Association of breast cancer-related microRNA polymorphisms with idiopathic primary ovarian insufficiency

The miRNA variants MIR196A2 (rs11614913) and MIR423 (rs6505162) contribute to an increase in the risk of myocardial infarction

INTRODUCTION

MicroRNAs (miRNAs) are small, single-stranded RNA molecules that negatively regulate gene expression and play a key role in the pathogenesis of human diseases. Recent studies have suggested that miRNAs contribute to cardiovascular diseases (CVDs). However, the association between single-nucleotide polymorphisms (SNPs) in miRNAs and myocardial infarction (MI) remains in infancy.

AIM

The current study was designed to find out the association of SNPs in MIR196A2 and MIR423 (rs11614913 and rs6505162, respectively).

METHODS

Using Tetra-Primer Amplification Refractory Mutation System-Polymerase Chain Reaction (T-ARMS PCR) in 400 cases (MI patients) and 336 healthy controls. Using different inheritance models (co-dominant, homozygous dominant, homozygous recessive, and additive models), the association of these SNPs was genotyped with MI risk.

RESULTS

For variant rs11614913, significant distribution of the genotypes among the cases and controls was determined by co-dominant [χ2  = 29.19, 2; p value < 0.0001], dominant (C/C vs. C/T + T/T) [OR = 0.45 (0.34 to 0.61); p < 0.0001], recessive (T/T vs. C/T + C/C) [OR = 1.009 (0.63 to 1.63); p-value p value > 0.999], and additive models [OR = 0.65 (0.52 to 0.80); p value = 0.0001]. Similarly, a significant association of rs6505162 was determined by co-dominant [χ2  = 24.29, 2; p value < 0.0001], dominant (C/C vs. A/C+ A/A) [OR = 0.44 (0.32 to 0.61); p value < 0.0001], recessive (A/A vs. A/C + C/C) [OR = 1.29 (0.85 to 1.98); p value = 0.28], and additive models [OR = 0.65 (0.52 to 0.81); p value = 0.0001].

CONCLUSION

Therefore, the current study showed that both variants rs11614913 and rs6505162 are significantly associated with MI in the Pakistani population.

MicroRNA-4516 in Urinary Exosomes as a Biomarker of Premature Ovarian Insufficiency

Premature ovarian insufficiency (POI) is a typical disorder of amenorrhea that lasts for a minimum of four months in women < 40 years old and is typically characterized by reduced estrogen levels and elevated serum concentrations of follicle-stimulating hormone. We collected urine samples from two participant cohorts from Gil Hospital of Gachon University (Incheon, Korea): a sequencing cohort of 19 participants (seven patients with POI (POI patients without Turner syndrome), seven patients with Turner syndrome (POI patients with Turner syndrome), and five control individuals (age-matched controls with confirmed ovarian sufficiency)) and a validation cohort of 46 participants (15 patients with POI, 11 patients with Turner syndrome, and 20 control individuals). Among differentially expressed miRNAs, hsa-miR-4516 was significantly upregulated in patients with POI in both cohorts, independent of the presence of Turner syndrome. Moreover, the upregulation of miR-4516 was confirmed in the ovary—but not in the uterus—of a cyclophosphamide and busulfan-induced POI mouse model. This was accompanied by a decrease in STAT3 protein level, a predicted target of miR-4516, via miRTarBase2020. Our study provides compelling evidence that miR-4516 is highly expressed in patients with POI and POI mouse models, suggesting that miR-4516 is a diagnostic marker of POI.

Role of miRNA polymorphism in recurrent pregnancy loss: a systematic review and meta-analysis

There are a plethora of publications on the role of miRNA gene polymorphism and its association with recurrent pregnancy loss (RPL), but a lack of uniformity in the studies available due to the variable subject population, heterogeneity and contrary results of significance. Rigorous data mining was done through PubMed, SCOPUS, Cochrane library, Elsevier and Google Scholar to extract the studies of interest published until June 2021. A total of eight SNPs of miRNAs have been included, where ≥2 studies per SNPs were available. Analysis was done on the basis of pooled odds ratios and 95% CI. This is the first meta-analysis on miRNA SNPs in RPL that suggests that rs11614913, rs3746444 and rs2292832 biomarkers may decrease the risk of RPL under different genetic models.

Menopausal hormone therapy and breast cancer risk

This narrative review analyses the customization of Menopause Hormone Therapy in the context of breast cancer risk in women with premature ovarian insufficiency (POI) and with menopause at a normal age. Women with Idiopathic POI, FMR-1 premutation or Turner syndrome, if left untreated, may have lower breast cancer risk compared to the healthy age-matched female population. These women should be treated with MHT until the age of 50, as the risk of breast cancer is equal to that of normally menstruating women. Carriers of BRCA 1 & 2 mutation after risk-reducing bilateral salpingo-oophorectomy (RRSO), without a personal history of cancer, have an increased breast cancer risk, but may probably be treated with MHT till the age of 50. POI resulting from endometriosis or cancer related treatment is discussed in a separate paper in this issue. In peri- and postmenopausal women with menopausal symptoms and/or risk factors for osteoporosis in need of MHT, the individual breast cancer risk can be evaluated using internet-based calculators. In most women the 5-year-breast cancer risk is low (<3%) and MHT is a safe option. MHT should be prescribed with caution in women who have an intermediate risk (3-6%) and should not be prescribed in those who have a high risk of breast cancer (>6%). Oestrogen-only MHT and oestrogen-progestogen MHT containing micronized progesterone or dydrogesterone are associated with lower breast cancer risk compared to other combined MHT regimens.

MiR-608 rs4919510 C > G polymorphism increased the risk of bladder cancer in an Iranian population

MicroRNAs (miRNAs) participate in diverse biological pathways and may act as oncogenes or tumor suppressors. The single nucleotide polymorphisms (SNPs) in miRNAs potentially can alter miRNA-binding sites on target genes as well as affecting miRNAs expression. The present study aimed to evaluate the impact of miR-608 rs4919510 C > G variant on bladder cancer risk. This case-control study conducted on 233 bladder cancer patients and 252 healthy subjects. Genotyping of miR-608 rs4919510 was done using polymerase chain reaction-restriction fragment length polymorphism (PCR-RFLP) method. Our findings showed that CG as well as CG + GG genotypes significantly increased the risk of bladder cancer (OR = 1.94, 95% CI = 1.28–2.94, p = 0.002, and OR = 1.90, 95% CI = 1.26–2.86, p = 0.002, respectively) compared to CC genotype. The G allele significantly increased the risk of bladder cancer compared to C allele (OR = 1.69, 95% CI = 1.17–2.45, p = 0.005). Our findings proposed that miR-608 polymorphism might be associated with increased risk of bladder cancer in a sample of Iranian population. Further large-scale studies with different ethnicities are needed to verify our findings.

Emerging roles for noncoding RNAs in female sex steroids and reproductive disease

The "central dogma" of molecular biology, that is, that DNA blueprints encode messenger RNAs which are destined for translation into protein, has been challenged in recent decades. In actuality, a significant portion of the genome encodes transcripts that are transcribed into functional RNA. These noncoding RNAs (ncRNAs), which are not transcribed into protein, play critical roles in a wide variety of biological processes. A growing body of evidence derived from mouse models and human data demonstrates that ncRNAs are dysregulated in various reproductive pathologies, and that their expression is essential for female gametogenesis and fertility. Yet in many instances it is unclear how dysregulation of ncRNA expression leads to a disease process. In this review, we highlight new observations regarding the roles of ncRNAs in the pathogenesis of disordered female steroid hormone production and disease, with an emphasis on long noncoding RNAs (lncRNAs) and microRNAs (miRNAs). We will focus our discussion in the context of three ovarian disorders which are characterized in part by altered steroid hormone biology - diminished ovarian reserve, premature ovarian insufficiency, and polycystic ovary syndrome. We will also discuss the limitations and challenges faced in studying noncoding RNAs and sex steroid hormone production. An enhanced understanding of the role of ncRNAs in sex hormone regulatory networks is essential in order to advance the development of potential diagnostic markers and therapeutic targets for diseases, including those in reproductive health. Our deepened understanding of ncRNAs has the potential to uncover new applications and therapies; however, in many cases, the next steps will involve distinguishing critical ncRNAs from those which are merely changing in response to a particular disease state, or which are altogether unrelated to disease pathophysiology.

Functional mechanism and clinical implications of MicroRNA-423 in human cancers

MicroRNAs play a vital role in the regulatory mechanisms of tumorigenesis. Current research indicates that microRNA-423 (miR-423) is abnormally expressed in various human tumors and participates in multiple signaling pathways of cancer progression. In most studies, miR-423 was confirmed as oncomiR, while a few contradictory reports considered miR-423 as an anticancer miRNA. The paradoxical role in cancer may hinder the application of miR-423 as a diagnostic and therapeutic target. Simultaneously, the interaction mechanism between miR-423 and lncRNA also needs attention. In this review, we have summarized the dual role of aberrant miR-423 expression and its mechanisms in tumorigenesis, and the therapeutic potential of miR-423 in human tumors.

MicroRNA-127-5p impairs function of granulosa cells via HMGB2 gene in premature ovarian insufficiency

Distinct microRNA (miRNA) profiles have been reported in premature ovarian insufficiency (POI), but their functional relevance in POI is not yet clearly stated. In this study, aberrant expressions of miR-127-5p and high mobility group box 2 (HMGB2) were observed by microarrays in granulosa cells (GCs) from biochemical POI (bPOI) women and further confirmed by a quantitative reverse-transcription polymerase chain reaction. Immortalized human granulosa cell line and mouse primary ovarian GCs were used for functional validation. Orthotopic mouse model was established to examine the role of miR-127-5p in vivo. Finally, the expression of miR-127-5p was measured in the plasma of bPOI women. The receiver operating characteristic curve analysis was performed to determine the indicative role of miR-127-5p for ovarian reserve. Results showed the upregulation of miR-127-5p was identified in GCs from bPOI patients. It inhibited GCs proliferation and impaired DNA damage repair capacity through targeting HMGB2, which was significantly downregulated in GCs from the same cohort of cases. miR-127-5p was confirmed to attenuate DNA repair capability via HMGB2 in mouse ovary in vivo. Intriguingly, the upexpression of miR-127-5p was also detected in plasma of bPOI individuals, suggesting that miR-127-5p could be a promising indicator for bPOI. Taken together, our results discovered the deleterious effects of miR-127-5p on GCs function and its predictive value in POI process. The target gene HMGB2 could be considered as a new candidate for POI. This study highlights the importance of DNA repair capacity for ovarian function and sheds light on the epigenetic mechanism in the pathogenicity of POI.

The association of miR-25T>C, miR-32C>A, miR-125C>T, and miR-222G>T polymorphisms with a risk of primary ovarian insufficiency in Korean women

OBJECTIVE

The purpose of this study was to investigate the association of microRNA polymorphisms (miR-25T>C, miR-32C>A, miR-125C>T, and miR-222G>T) with primary ovarian insufficiency (POI) in Korean women.

METHODS

We conducted a case-control study of Korean women: 142 participants with POI and 266 controls with at least 1 live birth and no history of pregnancy loss.

RESULTS

The haplotype-based multifactor dimensionality reduction analysis revealed that the T-C-T-G (miR-25/-32/-125/-222), T-A-C-G (miR-25/-32/-125/-222), C-T-G (miR-32/-125/-222), A-C-G (miR-32/-125/-222), T-G (miR-122/-222), C-T (miR-32/-125), and C-C (miR-25/-32) inferred haplotypes were significantly less frequent in POI (P < 0.05), which suggested potential protective effects. Participants with POI had significantly increased luteinizing hormone levels (P < 0.05), but hormonal levels, including luteinizing hormone, were not significantly different between POI women and control women with miR-32/-125/-222.

CONCLUSIONS

After considering multiple comparisons, we concluded that miR-25T>C, miR-32C>A, miR-125C>T, and miR-222G>T had no relation with POI.

The miRNA-608 rs4919510 G>C polymorphism confers reduce coronary injury of Kawasaki disease in a Southern Chinese population

Kawasaki disease (KD) is also called mucocutaneous lymph node syndrome and is an acute febrile pediatric disease characterized by systemic vasculitis. KD typically occurs in children 5 years old or younger and occurs more often in males than in females. miRNA-608 has been reported to interact with interleukin-6 and affect innate immunity. The immune-mediated inflammation could induce the occurrence of KD; however, there is no previous research focused on the relationship between miRNA-608 polymorphism and the KD risk. The present study explored the correlation between the miRNA-608 rs4919510 G>C polymorphism and the risk for KD. We recruited 532 patients with KD and 623 controls to genotype the miRNA-608 rs4919510 G>C polymorphism with a TaqMan allelic discrimination assay. Single-locus analysis showed no significant association between miRNA rs4919510 G>C polymorphism and KD susceptibility. However in an analysis stratified by age, gender, and coronary artery lesion (CAL), we found a relationship between the miRNA-608 rs4919510 G>C polymorphism and KD susceptibility. When KD patients were stratified by coronary injury, the CG/CC genotypes of the miRNA-608 rs4919510 G>C polymorphism contributed to a higher occurrence of KD than that was found in the GG genotype patients (adjusted odds ratio = 0.74, 95% CI = 0.56-0.98, P = 0.033). The present study demonstrated that the miRNA-608 rs4919510 G>C polymorphism may have a CAL-related relationship with KD susceptibility that has not been previously revealed.

Role of microRNAs in premature ovarian insufficiency

Premature ovarian insufficiency (POI) is a typical disorder of amenorrhea lasting for a minimum of 4 months. The typical characteristics comprised of declined estrogen and raised serum concentrations of follicle-stimulating hormone (FSH) in women <40-year-old, primarily originating from iatrogenic factors, karyotypic abnormalities, and genetic factors. However, the etiology of POI remains unknown in approximately 90% of cases. POI could lead to infertility, osteoporosis, cardiovascular disorder, and cognitive dysfunction. MicroRNAs (miRNAs) are a class of endogenous noncoding RNAs (ncRNAs) that can mediate post-translational silencing of the genes involved in the regulation of proliferation, differentiation, apoptosis, development, tumorigenesis, and hematopoiesis. Recently, the regulatory functions of miRNAs in the development of POI have been the topic of intensive research. The present review addresses the association of miRNAs' machinery genes (Dicer, Drosha, and XPO5) with POI and the miRNA expression profiles in the plasma of patients with POI. In addition, several specific miRNAs (miR-23a, miR-27a, miR-22-3p, miR-146a, miR-196a, miR-290-295, miR-423, and miR-608) related to POI are also examined in order to highlight the issues that deserve further investigation. A thorough understanding of the exact regulatory roles of miRNAs is imperative to gain novel insights into the etiology of idiopathic POI and offer new research directions in the field.

Distinct effects of rs895819 on risk of different cancers: an update meta-analysis

Previous studies have indicated an association between the genetic variant in pre-miR-27a rs895819 with A->G transition and cancer risk; however, the results remain inconsistent and somehow conflicting in different cancers. Therefore, to obtain a more reliable conclusion, we performed an update meta-analysis by searching PubMed database or other databases. Odds ratio (ORs) and 95% confidence interval (CIs) were calculated to evaluate cancer risk. A total of 34 case-control studies involving 15,388 cases and 18,704 controls were included. The results showed that rs895819 was associated with an increased cancer risk (GG vs. AA/AG: OR = 1.15, 95% CI = 1.02-1.29). Furthermore, stratification analyses revealed an association of rs895819 with increased cancer risk among Asians (GG vs. AA: OR = 1.17, 95% CI = 1.01-1.36; GG vs. AA/AG: OR = 1.18, 95% CI = 1.03-1.35), but not Caucasians. Interestingly, the [G] allele of rs895819 was significantly associated with decreased risk of breast cancer (G vs. A: OR = 0.91, 95% CI = 0.86-0.97). However, rs895819 was associated with increased risk of colorectal cancer (GG vs. AA: OR = 1.56, 95% CI = 1.31-1.85; GG vs. AA/AG: OR = 1.53, 95% CI = 1.30-1.79; G vs. A: OR = 1.19, 95% CI = 1.09-1.30) and lung cancer (GG vs. AA/AG: OR = 1.43, 95% CI = 1.00-2.04). In addition, no association was found between rs895819 and risk of gastric cancer or esophageal cancer. In conclusion, our findings suggest distinct effects of rs895819 on risk of different cancers, and future well-designed studies with large samples are required to further validate our results.

The polymorphism of rs6505162 in the MIR423 coding region and recurrent pregnancy loss

Although the relationship between polymorphisms in microRNAs (miRNAs) and recurrent pregnancy loss (RPL) has been studied, there is very little data available in the literature. In the present study, we scanned 55 potentially functional polymorphisms in the miRNA coding region in Chinese women with unexplained RPL (URPL; no. 2011-10). The rs6505162 C>A in the MIR423 coding region was found to be significantly associated with the occurrence of human URPL. The rare A allele contributed to an increase in the expression of mature MIR423. C to A substitution in the polymorphism rs6505162 in pre-MIR423 repressed cell proliferation and migratory capacity. Further investigations showed that MIR423 could inversely regulate the expression of proliferation-associated 2 group 4 (PA2G4) by binding the 3'-UTR of PA2G4. Dual-luciferase assay indicated that the A allele in the polymorphism rs6505162 could more effectively suppress the expression of PA2G4 than the C allele could. Collectively, the present data suggest that rs6505162 C>A in pre-MIR423 may contribute to the genetic predisposition to RPL by disrupting the production of mature MIR423 and its target gene, which consequently interferes with MIR423 functioning.