affected by hyperandrogenic polycystic ovary syndrome: the potential role of miR-155 as a biomarker for monitoring the estroprogestinic treatment

MicroRNAs can be used as very efficient circulating biomarkers. The role of microRNAs in polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS) and the effects of antiandrogen therapy on microRNA expression is still not fully understood. A panel of serum microRNAs were retrotranscribed via looped reverse primer transcription specific for each miRNA and quantified via probe specific RT-PCR in 16 Caucasian hyperandrogenic PCOS women selected according to the Rotterdam criteria and in a subset of seven patients after four months of sequential reverse antiandrogenic therapy. All women recruited underwent an oral glucose tolerance test (OGTT) and a baseline total cholesterol, high density lipoproteins cholesterol, triglycerides, AST and ALT dosage. In the follicular phase women were evaluated for total testosterone, Δ4-androstenedione, DHEAS, 17OHpg, FSH, LH, and 17-β-E2. The AUC_2hglucose, ISI Matsuda, oral disposition index (DIo) and visceral adipose index (VAI) were also calculated. We suggest that miR-155 might have a role as biomarker in hyperandrogenic PCOS patients to monitor the effect of antiandrogen therapy.

Genome-wide sequencing and quantification of circulating microRNAs for dogs with congestive heart failure secondary to myxomatous mitral valve degeneration

OBJECTIVE To characterize expression profiles of circulating microRNAs via genome-wide sequencing for dogs with congestive heart failure (CHF) secondary to myxomatous mitral valve degeneration (MMVD). ANIMALS 9 healthy client-owned dogs and 8 age-matched client-owned dogs with CHF secondary to MMVD. PROCEDURES Blood samples were collected before administering cardiac medications for the management of CHF. Isolated microRNAs from plasma were classified into microRNA libraries and subjected to next-generation sequencing (NGS) for genome-wide sequencing analysis and quantification of circulating microRNAs. Quantitative reverse transcription PCR (qRT-PCR) assays were used to validate expression profiles of differentially expressed circulating microRNAs identified from NGS analysis of dogs with CHF. RESULTS 326 microRNAs were identified with NGS analysis. Hierarchical analysis revealed distinct expression patterns of circulating microRNAs between healthy dogs and dogs with CHF. Results of qRT-PCR assays confirmed upregulation of 4 microRNAs (miR-133, miR-1, miR-let-7e, and miR-125) and downregulation of 4 selected microRNAs (miR-30c, miR-128, miR-142, and miR-423). Results of qRT-PCR assays were highly correlated with NGS data and supported the specificity of circulating microRNA expression profiles in dogs with CHF secondary to MMVD. CONCLUSIONS AND CLINICAL RELEVANCE These results suggested that circulating microRNA expression patterns were unique and could serve as molecular biomarkers of CHF in dogs with MMVD.

Differential Expression of Several miRNAs and the Host Genes AATK and DNM2 in Leukocytes of Sporadic ALS Patients

Genetic studies have managed to explain many cases of familial amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS) through mutations in several genes. However, the cause of a majority of sporadic cases remains unknown. Recently, epigenetics, especially miRNA studies, show some promising aspects. We aimed to evaluate the differential expression of 10 miRNAs, including miR-9, miR-338, miR-638, miR-663a, miR-124a, miR-143, miR-451a, miR-132, miR-206, and let-7b, for which some connection to ALS was shown previously in ALS culture cells, animal models or patients, and in three miRNA host genes, including C1orf61 (miR-9), AATK (miR-338), and DNM2 (miR-638), in leukocyte samples of 84 patients with sporadic ALS. We observed significant aberrant dysregulation across our patient cohort for miR-124a, miR-206, miR-9, let-7b, and miR-638. Since we did not use neurological controls we cannot rule out that the revealed differences in expression of investigated miRNAs are specific for ALS. Nevertheless, the group of these five miRNAs is worth of additional research in leukocytes of larger cohorts from different populations in order to verify their potential association to ALS disease. We also detected a significant up-regulation of the AAKT gene and down-regulation of the DNM2 gene, and thus, for the first time, we connected these with sporadic ALS cases. These findings open up new research toward miRNAs as diagnostic biomarkers and epigenetic processes involved in ALS. The detected significant deregulation of AAKT and DNM2 in sporadic ALS also represents an interesting finding. The DNM2 gene was previously found to be mutated in Charcot-Marie-Tooth neuropathy-type CMT2M and centronuclear myopathy (CNM). In addition, as recent studies connected AATK and frontotemporal dementia (FTD) and DNM2 and hereditary spastic paraplegia (HSP), these two genes together with our results genetically connect, at least in part, five diseases, including FTD, HSP, Charcot-Marie-Tooth (type CMT2M), CNM, and ALS, thus opening future research toward a better understanding of the cell biology involved in these partly overlapping pathologies.

Comprehensive microRNA profiling reveals potential augmentation of the IL1 pathway in rheumatic heart valve disease

BACKGROUND

Valvular heart disease is a leading cause of cardiovascular mortality, especially in China. More than a half of valvular heart diseases are caused by acute rheumatic fever. microRNA is involved in many physiological and pathological processes. However, the miRNA profile of the rheumatic valvular heart disease is unknown. This research is to discuss microRNAs and their target gene pathways involved in rheumatic heart valve disease.

METHODS

Serum miRNA from one healthy individual and four rheumatic heart disease patients were sequenced. Specific differentially expressed miRNAs were quantified by Q-PCR in 40 patients, with 20 low-to-moderate rheumatic mitral valve stenosis patients and 20 severe mitral valve stenosis patients. The target relationship between certain miRNA and predicted target genes were analysis by Luciferase reporter assay. The IL-1β and IL1R1 expression levels were analyzed by immunohistochemistry and western blot in the mitral valve from surgery of mitral valve replacement.

RESULTS

The results showed that 13 and 91 miRNAs were commonly upregulated or downregulated in all four patients. Nine miRNAs, 1 upregulated and 8 downregulated, that had a similar fold change in all 4 patients were selected for quantitative PCR verification. The results showed similar results from miRNA sequencing. Within these 9 tested miRNAs, hsa-miR-205-3p and hsa-miR-3909 showed a low degree of dispersion between the members of each group. Hsa miR-205-3p and hsa-miR-3909 were predicted to target the 3'UTR of IL-1β and IL1R1 respectively. This was verified by luciferase reporter assays. Immunohistochemistry and Western blot results showed that the mitral valve from rheumatic valve heart disease showed higher levels of IL- 1β and IL1R1 expression compared with congenital heart valve disease. This suggested a difference between rheumatic heart valve disease and other types of heart valve diseases, with more inflammatory responses in the former.

CONCLUSION

In the present study, by next generation sequencing of miRNAs, it was revealed that interleukin 1β and interleukin 1 receptor 1 was involved in rheumatic heart diseases. And this is useful for diagnosis and understanding of mechanism of rheumatic heart disease.

Plasma miR-124 Is a Promising Candidate Biomarker for Human Intracerebral Hemorrhage Stroke

Stroke causes death or long-term disabilities and threatens the general health of the population worldwide. Recent studies have suggested that miRNAs are dysregulated and can be used as biomarkers for diagnosis and prognosis in stroke. The intracerebral hemorrhage (ICH) accounts for 15% of all the stroke cases. However, at present, little is known regarding the functions and clinical implications of miRNAs in ICH. In the present study, we established the collagenase-induced rat ICH model to mimic human ICH syndrome. We profiled the expression of 728 rat miRNAs at different time points in rat brain tissues and plasma post-ICH and identified a set human brain-enriched miRNAs that had changed expression level in the plasma of rat ICH. Among them, the expression levels of miR-124 displayed significantly synchronous alterations in rat plasma and brain tissue during ICH progression. They were significantly elevated at the acute injury phase (day 1 and 2), gradually decreased during the delayed recovery phase (day 7, 14 and 30), and finally restored to normal levels at late recovery phase (day 60). We further determined the plasma expression profile of miR-124 from human ICH patients. Similar to the pattern observed in rat ICH model, our results indicated that immediately after patients reached the hospital, the average plasma concentrations of miR-124 increased more than 100-fold in 24 h, then decreased gradually on day 2, 7, 14 and to near normal level on day 30. Taken together, these results strongly suggested that plasma concentration of miR-124 is a promising candidate biomarker for the early detection and predictive prognosis of human ICH.

Nutrimiromics: Role of microRNAs and Nutrition in Modulating Inflammation and Chronic Diseases

Nutrimiromics studies the influence of the diet on the modification of gene expression due to epigenetic processes related to microRNAs (miRNAs), which may affect the risk for the development of chronic diseases. miRNAs are a class of non-coding endogenous RNA molecules that are usually involved in post-transcriptional gene silencing by inducing mRNA degradation or translational repression by binding to a target messenger RNA. They can be controlled by environmental and dietary factors, particularly by isolated nutrients or bioactive compounds, indicating that diet manipulation may hold promise as a therapeutic approach in modulating the risk of chronic diseases. This review summarizes the evidence regarding the influence of nutrients and bioactive compounds on the expression of miRNAs related to inflammation and chronic disease in several models (cell culture, animal models, and human trials).

Differential intestinal anti-inflammatory effects of Lactobacillus fermentum and Lactobacillus salivarius in DSS mouse colitis: impact on microRNAs expression and microbiota composition

SCOPE

To compare the intestinal anti-inflammatory effects of two probiotics Lactobacillus fermentum and Lactobacillus salivarius in mouse colitis, focusing on their impact on selected miRNAs and microbiota composition.

METHODS AND RESULTS

Male C57BL/6J mice were randomly assigned to four groups (n = 10): non-colitic, DSS colitic and two colitic groups treated with probiotics (5 × 10⁸ CFU/mouse/day). Both probiotics ameliorated macroscopic colonic damage. They improved the colonic expression of markers involved in the immune response, and the expression of miR-155 and miR-223. L. fermentum also restored miR-150 and miR-143 expression, also linked to the preservation of the intestinal barrier function. Besides, these beneficial effects were associated with the amelioration of the microbiota dysbiosis and a recovery of the SCFAs- and lactic acid-producing bacterial populations, although only L. fermentum improved Chao richness, Pielou evenness and Shannon diversity. Moreover, L. fermentum also restored the Treg cell population in MLNs and the Th1/Th2 cytokine balance.

CONCLUSION

Both probiotics exerted intestinal anti-inflammatory effects in DSS-mouse colitis, maybe due to their ability to restore the intestinal microbiota homeostasis and modulate the immune response. L. fermentum showed a greater beneficial effect compared to L. salivarius, which makes it more interesting for future studies.

Liquid biopsy for early detection of lung cancer

PURPOSE OF REVIEW

The possibility of complete recovery for a lung cancer patient depends on very early diagnosis, as it allows total surgical resection. Screening for this cancer in a high-risk population can be performed using a radiological approach, but this holds a certain number of limitations. Liquid biopsy could become an alternative and complementary screening approach to chest imaging for early diagnosis of lung cancer.

RECENT FINDINGS

Several circulating biomarkers indicative of lung cancer can be investigated in blood, such as circulating tumor cells, circulating free nucleic acids (RNA and DNA) and proteins. However, none of these biomarkers have yet been adopted in routine clinical practice and studies are ongoing to confirm or not the usefulness and practical interest in routine early diagnosis and screening for lung cancers.

SUMMARY

Several potential circulating biomarkers for the early detection of lung cancer exist. When coupled to thoracic imaging, these biomarkers must give diagnosis of a totally resectable lung cancer and potentially provide new recommendations for surveillance by imagery of high-risk populations without a detectable nodule. Optimization of the specificity and sensitivity of the detection methods as well as standardization of the techniques is essential before considering for daily practice a liquid biopsy as an early diagnostic tool, or possibly as a predictive test, of lung cancer.

miR-29b contributes to multiple types of muscle atrophy

A number of microRNAs (miRNAs, miRs) have been shown to play a role in skeletal muscle atrophy, but their role is not completely understood. Here we show that miR-29b promotes skeletal muscle atrophy in response to different atrophic stimuli in cells and in mouse models. miR-29b promotes atrophy of myotubes differentiated from C2C12 or primary myoblasts, and conversely, its inhibition attenuates atrophy induced by dexamethasone (Dex), TNF-α and H₂O₂ treatment. Targeting of IGF-1 and PI3K(p85α) by miR-29b is required for induction of muscle atrophy. In vivo, miR-29b overexpression is sufficient to promote muscle atrophy while inhibition of miR-29b attenuates atrophy induced by denervation and immobilization. These data suggest that miR-29b contributes to multiple types of muscle atrophy via targeting of IGF-1 and PI3K(p85α), and that suppression of miR-29b may represent a therapeutic approach for muscle atrophy induced by different stimuli.