Detection of Hypoxia-Regulated MicroRNAs in Blood as Potential Biomarkers of HIF Stabilizer Molidustat

Use of RNA biomarkers in the antidoping field

There is growing evidence that various RNA molecules can serve as biomarkers for clinical diagnoses. Over the last decade, the high specificities and sensitivities of RNA biomarkers have led to proposals that they could be used to detect prohibited substances and practices in sports. mRNAs and circulating miRNAs have the potential to improve the detection of doping and expand the performance of the Athlete Biological Passport. This review provides a summary of the use of RNA biomarkers to detect human and equine doping practices, including a discussion of the use of dried blood spots as a stable matrix that supports and improves the general process of RNA biomarker detection. The advantages of RNA biomarkers over protein biomarkers are also discussed.

Whispers in the Blood: Leveraging MicroRNAs for Unveiling Autologous Blood Doping in Athletes

The prevalence of autologous blood transfusions (ABTs) presents a formidable challenge in maintaining fair competition in sports, as it significantly enhances hemoglobin mass and oxygen capacity. In recognizing ABT as a prohibited form of doping, the World Anti-Doping Agency (WADA) mandates stringent detection methodologies. While current methods effectively identify homologous erythrocyte transfusions, a critical gap persists in detecting autologous transfusions. The gold standard practice of longitudinally monitoring hematological markers exhibits promise but is encumbered by limitations. Despite its potential, instances of blood doping often go undetected due to the absence of definitive verification processes. Moreover, some cases remain unpenalized due to conservative athlete-sanctioning approaches. This gap underscores the imperative need for a more reliable and comprehensive detection method capable of unequivocally differentiating autologous transfusions, addressing the challenges faced in accurately identifying such prohibited practices. The development of an advanced detection methodology is crucial to uphold the integrity of anti-doping measures, effectively identifying and penalizing instances of autologous blood transfusion. This, in turn, safeguards the fairness and equality essential to competitive sports. Our review tackles this critical gap by harnessing the potential of microRNAs in ABT doping detection. We aim to summarize alterations in the total microRNA profiles of erythrocyte concentrates during storage and explore the viability of observing these changes post-transfusion. This innovative approach opens avenues for anti-doping technologies and commercialization, positioning it as a cornerstone in the ongoing fight against doping in sports and beyond. The significance of developing a robust detection method cannot be overstated, as it ensures the credibility of anti-doping efforts and promotes a level playing field for all athletes.

HypoxaMIRs: Key Regulators of Hallmarks of Colorectal Cancer

Hypoxia in cancer is a thoroughly studied phenomenon, and the logical cause of the reduction in oxygen tension is tumor growth itself. While sustained hypoxia leads to death by necrosis in cells, there is an exquisitely regulated mechanism that rescues hypoxic cells from their fatal fate. The accumulation in the cytoplasm of the transcription factor HIF-1α, which, under normoxic conditions, is marked for degradation by a group of oxygen-sensing proteins known as prolyl hydroxylases (PHDs) in association with the von Hippel-Lindau anti-oncogene (VHL) is critical for the cell, as it regulates different mechanisms through the genes it induces. A group of microRNAs whose expression is regulated by HIF, collectively called hypoxaMIRs, have been recognized. In this review, we deal with the hypoxaMIRs that have been shown to be expressed in colorectal cancer. Subsequently, using data mining, we analyze a panel of hypoxaMIRs expressed in both normal and tumor tissues obtained from TCGA. Finally, we assess the impact of these hypoxaMIRs on cancer hallmarks through their target genes.

Circulating MicroRNAs as a New Class of Biomarkers of Physiological Reactions of the Organism to the Intake of Dietary Supplements and Drugs

BACKGROUND

The analysis of individual microRNAs (miRNAs) as a diagnostic and prognostic tool for the effective treatment of various diseases has aroused particular interest in the scientific community. The determination of circulating miRNAs makes it possible to assess biological changes associated with nutritional processes, the intake of dietary supplements and drugs, etc. The profile of circulating miRNAs reflects the individual adaptation of the organism to the effect of specific environmental conditions.

OBJECTIVE

The objective of this study is to systematize the data and show the importance of circulating miRNAs as new potential biomarkers of the organism's response to the intake of various dietary supplements, drugs, and consider the possibility of their use in doping control.

METHODS

A systematic analysis of scientific publications (ncbi.nlm.nih.gov) on the miRNA expression profile in response to the intake of dietary supplements and drugs most often used by athletes, and supposed their role as potential markers in modern doping control was carried out.

RESULTS

The profile of circulating miRNAs is highly dependent on the intake of a particular drug, and, therefore, may be used as a marker of the effects of biologically active supplements and drugs including the substances from the Prohibited List of the World Anti-Doping Agency (WADA).

CONCLUSION

Monitoring of circulating miRNAs can serve as a high-precision marker for detecting doping abuse in elite sports. However, it is necessary to conduct additional studies on the effect of complex drugs on the profile of circulating miRNAs and individual circulating miRNAs on a particular biological process.