MicroRNAs as a Potential Quality Measurement Tool of Platelet Concentrate Stored in Blood Banks-A Review

Expression of microRNAs during apheresis platelet storage up to day 14 in a blood bank in China

BACKGROUND

Storage affects platelet microRNAs (miRNAs); discussing miRNA expression differences in apheresis platelets after varied storage periods is important for developing platelet quality measurement tools and identifying platelet storage lesion biomarkers. To our knowledge, the difference of MicroRNA expression profile in up to 14-day storage apheresis platelets has less relevant reports.

STUDY DESIGN AND METHODS

Apheresis platelet bags from three donors were collected, divided into six groups, and stored for 1, 3, 5, 7, 9, and 14 days. miRNA expression was determined using quantitative reverse transcription polymerase chain reaction. Differentially expressed miRNAs were screened using RNA sequencing.

RESULTS

MiRNA expression profiles showed that the six treatment groups generally highly expressed hsa-let-7 family, hsa-miR-26a-5p, hsa-miR-92a-3p, hsa-miR-199, and hsa-miR-103a-3p. A total of 15 miRNAs in the top 10 known miRNAs of the six groups were highly expressed. Time series analyses for the trend classification of 944 differentially expressed miRNAs indicated 43 genes with 14 trend changes. Hsa-miR-223-3p, hsa-miR-181a-5p, hsa-miR-4433b-5p, hsa-miR-22-3p, and hsa-miR-30c-5p were selected, and the qRT-PCR results also showed that they were significantly reduced under standard blood bank condition.

DISCUSSION

Expression of microRNAs lays the foundation for further research on apheresis platelet storage lesions. Based on our results from information analysis and miRNA target gene prediction, we suggest hsa-miR-30c-5p as a biomarker of the quality and viability of apheresis platelets during storage in blood banks.

Exploring Optimal Biomarker Sources: A Comparative Analysis of Exosomes and Whole Plasma in Fasting and Non-Fasting Conditions for Liquid Biopsy Applications

The study of liquid biopsy with plasma samples is being conducted to identify biomarkers for clinical use. Exosomes, containing nucleic acids and metabolites, have emerged as possible sources for biomarkers. To evaluate the effectiveness of exosomes over plasma, we analyzed the small non-coding RNAs (sncRNAs) and metabolites extracted from exosomes in comparison to those directly extracted from whole plasma under both fasting and non-fasting conditions. We found that sncRNA profiles were not affected by fasting in either exosome or plasma samples. Our results showed that exosomal sncRNAs were found to have more consistent profiles. The plasma miRNA profiles contained high concentrations of cell-derived miRNAs that were likely due to hemolysis. We determined that certain metabolites in whole plasma exhibited noteworthy concentration shifts in relation to fasting status, while others did not. Here, we propose that (1) fasting is not required for a liquid biopsy study that involves both sncRNA and metabolomic profiling, as long as metabolites that are not influenced by fasting status are selected, and (2) the utilization of exosomal RNAs promotes robust and consistent findings in plasma samples, mitigating the impact of batch effects derived from hemolysis. These findings advance the optimization of liquid biopsy methodologies for clinical applications.

Endothelial dysfunction, platelet hyperactivity, hypertension, and the metabolic syndrome: molecular insights and combating strategies

Metabolic syndrome (MetS) is a multifaceted condition that increases the possibility of developing atherosclerotic cardiovascular disease. MetS includes obesity, hypertension, dyslipidemia, hyperglycemia, endothelial dysfunction, and platelet hyperactivity. There is a concerning rise in the occurrence and frequency of MetS globally. The rising incidence and severity of MetS need a proactive, multipronged strategy for identifying and treating those affected. For many MetS patients, achieving recommended goals for healthy fat intake, blood pressure control, and blood glucose management may require a combination of medicine therapy, lifestyles, nutraceuticals, and others. However, it is essential to note that lifestyle modification should be the first-line therapy for MetS. In addition, MetS requires pharmacological, nutraceutical, or other interventions. This review aimed to bring together the etiology, molecular mechanisms, and dietary strategies to combat hypertension, endothelial dysfunction, and platelet dysfunction in individuals with MetS.

Left ventricular assist devices promote changes in the expression levels of platelet microRNAs

Introduction

MicroRNAs (miRs) emerged as promising diagnostic and therapeutic biomarkers in cardiovascular diseases. The potential clinical utility of platelet miRs in the setting of left ventricular assist device (LVAD) support is unexplored.

Methods

We prospectively measured the expression levels of 12 platelet miRs involved in platelet activation, coagulation, and cardiovascular diseases in LVAD patients by quantitative real-time polymerase chain reaction. Data were longitudinally measured before LVAD implant and after 1, 6, and 12 months of LVAD support, and compared with those measured in healthy volunteers (controls). In silico analysis was also performed to identify pathways targeted by differentially expressed miRs.

Results

Data from 15 consecutive patients and 5 controls were analyzed. Pre-implant expression levels of platelet miR-126, miR-374b, miR-223, and miR-320a were significantly different in patients vs. controls. The expression levels of platelet miR-25, miR-144, miR-320, and miR-451a changed significantly over the course of LVAD support; in silico analysis revealed that these miRs are implicated in both cardiac- and coagulation-associated pathways. Furthermore, the patients who suffered from bleeding (n = 5, 33%) had significantly higher pre-implant expression levels of platelet miR-151a and miR-454 with respect to the patients who did not. The same miRs were also differentially expressed in bleeders following LVAD implantation early before the clinical manifestation of the events.

Discussion

This study provides a proof-of-concept evidence of significant modulation of platelet miRs expression driven by LVADs. The possible existence of a platelet miRs signature predictive of the development of bleeding events warrants further validation studies.

Role of MicroRNA-326 and its Target Genes Bcl-xL and Bak as Potential Markers in Platelet Storage Lesion in Blood Banks

Platelet transfusion is crucial in the management of various conditions such as quantitative and qualitative platelet disorders. A serious problem that impacts public health is the shortage of Platelet concentrates (PCs) that frequently affect few blood donors’ countries, such as Egypt. This has necessitated the need to establish novel standards for determining the quality of PC during storage. It was found that microRNAs (miRNA) differential expression profile is a helpful tool for recognition of physiological platelet changes during storage. The aim of the current study was to highlight the role of platelet miRNA-326 and its putative target apoptotic genes, Bcl-xL and Bak, and their role in platelet storage lesion (PSL). Differential expression of miRNA-326 and its target genes in the apoptotic pathway, Bcl-xL and Bak was done using quantitative real time PCR (QR-PCR) on different storage points at day 0, day 3 and day 5 in blood bank. The results of the current study revealed over expression of miRNA-326 throughout days of storage resulted in down regulation of Bcl-xL gene and subsequently up regulation of Bak gene. MiRNA-326 contributes to platelet apoptosis and PSL through inhibition of anti-apoptotic Bcl-xL expression and enhancing pro-apoptotic Bak expression. Differential miRNA-326 and its target gene, Bcl-xL and Bak, expression levels at different points of platelets storage are promising tools as biomarkers for platelets undergoing PSL in blood banks.

MicroRNA 320a and Membrane Antigens as Tools to Evaluate the Pathophysiology of Platelets Stored in Blood Banks

Our research group, through the analysis of miRNomes in platelet concentrates (PCs) stored in blood banks, identified and validated the miR-127 and miR-320a miRNAs as biomarkers of platelet storage lesions (PSLs) in PCs. In order to validate the miRNAs 127 and 320a methodologically, as PSL biomarkers in a large number of PC bags, we also evaluated important immunological markers involved in the platelet activation/aggregation process—the CD62P receptor (P-selectin), the surface glycoproteins (GP) IIb/IIIa, and the purinergic P2Y12 receptor—via flow cytometry. The miRNAs miR-127 and miR-320a were quantified by real-time quantitative PCR (RT-qPCR). To carry out this study, 500 collection tubes were used at the upper edge of the PC bags containing platelets. Each tube was divided into seven equal parts (totaling 3500 samples) for platelet analysis from 7 different storage days, where the 1st day represents the high-quality control, and the 7th day corresponds to the low-quality control of the platelets. After analyzing all parameters during storage days, it was concluded that the relative quantification of miR-320a below 0.50 and the CD62P receptor below 27.92% are reliable indicators of the absence of storage lesions in blood banks. We believe that the values found in the expression of the CD62P receptor legitimize the use of the miR-320a and miR-127 miRNAs to build a kit capable of accurately measuring whether the stored platelets are suitable for transfusion.

Circulating microRNAs as biomarkers and mediators of platelet activation

Platelets are essential mediators of physiological hemostasis and pathological thrombosis. Currently available tests and markers of platelet activation did not prove successful in guiding treatment decisions for patients with cardiovascular disease, justifying further research into novel markers of platelet reactivity. Platelets contain a variety of microRNAs (miRNAs) and are a major contributor to the extracellular circulating miRNA pool. Levels of platelet-derived miRNAs in the circulation have been associated with different measures of platelet activation as well as antiplatelet therapy and have therefore been implied as potential new markers of platelet reactivity. In contrast to the ex vivo assessment of platelet reactivity by current platelet function tests, miRNA measurements may enable assessment of platelet reactivity in vivo. It remains to be seen however, whether miRNAs may aid clinical diagnostics. Major limitations in the platelet miRNA research field remain the susceptibility to preanalytical variation, non-standardized sample preparation and data normalization that hampers inter-study comparisons. In this review, we provide an overview of the literature on circulating miRNAs as biomarkers of platelet activation, highlighting the underlying biology, the application in patients with cardiovascular disease and antiplatelet therapy and elaborating on technical limitations regarding their quantification in the circulation.

Detection of Sepsis in Platelets Using MicroRNAs and Membrane Antigens

The present study proposes to legitimize in sepsis a characteristic found in platelets that suffer storage lesions in blood banks, which is the increased expression of miRNA miR-320a in relation to miR-127. Under physiologically normal conditions, an inverse relationship is observed. The aim of this study was to verify whether the analysis of miR-320a and miR-127 expression in platelets could detect a decrease in their viability and function due to the presence of pathogens in the blood of patients hospitalized in the Intensive Care Unit. We also investigated the expression of membrane antigens sensitive to platelet activation. Of the 200 patients analyzed, only those who developed sepsis (140) were found to have a higher relative quantity of miR-320a than that of miR-127. This characteristic and the increased expression of membrane antigens P2Y12, CD62P, CD41, and CD61 showed a significant association (p < 0.01) with all types of sepsis evaluated in this study. Additionally, 40% of patients hospitalized for sepsis had negative results for the first cultures. We conclude that analysis of miR-127 and miR-320a expression combined with membrane antigens evaluation, in association with the available clinical and diagnostic parameters, are important tools to detect the onset of sepsis.

Contribution of platelet-derived microRNAs to serum microRNAs in healthy men

Platelets are a major source of microRNAs (miRNAs) in blood. Relationships between circulating platelet-derived miRNAs were investigated to elucidate their significance as biomarkers. Total miRNAs in serum were analyzed using the 3D-Gene miRNA Oligo chip. Among 22 miRNAs that are included in platelets and play functional roles, sufficient miRNA levels for comparison were detected for 11 miRNAs (let-7b-5p, miR-16-5p, miR-17-5p, miR-24-3p, miR-107, miR-126-3p, miR-150-3p, miR-191-5p, miR-197-3p, miR-223-3p, and miR-326). Among 55 pairs prepared by these miRNAs, relatively strong correlations (Spearman's correlation coefficient >0.8) were shown between miRNAs of 7 pairs including let-7b-5p and miR-16-5p, let-7b-5p and miR-17-5p, let-7b-5p and miR-107, miR-16-5p and miR-17-5p, miR-16-5p and miR-107, miR-17-5p and miR-107, and miR-107 and miR-126-3p. In principal component analysis, the first principal component consisted of let-7b-5p, miR-16-5p, miR-17-5p, miR-107, miR-126-3p, and miR-191-5p. These six miRNAs may be useful biomarkers that reflect platelet condition and function.

MiR-126 Is an Independent Predictor of Long-Term All-Cause Mortality in Patients with Type 2 Diabetes Mellitus

MicroRNAs are endogenous non-coding RNAs that are involved in numerous biological processes through regulation of gene expression. The aim of our study was to determine the ability of several miRNAs to predict mortality and response to antiplatelet treatment among T2DM patients. Two hundred fifty-two patients with diabetes were enrolled in the study. Among the patients included, 26 (10.3%) patients died within a median observation time of 5.9 years. The patients were receiving either acetylsalicylic acid (ASA) 75 mg (65%), ASA 150 mg (15%) or clopidogrel (19%). Plasma miR-126, miR-223, miR-125a-3p and Let-7e expressions were assessed by quantitative real time PCR and compared between the patients who survived and those who died. Adjusted Cox-regression analysis was used for prediction of mortality. Differential miRNA expression due to different antiplatelet treatment was analyzed. After including all miRNAs into one multivariate Cox regression model, only miR-126 was predictive of future occurrence of long-term all-cause death (HR = 5.82, 95% CI: 1.3–24.9; p = 0.024). Furthermore, miR-126, Let-7e and miR-223 expressions in the clopidogrel group were significantly higher than in the ASA group (p = 0.014; p = 0.013; p = 0.028, respectively). To conclude, miR-126 expression is a strong and independent predictor of long-term all-cause mortality among patients with T2DM. Moreover, miR-223, miR-126 and Let-7e present significant interactions with antiplatelet treatment regimens and clinical outcomes.

Mitochondrial microRNA (MitomiRs) in cancer and complex mitochondrial diseases: current status and future perspectives

Mitochondria are not only important for cellular bioenergetics but also lie at the heart of critical metabolic pathways. They can rapidly adjust themselves in response to changing conditions and the metabolic needs of the cell. Mitochondrial involvement as well as its dysfunction has been found to be associated with variety of pathological processes and diseases. mitomiRs are class of miRNA(s) that regulate mitochondrial gene expression and function. This review sheds light on the role of mitomiRs in regulating different biological processes-mitochondrial dynamics, oxidative stress, cell metabolism, chemoresistance, apoptosis,and their relevance in metabolic diseases, neurodegenerative disorders, and cancer. Insilico analysis of predicted targets of mitomiRs targeting energy metabolism identified several significantly altered pathways (needs in vivo validations) that may provide a new therapeutic approach for the treatment of human diseases. Last part of the review discusses about the clinical aspects of miRNA(s) and mitomiRs in Medicine.

Computational Identification and Characterization of New microRNAs in Human Platelets Stored in a Blood Bank

Platelet concentrate (PC) transfusions are widely used to save the lives of patients who experience acute blood loss. MicroRNAs (miRNAs) comprise a class of molecules with a biological role which is relevant to the understanding of storage lesions in blood banks. We used a new approach to identify miRNAs in normal human platelet sRNA-Seq data from the GSE61856 repository. We identified a comprehensive miRNA expression profile, where we detected 20 of these transcripts potentially expressed in PCs stored for seven days, which had their expression levels analyzed with simulations of computational biology. Our results identified a new collection of miRNAs (miR-486-5p, miR-92a-3p, miR-103a-3p, miR-151a-3p, miR-181a-5p, and miR-221-3p) that showed a sensitivity expression pattern due to biological platelet changes during storage, confirmed by additional quantitative real-time polymerase chain reaction (qPCR) validation on 100 PC units from 500 healthy donors. We also identified that these miRNAs could transfer regulatory information on platelets, such as members of the let-7 family, by regulating the YOD1 gene, which is a deubiquitinating enzyme highly expressed in platelet hyperactivity. Our results also showed that the target genes of these miRNAs play important roles in signaling pathways, cell cycle, stress response, platelet activation and cancer. In summary, the miRNAs described in this study, have a promising application in transfusion medicine as potential biomarkers to also measure the quality and viability of the PC during storage in blood banks.

Serum outperforms plasma in small extracellular vesicle microRNA biomarker studies of adenocarcinoma of the esophagus

BACKGROUND

Circulating microRNAs (miRNAs) are potential biomarkers for many diseases. However, they can originate from non-disease specific sources, such as blood cells, and compromise the investigations for miRNA biomarkers. While small extracellular vesicles (sEVs) have been suggested to provide a purer source of circulating miRNAs for biomarkers discovery, the most suitable blood sample for sEV miRNA biomarker studies has not been defined.

AIM

To compare the miRNA profiles between matched serum and plasma sEV preparations to determine their suitability for biomarker studies.

METHODS

Matched serum and plasma samples were obtained from 10 healthy controls and 10 patients with esophageal adenocarcinoma. sEV isolates were prepared from serum and plasma using ExoQuick^TM and quantified using NanoSight. RNA was extracted from sEV preparations with the miRNeasy Serum/Plasma kit and profiled using the Taqman Openarray qPCR. The overall miRNA content and the expression of specific miRNAs of reported vesicular and non-vesicular origins were compared between serum and plasma sEV preparations. The diagnostic performance of a previously identified multi-miRNA biomarker panel for esophageal adenocarcinoma was also compared.

RESULTS

The overall miRNA content was higher in plasma sEV preparations (480 miRNAs) and contained 97.5% of the miRNAs found in the serum sEV preparations (412 miRNAs).The expression of commonly expressed miRNAs was highly correlated (Spearman’s R = 0.87, P < 0.0001) between the plasma and serum sEV preparations, but was consistently higher in the plasma sEV preparations. Specific blood-cell miRNAs (hsa-miR-223-3p, hsa-miR-451a, miR-19b-3p, hsa-miR-17-5p, hsa-miR-30b-5p, hsa-miR-106a-5p, hsa-miR-150-5p and hsa-miR-92a-3p) were expressed at 2.7 to 9.6 fold higher levels in the plasma sEV preparations compared to serum sEV preparations (P < 0.05). In plasma sEV preparations, the percentage of protein-associated miRNAs expressed at relatively higher levels (Ct 20-25) was greater than serum sEV preparations (50% vs 31%). While the percentage of vesicle-associated miRNAs expressed at relatively higher levels was greater in the serum sEV preparations than plasma sEV preparations (70% vs 44%). A 5-miRNA biomarker panel produced a higher cross validated accuracy for discriminating patients with esophageal adenocarcinoma from healthy controls using serum sEV preparations compared with plasma sEV preparations (AUROC 0.80 vs 0.54, P < 0.05).

CONCLUSION

Although plasma sEV preparations contained more miRNAs than serum sEV preparations, they also contained more miRNAs from non-vesicle origins. Serum appears to be more suitable than plasma for sEV miRNAs biomarkers studies.