miR-122--a key factor and therapeutic target in liver disease

Circulating microRNAs and alcohol consumption in the multiethnic cohort study

Excessive alcohol consumption is a significant public health concern and contributes to liver diseases and cancer. Modifiable lifestyle factors including alcohol consumption can influence circulating microRNAs (miRNAs), which are increasingly used as biomarkers for early disease detection. Yet limited studies have identified miRNAs associated with alcohol intake, particularly in multiethnic populations. We aimed to assess the association of alcohol consumption and circulating miRNAs in the Multiethnic Cohort Study. Participants (N = 917) had alcohol consumption data collected at baseline and miRNA data collected at follow-up. Negative binomial models were used to assess the association between alcohol consumption (continuous and categorical [nondrinkers: 0 g of ethanol/day; light drinkers: <28 g of ethanol/day for men and <14 g of ethanol/day for women; and heavy drinkers: ≥28 g of ethanol/day for men and ≥14 g of ethanol/day for women]) and miRNAs. Stratified analyses also examined categories by sex, race/ethnicity, smoking status, and body mass index. Overall, there were 52% non-drinkers, 37 % light drinkers, and 11 % were heavy drinkers. We did not detect an association of miRNAs with alcohol intake in continuous models after correcting for multiple comparisons. However, we did find an inverse association for light drinkers [incidence rate ratio (IRR) = 0.59, p = 8.21E-04] and heavy drinkers (IRR = 0.44, p = 1.47E-03) compared to nondrinkers for miR-451a. Additionally, miR-320e (IRR = 0.63, p = 1.61E-03) had an inverse association with alcohol intake for light drinkers compared to nondrinkers. Subgroup analysis also suggested there were differences by subgroups, underscoring that miRNAs used to detect chronic diseases may be subgroup specific. When stratified by case-control status, we found that among controls both light and heavy drinkers were associated with miR-451a. We identified an association for light and heavy drinkers with miR-451a and mir-320e, miRNAs associated with cancers and liver diseases, in comparison to nondrinkers.

A class of MicroRNAs as diagnostic biomarkers and therapeutic strategies in non-alcoholic fatty liver disease: A review

MicroRNAs (miRNAs), small and noncoding RNAs that regulate gene expression through hybridization to messenger RNA, play a crucial role in the prevention or progression of non-alcoholic fatty liver disease (NAFLD). There is an urgent demand for the improvement of diagnostic tools and effective pharmacotherapies for the treatment of NAFLD, which can advance to cirrhosis and liver cancer. MiRNAs act as regulatory factors and noninvasive diagnostic agents for NAFLD, enabling the staging of the disorder, prognosis, and identification of pharmaco-therapeutic targets. NAFLD causes alterations in the expression patterns of hepatocyte miRNAs, with some specific miRNAs related to the upgrade from NAFLD to non-alcoholic steatohepatitis (NASH). These miRNAs can activate certain signaling cascade and exacerbate or improve NAFLD, additionally, act as hepatocellular signals or second messengers that transmit information between the liver and other systems. This study provides a comprehensive review of the most important miRNAs and their involvement in the pathophysiology and cellular signaling pathways related to NAFLD.

miRNA biomarkers to predict risk of primary non-function of fatty allografts and drug induced acute liver failures

Primary non-function (PNF) of an allograft defines an irreversible graft failure and although rare, constitutes a life-threatening condition that requires high-urgency re-transplantation. Equally, drug induced acute liver failures (ALF) are seldom but the rapid loss of hepatic function may require orthotropic liver transplantation (OLT). Recently, we reported the development of a rodent PNF-disease model of fatty allografts and showed that a dysfunctional Cori and Krebs cycle and inhibition of lactate transporters constitute a mechanism of PNF. Based on findings from the rat PNF-disease model, we selected 15 miRNA-biomarker candidates for clinical validation and performed RT-qPCRs in well-documented PNF cases following OLT of fatty allografts. To assess specificity and selectivity, we compared their regulation in pre- and intraoperative liver biopsies and pre- and post-operative blood samples of patients undergoing elective hepatobiliary surgery. Additionally, we assessed their regulation in drug induced ALF. We confirmed clinical relevance for 11 PNF-associated miRNAs and found expression of miRNA-27b-3p, miRNA-122-3p, miRNA-125a-5p, miRNA-125b-5p and miRNA-192-5p to correlate with the hepatic steatosis grades. Furthermore, we demonstrate selectivity and specificity for the biomarker candidates with opposite regulation of let-7b-5p, miRNA-122-5p, miRNA-125b-5p and miRNA-194-5p in blood samples of patients following successful OLTs and/or liver resection. Moreover, by considering findings from 21 independent ALF-studies, we observed nine PNF-associated miRNAs regulated in common. We report miRNAs highly regulated in PNF and ALF, and their common regulation in different diseases broadens the perspective as biomarker candidates. Our study warrants independent confirmation in randomized clinical trials.

Selenium alleviates high-fat diet induced hepatocyte lipid accumulation via exosome miR-22/FGFR1 pathway in grass carp

The current study aims to investigate whether exosomal miRNAs are involved in lipid reduction by selenium (Se) in the liver of grass carp, through miRNA sequencing, transfection of miRNA mimic (miR-22m) or inhibitor (miR-22i), isolation of hepatocyte-derived exosomes and treatment, and detection of lipid metabolism-related genes and proteins. The miRNAs sequencing and bioinformatics revealed that miR-22 was most abundantly expressed in the differentially expressed miRNAs after selenium treatment, and was enriched in lipid metabolism-related pathways. Moreover, Se significantly up-regulated the miR-22 levels and reduced the lipid content in liver or hepatocytes of grass carp. Furthermore, the miR-22m significantly increased levels of miR-22 and reduced lipid content in grass carp hepatocytes, which were consistent with the Se-treatment. However, the miR-22i reversed these trends. Besides, the miR-22 suppressed the FGFR1-PI3K-AKT-mTOR signaling pathway and its downstream genes related to lipid synthesis. More importantly, the Se-treated hepatocyte-exosomes which were enriched in the miR-22 significantly reduced the triglycerides content in the oleic acid-treated hepatocytes. In summary, Se alleviated high fat-induced lipid accumulation in grass carp liver by up-regulating the expression of miR-22 which negatively regulates FGFR1 and its downstream regulatory genes. Moreover, exosomes participate in the lipid reduction by Se, which may be through carrying miR-22.

Landscape of small nucleic acid therapeutics: moving from the bench to the clinic as next-generation medicines

The ability of small nucleic acids to modulate gene expression via a range of processes has been widely explored. Compared with conventional treatments, small nucleic acid therapeutics have the potential to achieve long-lasting or even curative effects via gene editing. As a result of recent technological advances, efficient small nucleic acid delivery for therapeutic and biomedical applications has been achieved, accelerating their clinical translation. Here, we review the increasing number of small nucleic acid therapeutic classes and the most common chemical modifications and delivery platforms. We also discuss the key advances in the design, development and therapeutic application of each delivery platform. Furthermore, this review presents comprehensive profiles of currently approved small nucleic acid drugs, including 11 antisense oligonucleotides (ASOs), 2 aptamers and 6 siRNA drugs, summarizing their modifications, disease-specific mechanisms of action and delivery strategies. Other candidates whose clinical trial status has been recorded and updated are also discussed. We also consider strategic issues such as important safety considerations, novel vectors and hurdles for translating academic breakthroughs to the clinic. Small nucleic acid therapeutics have produced favorable results in clinical trials and have the potential to address previously "undruggable" targets, suggesting that they could be useful for guiding the development of additional clinical candidates.

Oxidative gaseous air pollutant exposure interacts with PNPLA3-I148M genotype to influence liver fat fraction and multi-omics profiles in young adults

PNPLA3-I148M genotype is the strongest predictive single-nucleotide polymorphism for liver fat. We examine whether PNPLA3-I148M modifies associations between oxidative gaseous air pollutant exposure (Oxwt) with i) liver fat and ii) multi-omics profiles of miRNAs and metabolites linked to liver fat. Participants were 69 young adults (17-22 years) from the Meta-AIR cohort. Prior-month residential Oxwt exposure (redox-weighted oxidative capacity of nitrogen dioxide and ozone) was spatially interpolated from monitoring stations via inverse-distance-squared weighting. Liver fat fraction was assessed by MRI. Serum miRNAs and metabolites were assayed via NanoString nCounter and LC-HRMS, respectively. Multi-omics factor analysis (MOFA) was used to identify latent factors with shared variance across omics layers. Multivariable linear regression models adjusted for age, sex, body mass index, and genotype with liver fat or MOFA factors as an outcome and examined PNPLA3 (rs738409; CC/CG vs. GG) as a multiplicative interaction term. Overall, a standard deviation difference in Oxwt exposure was associated with 8.9% relative increase in liver fat (p = 0.04) and this relationship differed by PNPLA3 genotype (p-value for interaction term: pintx<0.001), whereby relative increases in liver fat for GG and CC/CG participants were 71.8% and 2.4%, respectively. There was no main effect of Oxwt on MOFA Factor 1 expression (p = 0.85), but there was an interaction with PNPLA3 genotype (pintx = 0.01), whereby marginal slopes were 0.211 and -0.017 for GG and CC/CG participants, respectively. MOFA Factor 1 in turn was associated with liver fat (p = 0.006). MOFA Factor 1 miRNAs targeted genes in Fatty Acid Biosynthesis and Metabolism and Lysine Degradation pathways. MOFA Factor 9 was also associated with liver fat and was comprised of branched-chain keto acid and amino acid metabolites. The effects of Oxwt exposure on liver fat is exacerbated in young adults with two PNPLA3 risk alleles, potentially through differential effects on miRNA and/or metabolite profiles.

Emerging insights into the role of microRNAs regulation of ferroptosis in hepatocellular carcinoma

Hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) is a major type of liver cancer and an important cause of cancer death. It has been reported that the hepatocyte death plays an important role in HCC. Ferroptosis is an iron-dependent programmed cell death characterized by the accumulation of free iron and lipid peroxidation. A series of studies have shown that ferroptosis contributes to the occurrence and development of HCC. MicroRNAs (miRNAs) are non-coding RNAs with a length of approximately 222 nt. In recent years, miRNAs have been shown to participate in regulating ferroptosis to play a vital role in HCC, but the related mechanisms are not fully understood. This review summarized the current understanding of ferroptosis, as well as the biogenesis and function of miRNAs, and focused on the role of miRNAs regulation of ferroptosis in HCC, with the hope of providing new targets and ideas for the treatment of HCC.

Regulatory Roles and Therapeutic Potential of miR-122-5p in Hypoxic-Ischemic Brain Injury: Comprehensive Review

In the regulation of gene expression, epigenetic factors, including non-coding RNAs (ncRNAs) play a role in genetics. Among the ncRNA family, microRNAs (miRNAs) have gained significant attention for their involvement in post-transcriptional gene regulation, with profound implications for both normal and pathological processes including neurological diseases such as hypoxic-ischemic brain injury. A specific miRNA, called miR-122-5p, has gained attention in hypoxic-ischemic conditions, where it modulates critical pathways such as inflammation, oxidative stress, and neuronal survival. The purpose of this review is to highlight recent advances in the biogenesis, expression, and regulation of miR-122-5p, focusing on its role in hypoxic-ischemic conditions and its potential as a therapeutic target. We first studied the therapeutic strategies and potential clinical applications of miR-122-5p, our research showing it interacts with key transcription factors, such as HIF-1α and NF-κB, influencing cellular responses to low oxygen levels. Our findings revealed that miR-122-5p plays a vital role in hypoxic-ischemic brain injury, with its abnormal levels strongly associated with increased brain damage and neuroinflammation, suggesting its potential as a promising therapeutic target. Furthermore, miR-122-5p influences various biological processes in the brain, such as metabolism and blood vessel formation. The use of miR-122-5p inhibitor has been shown to increase autophagy, reduce apoptosis, and decrease oxidative stress and inflammation, thereby protecting neurons and improving outcomes in hypoxic encephalopathy by targeting multiple genes related to these processes. Conversely, miR-122-5p mimics exacerbate oxidative stress and reduce autophagy. These findings highlight the therapeutic potential of miR-122-5p inhibition in reducing brain injury and promoting recovery in hypoxic-ischemic encephalopathy through enhanced neuroprotective mechanisms and the suppression of harmful cellular processes. However, further experimental studies are needed to fully understand the therapeutic potential of targeting miR-122-5p and its related genes in hypoxic-ischemic encephalopathy.

Fish MicroRNA Responses to Thermal Stress: Insights and Implications for Aquaculture and Conservation Amid Global Warming

In the context of global warming, heat tolerance is becoming a crucial physiological trait influencing fish species' distribution and survival. While our understanding of fish heat tolerance and stress has expanded from behavioral studies to transcriptomic analyses, knowledge at the transcriptomic level is still limited. Recently, the highly conserved microRNAs (miRNAs) have provided new insights into the molecular mechanisms of heat stress in fish. This review systematically examines current research across three main reference databases to elucidate the universal responses and mechanisms of fish miRNAs under heat stress. Our initial screening of 569 articles identified 13 target papers for comprehensive analysis. Among these, at least 214 differentially expressed miRNAs (DEMs) were found, with 15 DEMs appearing in at least two studies (12 were upregulated and 13 were downregulated). The 15 recurrent DEMs were analyzed using DIANA mirPath v.3 and the microT-CDS v5.0 database to identify potential target genes. The results suggest that multiple miRNAs target various genes, forming a complex network that regulates glucose and energy metabolism, maintains homeostasis, and modulates inflammation and immune responses. Significantly, miR-1, miR-122, let-7a, and miR-30b were consistently differentially expressed in multiple studies, indicating their potential relevance in heat stress responses. However, these miRNAs should not be considered definitive biomarkers without further validation. Future research should focus on experimentally confirming their regulatory roles through functional assays, conducting transcriptomic comparisons across different species, and performing target validation studies. These miRNAs, conserved across species, could be valuable for monitoring wild fish health, enhancing aquaculture breeding, and guiding conservation strategies. However, the specific regulatory mechanisms of these miRNAs need clarification to confirm their reliability as biomarkers for thermal stress.

Unraveling Metabolic Dysfunction-Associated Steatotic Liver Disease Through the Use of Omics Technologies

Non-alcoholic fatty liver disease (NAFLD), now referred to as metabolic dysfunction-associated steatotic liver disease (MASLD), is the most prevalent liver disorder globally, linked to obesity, type 2 diabetes, and cardiovascular risk. Understanding its potential progression from simple steatosis to cirrhosis and hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) is crucial for patient management and treatment strategies. The disease's complexity requires innovative approaches for early detection and personalized care. Omics technologies-such as genomics, transcriptomics, proteomics, metabolomics, and exposomics-are revolutionizing the study of MASLD. These high-throughput techniques allow for a deeper exploration of the molecular mechanisms driving disease progression. Genomics can identify genetic predispositions, whilst transcriptomics and proteomics reveal changes in gene expression and protein profiles during disease evolution. Metabolomics offers insights into the metabolic alterations associated with MASLD, while exposomics links environmental exposures to MASLD progression and pathology. By integrating data from various omics platforms, researchers can map out the intricate biochemical pathways involved in liver disease progression. This review discusses the roles of omics technologies in enhancing the understanding of disease progression and highlights potential diagnostic and therapeutic targets within the MASLD spectrum, emphasizing the need for non-invasive tools in disease staging and treatment development.

The interactive role of microRNA and other non-coding RNA in hepatitis B (HBV) associated fibrogenesis

One of the outstanding features of chronic hepatitis B infection (CHB) is its strong association with liver fibrosis. CHB induced inflammation and injury trigger multiple biochemical and physical changes that include the promotion of a wide range of cytokines, chemokines and growth factors that activate hepatic stellate cells (HSCs) CHB induced activation of hepatic stellate cells (HSCs) is regarded as a central event in fibrogenesis to directly promote the synthesis of myofibroblasts and the expression of a range of materials to repair injured liver tissue. Fibrogenesis is modulated by the mainstream epigenetic machinery, as well as by non-coding RNA (ncRNA) that are often referred to as an ancillary epigenetic response to fine tune gene expression. Although extensive research has explained the regulatory role of ncRNA in liver fibrogenesis, most of this research relates to non-CHB etiologies. This review paper outlines the complex interactive regulatory role of microRNA (miRNA) and their interaction with long non-coding RNA (lncRNA), circular RNA (circRNA) and the mainstream epigenetic machinery in CHB induced liver fibrosis. The paper also illustrates some of the difficulties involved in translating candidate ncRNA into approved drugs or diagnostic tools. In conclusion, the important regulatory role of ncRNA in CHB induced liver fibrosis warrants further investigation to exploit their undoubted potential as diagnostic and therapeutic agents.

MicroRNA-122 protects against interferon-α-induced hepatic inflammatory response via the Janus kinase-signal transducer and activator of transcription pathway

Significant overlap in the epidemiology and coinfection of chronic hepatitis B virus (HBV) and hepatitis C virus (HCV) has been identified, which accelerates the development of severe liver cirrhosis and hepatocellular carcinoma worldwide. Interferon-α (IFN-α), a cytokine with antiviral properties, exerts profound physiological effects on innate immunity by regulating interferon-stimulated genes (ISGs) within cells. However, the underlying mechanism of IFN-α in hepatic inflammation remains to be fully elucidated. Here, we utilized LO2 cells treated with the recombinant IFN-α protein and conducted microRNA (miR) sequencing. MiR-122-3p and miR-122-5p_R+1 were the most enriched miRNAs involved in the pathogenesis of IFN-α-induced inflammatory responses and were significantly downregulated by IFN-α treatment. Furthermore, we identified interferon induced protein with tetratricopeptide repeats 1 (IFIT1) as a potential target gene of miR-122. IFN-α markedly increased the expression of proinflammatory cytokines and fibrogenic genes but decreased the mRNA expression of ISGs. Additionally, IFN-α significantly activated the NF-κB p-p65, MAPK p-p38, and Jak/STAT pathways to trigger inflammation. Importantly, supplementation with a miR-122 mimic significantly alleviated IFN-α-induced inflammation and induced IFIT1 expression in LO2 cells. Conversely, the suppression of miR-122 markedly exacerbated the inflammatory response triggered by IFN-α. Furthermore, silencing IFIT1 via an siRNA elicited an inflammatory response, whereas IFIT1 overexpression ameliorated hepatic inflammation and fibrosis in a manner comparable to that induced by IFN-α treatment. Taken together, our findings suggest that miR-122 and its target, IFIT1, reciprocally regulate the inflammatory response associated with IFN through the Jak/STAT pathway.

Extracellular Vesicles and Micro-RNAs in Liver Disease

Progression of liver disease is dependent on intercellular signaling, including those mediated by extracellular vesicles (EVs). Within these EVs, microRNAs (miRNAs) are packaged to selectively silence gene expression in recipient cells for upregulating or downregulating a specific pathway. Injured hepatocytes secrete EV-associated miRNAs which can be taken up by liver sinusoidal endothelial cells, immune cells, hepatic stellate cells, and other cell types. In addition, these recipient cells will secrete their own EV-associated miRNAs to propagate a response throughout the tissue and the circulation. In this review, we comment on the implications of EV-miRNAs in the progression of alcohol-associated liver disease, metabolic dysfunction-associated steatohepatitis, viral and parasitic infections, liver fibrosis, and liver malignancies. We summarize how circulating miRNAs can be used as biomarkers and the potential of utilizing EVs and miRNAs as therapeutic methods to treat liver disease.

Click chemistry-based dual nanosystem for microRNA-122 detection with single-base specificity from tumour cells

MicroRNAs (miRNAs) have been recognised as potential biomarkers due to their specific expression patterns in different biological tissues and their changes in expression under pathological conditions. MicroRNA-122 (miR-122) is a vertebrate-specific miRNA that is predominantly expressed in the liver and plays an important role in liver metabolism and development. Dysregulation of miR-122 expression is associated with several liver-related diseases, including hepatocellular carcinoma and drug-induced liver injury (DILI). Given the potential of miR-122 as a biomarker, its effective detection is important for accurate diagnosis. However, miRNA detection methods still face challenges, particularly in terms of accurately identifying miRNA isoforms that may differ by only a single base. Here, with the aim of advancing accessible methods for the detection of miRNAs with single-base specificity, we have developed a robust dual nanosystem that leverages the simplicity of click chemistry reactions. Using the dual nanosystem, we successfully detected miR-122 at single-base resolution using flow cytometry and analysed its expression in various tumour cell lines with high specificity and strong correlation with TaqMan assay results. We also detected miR-122 in serum and identified four single nucleotide variations in its sequence. The chemistry employed in this dual nanosystem is highly versatile and offers a promising opportunity to develop nanoparticle-based strategies that incorporate click chemistry and bioorthogonal chemistry for the detection of miRNAs and their isoforms.

Impact of steroid therapy on pediatric acute liver failure: prognostic implication and interplay between TNF-α and miR-122

BACKGROUND

Acute liver failure (ALF) is a rare illness marked by rapid deterioration of liver function, leading to high morbidity and mortality rates, particularly in children. While steroids have been observed to correlate with improved survival, evidence supporting their efficacy in ALF children remains limited. miR-122, a liver-specific microRNA, plays a pivotal role in liver pathology, with its expression significantly altered in various liver diseases. Thus, it is considered a potential biomarker for disease progression, aids in prognosis, and identifies therapeutic targets. Our study aims to assess the expression of miR-122 in 24 children with ALF, both before and after steroid therapy, alongside its relationship with tumor necrosis factor-α (TNF-α), to better understand its potential role in treatment response and disease outcomes. miR-122 levels were determined using quantitative real-time RT-PCR (qRT-PCR), while TNF-α levels were assessed using enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA) in patient sera.

RESULTS

In ALF children who survived after steroid treatment, miR-122 was markedly decreased compared to both pre-treatment levels (p = 0.003) and levels in deceased patients (p = 0.01). In addition, TNF-α levels significantly increased in surviving patients compared to pre-treatment levels (p = 0.008) and levels in deceased children (p = 0.028). A negative correlation was observed between TNF-α and miR-122 following steroids (r=-0.46, p = 0.04). miR-122 demonstrated 72% sensitivity and 67% specificity in distinguishing survivors and non-survivors, as indicated by its receiver-operated characteristic curve. A positive correlation was found between miR-122 before steroid therapy and both aspartate aminotransferase (AST) and alanine aminotransferase (ALT) before (r = 0.641, p = 0.002 and r = 0.512, p = 0.02, respectively) and after (r = 0.492, p = 0.03 and r = 0.652, p = 0.003, respectively) steroids treatment.

CONCLUSION

Our data implies that lower miR-122 levels in steroids-treated ALF children are associated with a better outcome. Although miR-122 is not a strong standalone marker, it could be valuable in a biomarker panel. The increased TNF-α levels and decreased miR-122 expression indicate their involvement in the disease's pathophysiology. More studies are needed to validate our results.

Extracellular Vesicle miR-122-5p as a Prognostic Biomarker in Pediatric Classical Hodgkin Lymphoma

Currently, risk stratification for pediatric Hodgkin lymphoma is based on clinical factors such as stage, bulk, and systemic symptoms. Novel minimally invasive biomarkers could enhance both prognosis and treatment strategies. Therefore, the plasma extracellular vesicles' microRNA profile was characterized by small RNA sequencing in 36 classical Hodgkin lymphoma cases and these findings were confirmed in an extended cohort of 86 patients by RT-qPCR. It was found that the levels of miR-122-5p at diagnosis were significantly higher (p-value: 0.0002) in patients who relapsed compared to patients in remission. The 5-year event-free survival of cases with high and low levels of miR-122-5p was 65 ± 7% and 93 ± 4%, respectively. MiR-122-5p levels were significantly associated with clinical events in both univariate (p-value: 0.0009) and multivariate (p-value: 0.0037) analysis (hazard ratio 5.8). Target prediction analysis suggests an involvement in the polarization of immune cells. The phenotypic characterization of peripheral blood mononuclear cells in 12 patients showed significantly increased levels of CD4+ T-cells in cases with high miR-122-5p levels as compared to low levels (p-value: 0.048). Moreover, CCL17 (TARC) and IL-6 plasma levels at diagnosis were significantly higher as compared to healthy donors (p-value: ≤0.0001). MiR-122-5p could complement current prognostic assays to identify patients at high risk of relapse.

Host combats porcine reproductive and respiratory syndrome virus infection at non-coding RNAs level

Porcine reproductive and respiratory syndrome virus (PRRSV) poses a significant threat to the global swine industry. The emergence of new, highly virulent strains has precipitated recurrent outbreaks worldwide, underscoring the ongoing battle between host and virus. Thus, there is an imperative to formulate a more comprehensive and effective disease control strategy. Studies have shown that host non-coding RNA (ncRNA) is an important regulator of host - virus interactions in PRRSV infection. Hence, a thorough comprehension of the roles played by ncRNAs in PRRSV infection can augment our understanding of the pathogenic mechanisms underlying PRRSV infection. This review focuses on elucidating contemporary insights into the roles of host microRNAs (miRNAs), long non-coding RNAs (lncRNAs), and circular RNAs (circRNAs) in PRRSV infection, providing both theoretical foundations and fresh perspectives for ongoing research into the mechanisms driving PRRSV infection and its pathogenesis.

β-Carotene Impacts the Liver MicroRNA Profile in a Sex-Specific Manner in Mouse Offspring of Western Diet-Fed Mothers: Results from Microarray Analysis by Direct Hybridization

Maternal unbalanced diets cause adverse metabolic programming and affect the offspring's liver microRNA (miRNA) profile. The liver is a site of β-carotene (BC) metabolism and a target of BC action. We studied the interaction of maternal Western diet (WD) and early-life BC supplementation on the epigenetic remodeling of offspring's liver microRNAs. Mouse offspring of WD-fed mothers were given a daily placebo (controls) or BC during suckling. Biometric parameters and liver miRNAome by microarray hybridization were analyzed in newly weaned animals. BC sex-dependently impacted the liver triacylglycerol content. The liver miRNAome was also differently affected in male and female offspring, with no overlap in differentially expressed (DE) miRNAs between sexes and more impact in females. Bioinformatic analysis of DE miRNA predicted target genes revealed enrichment in biological processes/pathways related to metabolic processes, regulation of developmental growth and circadian rhythm, liver homeostasis and metabolism, insulin resistance, and neurodegeneration, among others, with differences between sexes. Fifty-five percent of the overlapping target genes in both sexes identified were targeted by DE miRNAs changed in opposite directions in males and females. The results identify sex-dependent responses of the liver miRNA expression profile to BC supplementation during suckling and may sustain further investigations regarding the long-term impact of early postnatal life BC supplementation on top of an unbalanced maternal diet.

Exosomes as novel biomarkers in sepsis and sepsis related organ failure

Sepsis, a severe and life-threatening condition arising from a dysfunctional host response to infection, presents considerable challenges to the health care system and is characterized by high mortality rates and substantial economic costs. Exosomes have garnered attention as potential diagnostic markers because of their capacity to mirror the pathophysiological milieu of sepsis. This discourse reviews the progression of sepsis classification from Sepsis 1.0 to Sepsis 3.0, highlighting the imperative for sensitive and specific biomarkers to facilitate timely diagnosis and optimize patient outcomes. Existing biomarkers, such as procalcitonin (PCT) and C-reactive protein (CRP), exhibit certain limitations, thereby prompting the quest for more dependable diagnostic indicators. Exosomal cargoes, which encompass proteins and miRNAs, present a trove of biomarker candidates, attributable to their stability, pervasive presence, and indicative nature of the disease status. The potential of exosomal biomarkers in the identification of sepsis-induced organ damage, including cardiomyopathy, acute kidney injury, and acute lung injury, is emphasized, as they provide real-time insights into cardiac and renal impairments. Despite promising prospects, hurdles persist in the standardization of exosome extraction and the need for extensive clinical trials to validate their efficacy. The combination of biomarker development and sophisticated exosome detection techniques represents a pioneering strategy in the realm of sepsis diagnosis and management, underscoring the significance of further research and clinical validation.

The Intra-Articular Delivery of a Low-Dose Adeno-Associated Virus-IL-1 Receptor Antagonist Vector Alleviates the Progress of Arthritis in an Osteoarthritis Rat Model

Background/Objectives: Interleukin-1 (IL-1) is a pivotal mediator in the pathological progression of osteoarthritis (OA), playing a central role in disease progression. However, the rapid clearance of IL-1 receptor antagonist (IL-1Ra) from the joints may hinder the efficacy of intra-articular IL-1Ra injections in reducing OA-associated pain or cartilage degradation. Methods: Sustaining sufficient levels of IL-1Ra within the joints via adeno-associated virus (AAV)-mediated gene therapy presents a promising therapeutic strategy for OA. In this study, we constructed an IL-1Ra expression cassette employing intron insertion in the coding sequence (CDS) region to enhance protein expression levels. Furthermore, we incorporated precisely targeted liver-specific microRNA (miRNA) sequences to specifically downregulate transgene expression within hepatic tissues, thereby ensuring more targeted and controlled regulation of gene expression. Results: A rat model of OA was employed to compare the efficacy of AAV5 and AAV9 for IL-1Ra delivery at both high and low doses. It was observed that low-dose, but not high-dose, AAV9-IL-1Ra resulted in a significant reduction in joint swelling, accompanied by a decrease in the diameter of the affected area and the preservation of biomarkers associated with trabecular bone integrity. Conclusions: These results highlight the great potential of AAV9-IL-1Ra in osteoarthritis therapy, with the promise of achieving long-term improvement through a single intra-articular injection.

Non-Coding RNAs as Potential Diagnostic/Prognostic Markers for Hepatocellular Carcinoma

The increasing incidence of hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC), together with the poor effectiveness of the available treatments, make early diagnosis and effective screening of utmost relevance. Liquid biopsy represents a potential novel approach to early HCC detection and monitoring. The identification of blood markers has many desirable features, including the absence of any significant risk for the patients, the possibility of being used as a screening tool, and the ability to perform multiple tests, thus allowing for the real-time monitoring of HCC evolution. Unfortunately, the available blood markers for HCC have several limitations, mostly related to specificity and sensitivity. In this context, employing non-coding RNAs (ncRNAs) may represent an interesting and novel diagnostic approach. ncRNAs, which include, among others, micro interfering RNAs (miRNAs), long non-coding RNAs (lncRNAs), and circular RNAs (circRNAs), regulate human gene expression via interactions with their target mRNA. Notably, their expression can be altered in HCC, thus reflecting disease status. In this review, we discuss some notable works that describe the use of miRNAs, lncRNAs, and circRNAs as HCC biomarkers. Despite some open aspects related to ncRNA use, the presented works strongly support the potential effectiveness of these molecules as diagnostic/prognostic markers for HCC.

Recent Advances in miRNA-Based Therapy for MASLD/MASH and MASH-Associated HCC

Metabolic dysfunction-associated steatotic liver disease (MASLD), formerly known as non-alcoholic fatty liver disease (NAFLD), is a growing health concern worldwide, affecting more than 1 billion adults. It may progress to metabolic dysfunction-associated steatohepatitis (MASH), cirrhosis, and ultimately hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC). Emerging evidence has demonstrated the role in this transition of microRNAs (miRNAs), which regulate the expression of genes associated with lipid metabolism, inflammation, fibrosis, and cell proliferation. Specific miRNAs have been identified to exacerbate or mitigate fibrotic and carcinogenic processes in hepatic cells. The modulation of these miRNAs through synthetic mimics or inhibitors represents a promising therapeutic strategy. Preclinical models have demonstrated that miRNA-based therapies can attenuate liver inflammation, reduce fibrosis, and inhibit tumorigenesis, thus delaying or preventing the onset of HCC. However, challenges such as delivery mechanisms, off-target effects, and long-term safety remain to be addressed. This review, focusing on recently published preclinical and clinical studies, explores the pharmacological potential of miRNA-based interventions to prevent MASLD/MASH and progression toward HCC.

MicroRNA-206 as a promising epigenetic approach to modulate tumor-associated macrophages in hepatocellular carcinoma

This letter comments on the recently published manuscript by Huang et al in the World Journal of Gastroenterology, which focused on the immunomodulatory effect of Calculus bovis on hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) tumor microenvironments (TME) by inhibiting M2-tumor-associated macrophage (M2-TAM) polarization via Wnt/β-catenin pathway modulation. Recent research highlights the crucial role of TAMs and their polarization towards the M2 phenotype in promoting HCC progression. Epigenetic regulation, particularly through microRNAs (miR), has emerged as a key factor in modulating immune responses and TAM polarization in the TME, influencing treatment responses and tumor progression. This editorial focuses on miR-206, which has been found to inhibit HCC cell proliferation and migration and promote apoptosis. Moreover, miR-206 enhances anti-tumor immune responses by promoting M1-polarization of Kupffer cells, facilitating CD8+ T cell recruitment and suppressing liver cancer stem cell expansion. However, challenges remain in understanding the precise mechanisms regulating miR-206 and its potential as a therapeutic agent. Targeting epigenetic mechanisms and improving strategies, whether through pharmacological or genetic approaches, offer promising avenues to sensitize tumor cells to chemotherapy. Understanding the intricate interactions between cancer and non-coding RNA regulation opens new avenues for developing targeted therapies, potentially improving HCC prognosis.

Characterization of small RNAs in the spleen of MASH in a non-human primate model

Metabolic dysfunction-associated steatotic liver disease (MASLD) and its advanced stage, metabolic dysfunction-associated steatohepatitis (MASH), are increasingly recognized as a global health issue. This study examines the role of small RNAs in the spleen of MASH using a non-human primate model. We performed high-throughput small RNA sequencing on spleen tissues from MASH-primates, revealing significant alterations in the expression of small non-coding RNAs, especially miRNAs. Notably, miR-96, miR-182, miR-183, and miR-122 showed differential expression in MASH spleens. Predictive and validation studies have identified potential target genes, such as PTX3 and NFIX, that were significantly dysregulated in spleens of MASH. These findings characterized small RNAs in spleen of MASH and offer a novel insight for further research for MASH.

Clinical effects of combined treatment of traditional Chinese medicine and western medicine for viral hepatitis B cirrhosis and the effects on serum miR-122, miR-200a

The aim is to explore the clinical effects of combined treatment of Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM) and western medicine in viral hepatitis B cirrhosis and the effects on microRNA (miR)-122 and miR-200a. 116 patients with chronic hepatitis B cirrhosis were admitted to our hospital. Real-time fluorescent quantitative PCR (qPCR) was employed to reveal the level of serum miR-122 and miR-200a in the three groups. The clinical effects of the two groups were compared, including alanine aminotransferase (ALT), aspartate amino transferase (AST), total bilirubin (TBIL) and alpha fetoprotein (AFP) indexes, coagulation function indexes, liver elasticity value and the main therapeutic effects. After treatment, the ALT, AST, TBIL and AFP indexes significantly decreased in both groups, which were much lower in the western medicine (WM) + TCM Group. The levels of albumin (ALB) all increased, and the increase was more significant in the WM + TCM Group. The prothrombin time (PT) was down-regulated while the prothrombin activity (PTA) was up-regulated in both groups. Both groups showed a decrease in liver elasticity after treatment, which was more obvious in the WM + TCM Group. The incidence of primary peritonitis, hepatic encephalopathy, hepatorenal syndrome, gastrointestinal bleeding and electrolyte disturbance in the WM + TCM Group was significantly lower than those in the WM Group. The combination of Chinese and western medicine in the treatment of cirrhosis can reduce the occurrence of complications, improve the clinical symptoms and improve the clinical effects effectively, which is worthy of further study and clinical popularization. Viral hepatitis B, Liver cirrhosis, Combination of TCM and Western medicine, miR-122, miR-200a.

Circulating microRNA-21, microRNA-122, and microRNA-222 as diagnostic biomarkers for hepatitis c virus-related hepatocellular carcinoma

Background and aim

MicroRNAs (miRs) are now a well-known subject in various tumor genesis and are studied as early diagnostic biomarker. Many arrays of miRs were incorporated in the pathogenesis of HCV-related hepatocellular carcinomas (HCV-HCC). In this respect, we aimed to evaluate the diagnostic role of circulating miR-21, miR-122, and miR-222 in Egyptian patients with HCV-HCC.

Patient and methods

Between June 2018 and April 2019, a cross-sectional comparative study was designed to evaluate the circulating miR-21, miR-122, and miR-222 by quantitative Real-Time PCR. For analytical purposes, patients were categorized into three groups: chronic HCV group (CHC-group, n = 22), HCV-related liver cirrhosis (LC-group, n = 22), and HCV-related hepatocellular carcinoma (HCV-HCC-group, n = 54).

Results

Serum levels of miR-21 and miR-222 increased with the progressive course from CHC to LC and HCC; p < .001. Serum levels of miR-122 in HCC patients were significantly lower than non-HCC patients (CHC and LC patients, n = 44); p < .001. However, the differences in levels of serum miR-122 between CHC and LC were not statistically significant; P = 0.8.

ROC curve analysis showed that the sensitivity and specificity of miR-21 were 61.1% and 95.5%, miR-222 were 71.7% and 93.2%, and miR-122 were 98.2% and 100%. The positive predictive value for miRNA-21, miRNA-122, and miRNA-222 were 13.4%, 93.3%, and 10.5% respectively. The Negative predictive value for miRNA-21, miRNA-122, and miRNA-222 were 94.3%, 97.8%, and 92.7% respectively.

Conclusion

MiR-21 and miR-222 could be potential markers for advanced liver damage, while miR-122 had the best diagnostic accuracy and could be a promising marker for detection of HCC.

Dual Roles of microRNA-122 in Hepatocellular Carcinoma and Breast Cancer Progression and Metastasis: A Comprehensive Review

microRNA-122 (miR-122) plays crucial yet contrasting roles in hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) and breast cancer (BC), two prevalent and aggressive malignancies. This review synthesizes current research on miR-122's functions in these cancers, focusing on its potential as a diagnostic, prognostic, and therapeutic target. A comprehensive literature search was conducted using PubMed, Web of Science, and Scopus databases. In HCC, miR-122 is downregulated in most cases, suppressing oncogenic pathways and reducing tumor growth and metastasis. Restoring miR-122 levels has shown promising therapeutic potential, increasing sensitivity to treatments like sorafenib. In contrast, in BC, miR-122 plays a pro-metastatic role, especially in triple-negative breast cancer (TNBC) and metastatic lesions. miR-122's ability to influence key pathways, such as the Wnt/β-catenin and NF-κB pathways in HCC, and its role in enhancing the Warburg effect in BC underline its significance in cancer biology. miR-122, a key factor in breast cancer radioresistance, suppresses tumors in radiosensitive cells. Inhibiting miR-122 could reverse resistance and potentially overcome radiotherapy resistance. Given its context-dependent functions, miR-122 could serve as a potential therapeutic target, where restoring or inhibiting its expression may help in treating HCC and BC, respectively. The dual roles of miR-122 underscore its significance in cancer biology and its potential in precision medicine.

LncRNA-miRNA interactions prediction based on meta-path similarity and Gaussian kernel similarity

Long non-coding RNAs (lncRNAs) and microRNAs (miRNAs) are two typical types of non-coding RNAs that interact and play important regulatory roles in many animal organisms. Exploring the unknown interactions between lncRNAs and miRNAs contributes to a better understanding of their functional involvement. Currently, studying the interactions between lncRNAs and miRNAs heavily relies on laborious biological experiments. Therefore, it is necessary to design a computational method for predicting lncRNA-miRNA interactions. In this work, we propose a method called MPGK-LMI, which utilizes a graph attention network (GAT) to predict lncRNA-miRNA interactions in animals. First, we construct a meta-path similarity matrix based on known lncRNA-miRNA interaction information. Then, we use GAT to aggregate the constructed meta-path similarity matrix and the computed Gaussian kernel similarity matrix to update the feature matrix with neighbourhood information. Finally, a scoring module is used for prediction. By comparing with three state-of-the-art algorithms, MPGK-LMI achieves the best results in terms of performance, with AUC value of 0.9077, AUPR of 0.9327, ACC of 0.9080, F1-score of 0.9143 and precision of 0.8739. These results validate the effectiveness and reliability of MPGK-LMI. Additionally, we conduct detailed case studies to demonstrate the effectiveness and feasibility of our approach in practical applications. Through these empirical results, we gain deeper insights into the functional roles and mechanisms of lncRNA-miRNA interactions, providing significant breakthroughs and advancements in this field of research. In summary, our method not only outperforms others in terms of performance but also establishes its practicality and reliability in biological research through real-case analysis, offering strong support and guidance for future studies and applications.

Development of a Modular miRNA-Responsive Biosensor for Organ-Specific Evaluation of Liver Injury

MicroRNAs (miRNAs) are increasingly being considered essential diagnostic biomarkers and therapeutic targets for multiple diseases. In recent years, researchers have emphasized the need to develop probes that can harness extracellular miRNAs as input signals for disease diagnostics. In this study, we introduce a novel miRNA-responsive biosensor (miR-RBS) designed to achieve highly sensitive and specific detection of miRNAs, with a particular focus on targeted organ-specific visualization. The miR-RBS employs a Y-structured triple-stranded DNA probe (Y-TSDP) that exhibits a fluorescence-quenched state under normal physiological conditions. The probe switches to an activated state with fluorescence signals in the presence of high miRNA concentrations, enabling rapid and accurate disease reporting. Moreover, the miR-RBS probe had a modular design, with a fluorescence-labeled strand equipped with a functional module that facilitates specific binding to organs that express high levels of the target receptors. This allowed the customization of miRNA detection and cell targeting using aptameric anchors. In a drug-induced liver injury model, the results demonstrate that the miR-RBS probe effectively visualized miR-122 levels, suggesting it has good potential for disease diagnosis and organ-specific imaging. Together, this innovative biosensor provides a versatile tool for the early detection and monitoring of diseases through miRNA-based biomarkers.

Emerging regulatory roles of noncoding RNAs induced by bisphenol a (BPA) and its alternatives in human diseases

Bisphenols (BPs), including BPA, BPF, BPS, and BPAF, are synthetic phenolic organic compounds and endocrine-disrupting chemicals. These organics have been broadly utilized to produce epoxy resins, polycarbonate plastics, and other products. Mounting evidence has shown that BPs, especially BPA, may enter into the human body and participate in the development of human diseases mediated by nuclear hormone receptors. Moreover, BPA may negatively affect human health at the epigenetic level through processes such as DNA methylation and histone acetylation. Recent studies have demonstrated that, as part of epigenetics, noncoding RNAs (ncRNAs), including microRNAs (miRNAs), long noncoding RNAs (lncRNAs), circular RNAs (circRNAs), and small nucleolar RNAs (snoRNAs), have vital impacts on BP-related diseases, such as reproductive system diseases, nervous system diseases, digestive system diseases, endocrine system diseases, and other diseases. Moreover, based on the bioinformatic analysis, changes in ncRNAs may be relevant to normal activities and functions and BP-induced diseases. Thus, we conducted a meta-analysis to identify more promising ncRNAs as biomarkers and therapeutic targets for BP exposure and relevant human diseases. In this review, we summarize the regulatory functions of ncRNAs induced by BPs in human diseases and latent molecular mechanisms, as well as identify prospective biomarkers and therapeutic targets for BP exposure and upper diseases.

Evaluating the therapeutic potential of genetically engineered probiotic Zbiotics (ZB183) for non-alcoholic steatohepatitis (NASH) management via modulation of the cGAS-STING pathway

NAFLD/NASH has emerged as a global health concern with no FDA-approved treatment, necessitating the exploration of novel therapeutic elements for NASH. Probiotics are known as an important adjunct therapy in NASH. Zbiotics (ZB183) is the first commercially available genetically engineered probiotic. Herein, we aimed to evaluate the potential therapeutic effects of Zbiotics administration on NASH management by modulating the cGAS-STING-signaling pathway-related RNA network. In silico data analysis was performed and three DEGs (MAPK3/EDN1/TNF) were selected with their epigenetic modulators (miR-6888-5p miRNA, and lncRNA RABGAP1L-DT-206). The experimental design included NASH induction with an HSHF diet in Wistar rats and Zbiotics administration in NASH rats in comparison to statin treatment. Liver functions and lipid profile were assessed. Additionally, the expression levels of the constructed molecular network were assessed using RT-PCR. Moreover, the Zbiotics effects in NASH were further validated with histopathological examination of liver and colon samples. Also, immunohistochemistry staining of hepatic TNF-α and colonic occludin was assessed. Oral administration of Zbiotics for four weeks downregulated the expression of the cGAS-STING-related network (MAPK3/EDN1/TNF/miR-6888-5p miRNA/lncRNA RABGAP1L-DT-206) in NASH models. Zbiotics also ameliorated hepatic inflammation and steatosis, as evidenced by a notable improvement in NAS score and decreased hepatic TNF-α levels. Furthermore, Zbiotics exhibited favorable effects on colon health, including increased crypt length, reduced inflammatory cell infiltration, and restoration of colonic mucosa occludin expression. In conclusion, our findings suggest that Zbiotics has potential therapeutic effects on NASH via modulating the gut-liver axis and the cGAS-STING signaling pathway.

Mucin 1 expression is regulated by hsa_circ_0055054/microRNA‑122‑5p and promotes hepatocellular carcinoma development

The abnormal expression of mucin 1 (MUC1) is a major cause of poor prognosis in patients with hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC). Competitive endogenous RNA demonstrates a novel regulatory mechanism that can affect the biological behavior of tumors. In the present study, the regulatory functions of hsa_circ_0055054 as well as those of microRNA (miR/miRNA) 122-5p on MUC1 expression and its role in HCC cell proliferation, migration and invasion, were evaluated. MUC1 expression was assessed using western blotting and reverse transcription-quantitative PCR. The phenotypic functions of the HCC cell lines were evaluated following MUC1 knockdown using Cell Counting Kit-8, wound healing and Transwell assays. Bioinformatics tools were used to identify specific miRNAs and circular (circ)RNAs that interact with and can regulate MUC1. The stability of circRNAs was assessed using a Ribonuclease R assay. The binding of circRNA/miRNA/MUC1 was assessed using dual-luciferase reporter assays and cellular function tests. Finally, in vivo experiments were performed using animal models. The results demonstrated that in MHCC97L cells, MUC1 and hsa_circ_0055054 were expressed at high levels while miR-122-5p was downregulated. The proliferation, migration and invasion of MHCC97L cells were suppressed by low MUC1 expression. hsa_circ_0055054 knockdown or miR-122-5p overexpression both led to a decrease in MUC1 expression. In MHCC97L cells with a low MUC1 expression caused by hsa_circ_0055054 knockdown, miR-122-5p inhibition resulted in the increased proliferation, migration and invasion of MHCC97L cells. In combination, the results of the present study indicate that hsa_circ_0055054 knockdown in MHCC97L cells leads to an increased expression of miR-122-5p and decreased expression of MUC1, which results in the inhibition of MHCC97L cell proliferation, migration and invasion.

Liver-specific DICER1 syndrome model mice develop cystic liver tumors with defective primary cilia

DICER1 syndrome is a tumor predisposition syndrome caused by familial genetic mutations in DICER1. Pathogenic variants of DICER1 have been discovered in many rare cancers, including cystic liver tumors. However, the molecular mechanisms underlying liver lesions induced by these variants remain unclear. In the present study, we sought to gain a better understanding of the pathogenesis of these variants by generating a mouse model of liver-specific DICER1 syndrome. The mouse model developed bile duct hyperplasia with fibrosis, similar to congenital hepatic fibrosis, as well as cystic liver tumors resembling those in Caroli's syndrome, intrahepatic cholangiocarcinoma, and hepatocellular carcinoma. Interestingly, the mouse model of DICER1 syndrome showed abnormal formation of primary cilia in the bile duct epithelium, which is a known cause of bile duct hyperplasia and cyst formation. These results indicated that DICER1 mutations contribute to cystic liver tumors by inducing defective primary cilia. The mouse model generated in this study will be useful for elucidating the potential mechanisms of tumorigenesis induced by DICER1 variants and for obtaining a comprehensive understanding of DICER1 syndrome. © 2024 The Pathological Society of Great Britain and Ireland.

Circulating miR-122-5p, miR-151a-3p, miR-126-5p and miR-21-5p as potential predictive biomarkers for Metabolic Dysfunction-Associated Steatotic Liver Disease assessment

Metabolic Dysfunction-Associated Steatotic Liver Disease (MASLD) is a worldwide leading cause of liver-related associated morbidities and mortality. Currently, there is a lack of reliable non-invasive biomarkers for an accurate of MASLD. Hence, this study aimed to evidence the functional role of miRNAs as potential biomarkers for MASLD assessment. Data from 55 participants with steatosis (MASLD group) and 45 without steatosis (control group) from the Fatty Liver in Obesity (FLiO) Study (NCT03183193) were analyzed. Anthropometrics and body composition, biochemical and inflammatory markers, lifestyle factors and liver status were evaluated. Circulating miRNA levels were measured by RT-PCR. Circulating levels of miR-122-5p, miR-151a-3p, miR-126-5p and miR-21-5p were significantly increased in the MASLD group. These miRNAs were significantly associated with steatosis, liver stiffness and hepatic fat content. Logistic regression analyses revealed that miR-151a-3p or miR-21-5p in combination with leptin showed a significant diagnostic accuracy for liver stiffness obtaining an area under the curve (AUC) of 0.76 as well as miR-151a-3p in combination with glucose for hepatic fat content an AUC of 0.81. The best predictor value for steatosis was obtained by combining miR-126-5p with leptin, presenting an AUC of 0.95. Circulating miRNAs could be used as a non-invasive biomarkers for evaluating steatosis, liver stiffness and hepatic fat content, which are crucial in determining MASLD. CLINICAL TRIAL REGISTRATION: • Trial registration number: NCT03183193 ( www.clinicaltrials.gov ). • Date of registration: 12/06/2017.

The Role of Epigenetic Mechanisms in the Pathogenesis of Hepatitis C Infection

Hepatitis C virus (HCV) is a hepatotropic virus that can be transmitted through unsafe medical procedures, such as injections, transfusions, and dental treatment. The infection may be self-limiting or manifest as a chronic form that induces liver fibrosis, cirrhosis, or progression into hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC). Epigenetic mechanisms are major regulators of gene expression. These mechanisms involve DNA methylation, histone modifications, and the activity of non-coding RNAs, which can enhance or suppress gene expression. Abnormal activity or the dysregulated expression of epigenetic molecules plays an important role in the pathogenesis of various pathological disorders, including inflammatory diseases and malignancies. In this review, we summarise the current evidence on epigenetic mechanisms involved in HCV infection and progression to HCC.

Circular RNA NFIX Functions as an Oncogene in Non-Small Cell Lung Cancer by Modulating the miR-214-3p/TRIAP1 Axis

BACKGROUND

circRNA NFIX has been shown to exist as an oncogene in glioma. But its expression and role in NSCLC (non-small cell lung cancer) are still unclear. This research aimed to discover the expression and function of circRNA NFIX in NSCLC.

METHODS

In this research, qRT-PCR was utilized to investigate the expression levels of circRNA NFIX, miRNA-214-3p, and TRIAP1 in NSCLC tissues and cell lines. The binding sites between circRNA NFIX/TRIAP1 and miRNA-214-3p were predicted using the Starbase. These interactions were further validated using a double luciferase reporter assay. Cell proliferation and apoptosis were assessed through MTT and flow cytometry, respectively. The expression of apoptosis-related proteins was measured by western blot assay.

RESULTS

miRNA-214-3p could link with circRNA NFIX. circRNA NFIX was upregulated, while miRNA-214-3p was downregulated in NSCLC cell lines and clinical samples. Besides, suppression of circRNA NFIX repressed cell proliferation and induced apoptosis in NSCLC cells by upregulating miRNA-214-3p expression. Besides, the data indicated that TRIAP1 was a target of miRNA-214-3p, and it was negatively regulated by miRNA-214-3p in NSCLC cells. The excessive expression of miRNA-214-3p suppressed NSCLC cell proliferation and increased apoptosis. In addition, overexpression of TRIAP1 significantly reversed the effects on NSCLC cells caused by miRNA-214-3p mimic.

CONCLUSION

circRNA NFIX silencing repressed the proliferation of NSCLC cells and induced cell apoptosis by regulating the miR-214-3p/TRIAP1 axis, which was a potential diagnostic and therapeutic target for NSCLC.

Curcumin alleviates Aflatoxin B1-triggered chicken liver necroptosis by targeting the LOC769044/miR-1679/STAT1 axis

Aflatoxin B1 (AFB1) is an unavoidable environmental toxin. The accumulation of AFB1 and its metabolites in the liver poses a threat to both human and animal health. Curcumin exhibits anti-oxidative, anti-tumor, and anti-inflammatory properties. There is no report on the mechanism regarding how curcumin relived liver necroptosis in chickens induced by AFB1 based on the regulatory network of ceRNA. To explore this, we performed transmission electron microscopy and sequenced lncRNA and mRNA in chicken livers treated with AFB1 and/or curcumin for 28 d in vivo. We observed substantial alterations in the lncRNA and mRNA expression profiles within the chicken liver, indicating that curcumin can mitigate AFB1-induced necroptosis both in vivo and in vitro. Further analysis, including the establishment of an lncRNA-miRNA-mRNA network and the utilization of a dual luciferase reporter assay, revealed that LOC769044 acts as a competing endogenous RNA (ceRNA) for miR-1679. In addition, STAT1 was identified as a direct target of miR-1679. Modulating miR-1679 levels through overexpression, and silencing LOC769044 and STAT1, effectively reversed the necroptotic effects induced by AFB1, a reversal that was also observed with curcumin supplementation. In conclusion, our data demonstrate that curcumin alleviates AFB1-induced liver necroptosis through the LOC769044/miR-1679/STAT1 signaling axis. This study suggests that LOC769044 may serve as a novel therapeutic target for managing AFB1-mediated liver toxicity.

Transcriptomic Analysis Reveals the Effects of miR-122 Overexpression in the Liver of Qingyuan Partridge Chickens

The liver of chickens is essential for maintaining physiological activities and homeostasis. This study aims to investigate the specific function and molecular regulatory mechanism of microRNA-122 (miR-122), which is highly expressed in chicken liver. A lentivirus-mediated overexpression vector of miR-122 was constructed and used to infect 12-day-old female Qingyuan Partridge chickens. Transcriptome sequencing analysis was performed to identify differentially expressed genes in the liver. Overexpression of miR-122 resulted in 776 differentially expressed genes (DEGs). Enrichment analyses, including Gene Ontology (GO), Kyoto Encyclopedia of Genes and Genomes (KEGG), and Gene Set Enrichment Analysis (GSEA) revealed associations with lipid metabolism, cellular senescence, cell adhesion molecules, and the MAPK signaling pathway. Eight potential target genes of miR-122 (ARHGAP32, CTSD, LBH, PLEKHB2, SEC14L1, SLC2A1, SLC6A14, and SP8) were identified through miRNA target prediction platforms and literature integration. This study provides novel insights into the molecular regulatory mechanisms of miR-122 in chicken liver, highlighting its role in key biological processes and signaling pathways. These discoveries enhance our understanding of miR-122's impact on chicken liver function and offer valuable information for improving chicken production performance and health.

SA-ODG platform: a semi-automated and PCR-free method to analyse microRNAs in solid tissues

Over the past two decades, numerous techniques have been developed for analysing microRNAs in body fluids and tissues. However, these techniques still face technical challenges, particularly when compared to well-established techniques for proteins and metabolites. Recently, the ODG platform was introduced, which is an innovative technology that allows for the direct detection and quantification of microRNAs in liquid biopsies without requiring extraction or amplification. This study presents the implementation of the ODG platform within a semi-automated protocol to create the "SA-ODG" platform, enhancing the efficiency and precision of microRNA testing while reducing hands-on time required by laboratory staff. For the first time, the SA-ODG platform has been used to directly quantify microRNAs in solid tissues. The results demonstrate precise analysis of miR-122-5p in mouse liver tissues using SA-ODG. These developments represent a crucial step forward in advancing the field of extraction and amplification-free microRNA detection and quantification.

Research Progress on Micro (Nano)Plastics Exposure-Induced miRNA-Mediated Biotoxicity

Micro- and nano-plastics (MNPs) are ubiquitously distributed in the environment, infiltrate organisms through multiple pathways, and accumulate, thus posing potential threats to human health. MNP exposure elicits changes in microRNAs (miRNAs), long noncoding RNAs (lncRNAs), and circular RNAs (circRNAs), thereby precipitating immune, neurological, and other toxic effects. The investigation of MNP exposure and its effect on miRNA expression has garnered increasing attention. Following MNP exposure, circRNAs serve as miRNA sponges by modulating gene expression, while lncRNAs function as competing endogenous RNAs (ceRNAs) by fine-tuning target gene expression and consequently impacting protein translation and physiological processes in cells. Dysregulated miRNA expression mediates mitochondrial dysfunction, inflammation, and oxidative stress, thereby increasing the risk of neurodegenerative diseases, cardiovascular diseases, and cancer. This tract, blood, urine, feces, placenta, and review delves into the biotoxicity arising from dysregulated miRNA expression due to MNP exposure and addresses the challenges encountered in this field. This study provides novel insights into the connections between MNPs and disease risk.

The eEF1A protein in cancer: Clinical significance, oncogenic mechanisms, and targeted therapeutic strategies

Eukaryotic elongation factor 1A (eEF1A) is among the most abundant proteins in eukaryotic cells. Evolutionarily conserved across species, eEF1A is in charge of translation elongation for protein biosynthesis as well as a plethora of non-translational moonlighting functions for cellular homeostasis. In malignant cells, however, eEF1A becomes a pleiotropic driver of cancer progression via a broad diversity of pathways, which are not limited to hyperactive translational output. In the past decades, mounting studies have demonstrated the causal link between eEF1A and carcinogenesis, gaining deeper insights into its multifaceted mechanisms and corroborating its value as a prognostic marker in various cancers. On the other hand, an increasing number of natural and synthetic compounds were discovered as anticancer eEF1A-targeting inhibitors. Among them, plitidepsin was approved for the treatment of multiple myeloma whereas metarrestin was currently under clinical development. Despite significant achievements in these two interrelated fields, hitherto there lacks a systematic examination of the eEF1A protein in the context of cancer research. Therefore, the present work aims to delineate its clinical implications, molecular oncogenic mechanisms, and targeted therapeutic strategies as reflected in the ever expanding body of literature, so as to deepen mechanistic understanding of eEF1A-involved tumorigenesis and inspire the development of eEF1A-targeted chemotherapeutics and biologics.

Identification of key regulatory genes in the pathogenesis of COVID-19 and sepsis: An observational study

Patients with severe COVID-19 and those with sepsis have similar clinical manifestations. We used bioinformatics methods to identify the common hub genes in these 2 diseases. Two RNA-seq datasets from the Gene Expression Omnibus were used to identify common differentially expressed genes (DEGs) in COVID-19 and sepsis. These common genes were used for analysis of functional enrichment; pathway analysis; identification of associated transcription factors, metabolites, and miRNAs; and mapping of protein-protein interaction networks. The major hub genes of COVID-19 and sepsis were identified, and validation datasets were used to assess the value of these hub genes using receiver operating characteristic (ROC) curves. Analysis of the 800 common DEGs for COVID-19 and sepsis, as well as common transcription factors, miRNAs, and metabolites, demonstrated that the immune response had a key role in both diseases. DLGAP5, BUB1, CDK1, CCNB1, and BUB1B were the most important common hub genes. Analysis of a validation cohort indicated these 5 genes had significantly higher expression in COVID-19 patients and sepsis patients than in corresponding controls, and the area under the ROC curves ranged from 0.832 to 0.981 for COVID-19 and 0.840 to 0.930 for sepsis. We used bioinformatics tools to identify common DEGs, miRNAs, and transcription factors for COVID-19 and sepsis. The 5 identified hub genes had higher expression in validation cohorts of COVID-19 and sepsis. These genes had good or excellent diagnostic performance based on ROC analysis, and therefore have potential use as novel markers or therapeutic targets.

Intestinal injury in paracetamol overdose (ATOM-8)

BACKGROUND AND AIM

Paracetamol, a widely used medication, is known for its delayed hepatotoxicity in cases of overdose. However, the potential for intestinal toxicity resulting from very high paracetamol concentrations during absorption is not well explored. This study aims to investigate the presence of intestinal toxicity and its correlation with observations in early and late paracetamol toxicity.

METHODS

Serial samples of 30 patients with acute paracetamol overdose (> 10 g or 200 mg/kg) were prospectively tested. Markers of enterocyte damage, including plasma intestinal fatty acid binding protein (IFABP) and selected gut-related microRNAs (miR-21, miR-122, miR-194, and miR-215), were analyzed. Sub-analysis was performed on patients presenting with hyperlactatemia defined as a lactate greater than 2 mmol/L within 12 h post ingestion.

RESULTS

In paracetamol overdose patients, median plasma IFABP was significantly elevated compared with healthy controls (720 μg/L [interquartile range, IQR, 533-1644] vs 270 μg/L [IQR 153-558], P < 0.001). Four patients had early hyperlactatemia and had significantly higher median plasma IFABP compared with those without early hyperlactatemia (3028 μg/L [IQR 1399-3556] vs 574 μg/L [IQR 526-943], P = 0.007). Furthermore, two microRNAs (miR-122 and miR-215) were downregulated in early hyperlactatemia (P = 0.019 and P = 0.006, respectively). Plasma IFABP concentrations correlated with paracetamol concentration (Spearman's r = 0.55) and lactate (r = 0.60).

CONCLUSIONS

Paracetamol overdose causes concentration-related intestinal toxicity, and this is a possible explanation for the early hyperlactatemia syndrome. Intestinal toxicity has potential impacts on pharmacokinetics of other agents ingested and on the evolution of hepatotoxicity. Further studies are required to explore the mechanisms and prognostic implications of intestinal toxicity.

MiR-339-5p Inhibits Ferroptosis by Promoting Autophagic Degradation of FTH1 Through Targeting ATG7 in Liver Cancer Cells

Background

Liver cancer has a high incidence and mortality rate worldwide, and there is an urgent need to identify new therapeutic strategies and predictive targets to improve the clinical outcomes of advanced liver cancer. Ferroptosis holds promise as a novel strategy for cancer therapy. Epigenetic dysregulation is a hallmark of cancer, and noncoding RNAs are tightly involved in cell fate determination. Therefore, we aimed to identify a novel ferroptosis regulator from aberrantly expressed microRNAs that may serve as a novel biomarker and therapeutic target for liver cancer.

Methods

The expression signature and prognostic value of miR-339 was assessed using TCGA data set. The role of miR-339/ATG7/FTH1 axis in liver cancer cells were evaluated through growth curve, colony formation, 7-AAD staining. The role of miR-339 in regulation of ferroptosis was determined by immunofluorescence staining, flow cytometry, and Elisa kits.

Results

Here, we showed that miR-339 is aberrantly overexpressed in patients with liver cancer. In addition, miR-339 inhibition dramatically suppresses liver cancer progression. Furthermore, miR-339 silencing drives cell death and inhibits liver cancer progression, indicating that miR-339 may serve as a novel ferroptosis suppressor. Mechanistically, we demonstrated that miR-339 targets ATG7 to facilitate the autophagic degradation of FTH1 and prevent ferroptosis in liver cancer cells.

Conclusions

We provide important evidence that the miR-339 inhibition activates of the autophagy pathway to promote ferroptosis by degrading FTH1 in liver cancer cells. We found that miR-339 regulates the balance between ferroptosis and autophagy in liver cancer cells.

Circulating afamin positively correlated with the miR-122 expression and type 2 diabetes mellitus-related phenotype according to the duration of diabetes

Background

Afamin is a hepatokine that involves in glucose and lipids metabolism. miR-122 is mainly expressed in liver and involves in lipid and carbohydrate metabolism. This study aimed at investigating the circulating afamin, its correlation with type 2 diabetes mellitus (T2DM) and miR-122 gene expression in T2DM patients and healthy control subjects according to the duration of diabetes.

Methods

This case-control study included 220 participants, with 100 individuals serving as controls and 120 individuals diagnosed with type 2 diabetes mellitus (T2DM). The miR-122 gene expression was assessed using real-time PCR. The serum concentration of biochemical parameters such as glucose levels, lipid profile, and small-dense low-density lipoprotein (sdLDL) were measured using colorimetric kits. Circulating afamin and insulin levels were assayed using an ELISA kit. Glycated hemoglobin (HbA1c) was measured using capillary electrophoresis.

Results

Circulating afamin level was significantly higher in T2DM patients compared to the control group, (73.8 ± 10.8 vs. 65.9 ± 8.7, respectively; P < 0.001). Similarly, miR122 expression was significantly increased in T2DM patients compared to healthy control subjects (4.24 ± 2.01 vs. 1.00 ± 0.85, respectively; P < 0.001). Among patients diagnosed with T2DM, those with longstanding diabetes (>5 years) exhibited significantly higher levels of circulating afamin and miR-122 expression compared to individuals with a shorter duration of diabetes (≤5 years) (P < 0.05). Circulating afamin levels were significantly correlated with waist circumference, small-dense low-density lipoprotein (sdLDL), fasting blood sugar (FBS), insulin, resistance to insulin, and miR-122 expression, depending on the duration of the disease (P < 0.05). Furthermore, the performance of afamin as a diagnostic marker for T2DM was confirmed through receiver operating characteristic (ROC) analysis, yielding an area under the curve (AUC) of 0.7 (P < 0.001).

Conclusions

Circulating afamin involved in the T2DM-related complications and its concentration is positively correlated to the miR-122 expression, especially in patient with longstanding diabetes.

Role of aryl hydrocarbon receptors in infection and inflammation

The aryl hydrocarbon receptor (AhR) is a transcription factor that is activated by various ligands, including pollutants, microorganisms, and metabolic substances. It is expressed extensively in pulmonary and intestinal epithelial cells, where it contributes to barrier defense. The expression of AhR is pivotal in regulating the inflammatory response to microorganisms. However, dysregulated AhR expression can result in endocrine disorders, leading to immunotoxicity and potentially promoting the development of carcinoma. This review focuses on the crucial role of the AhR in facilitating and limiting the proliferation of pathogens, specifically in relation to the host cell type and the species of etiological agents involved in microbial pathogen infections. The activation of AhR is enhanced through the IDO1-AhR-IDO1 positive feedback loop, which is manipulated by viruses. AhR primarily promotes the infection of SARS-CoV-2 by inducing the expression of angiotensin-converting enzyme 2 (ACE2) and the secretion of pro-inflammatory cytokines. AhR also plays a significant role in regulating various types of T-cells, including CD4+ T cells and CD8+ T cells, in the context of pulmonary infections. The AhR pathway plays a crucial role in regulating immune responses within the respiratory and intestinal barriers when they are invaded by viruses, bacteria, parasites, and fungi. Additionally, we propose that targeting the agonist and antagonist of AhR signaling pathways could serve as a promising therapeutic approach for combating pathogen infections, especially in light of the growing prevalence of drug resistance to multiple antibiotics.

Time for micro-RNAs in steatotic liver disease: a case-control study

One of the challenges of modern-day living is to resist the temptation of overfeeding and sedentariness and maintain a healthy body and mind. On a favorable genetic and epigenetic background, a high-fat diet combined with lack of physical exercise constitutes the foundation for severe metabolic disturbances including steatotic liver disease. In our case-control study, we had the aim of establishing the role of selected micro-RNAs-miR-122, miR-192, miR-33a, and miR-33b-as superior biomarkers for the diagnosis and prognosis of steatotic liver in a 36-patient cohort compared to 12 healthy controls. Initial results confirmed the decline in miR-122 expression as fatty liver is progressing. However, combinations of ΔmiRs, such as ΔmiR33a_192, ΔmiR33a_122, and ΔmiR33b_122, correlate with ultrasound steatosis grade (R 2 = 0.78) while others such as ΔmiR33b_122 provide a high specificity and sensitivity in fatty liver disease with an area under the curve (AUC) of 0.85. Compared to classical biomarkers, micro-RNAs can be used for both diagnostic and prognostic purposes as their diminished expression in severe cases of steatosis is associated with higher risk of emerging hepatocellular carcinoma. Manipulating micro-RNAs through agomirs or antagomirs can be the answer to the yet unsolved problem of efficient therapy in MAFLD.

LncRNA LINC01123 promotes malignancy of ovarian cancer by targeting hsa-miR-516b-5p/VEGFA

BACKGROUND

Long non-coding RNAs (lncRNAs) play a critical role in the development of ovarian cancer (OC).

OBJECTIVE

The study aimed to determine the role of LncRNA LINC01123 in OC bio-progression, which is upregulated in OC tissues during OC progression.

METHODS

Bioinformatics methods, GEPIA, and qRT-PCR were used to reveal the level and correlation of LINC01123, hsa-miR-516b-5p, and VEGFA, in OC cell lines. MTT, EdU, TUNEL, and Transwell assays were performed to assess the bioactivity of OC cell. Target sites of LINC01123 and hsa-miR-516b-5p were predicted using Starbase, and the potential linkage points of VEGFA and hsa-miR-516b-5p were predicted using TargetScan. These sites and linkage points were confirmed by double luciferase reporter assay.

RESULTS

LINC01123 was upregulated in OC cell lines and LINC01123 silencing suppressed the proliferation and metastasis of OC cells, but promoted cell apoptosis. hsa-miR-516b-5p was linked to LINC01123 and. VEGFA was downstream of hsa-miR-516b-5p. Importantly, silencing of hsa-miR-516b-5p reversed the inhibitory impact of si-LINC01123. The result of hsa-miR-516b-5p inhibitor + si-LINC01123 co-transfection were rescued by si-VEGFA.

CONCLUSION

LINC01123 promotes OC development by dampening miR-516b-5p function, and may be a novel target for treating OC.

Potential role of microRNAs in personalized medicine against hepatitis: a futuristic approach

MicroRNAs (miRNAs) have been the subject of extensive research for many years, primarily in the context of diseases such as cancer. However, our appreciation of their significance in viral infections, particularly in hepatitis, has increased due to the discovery of their association with both the host and the virus. Hepatitis is a major global health concern and can be caused by various viruses, including hepatitis A to E. This review highlights the key factors associated with miRNAs and their involvement in infections with various viruses that cause hepatitis. The review not only emphasizes the expression profiles of miRNAs in hepatitis but also puts a spotlight on their potential for diagnostics and therapeutic interventions. Ongoing extensive studies are propelling the therapeutic application of miRNAs, addressing both current limitations and potential strategies for the future of miRNAs in personalized medicine. Here, we discuss the potential of miRNAs to influence future medical research and an attempt to provide a thorough understanding of their diverse roles in hepatitis and beyond.