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Rarani FZ, Rashidi B, Jafari Najaf Abadi MH, Hamblin MR, Reza Hashemian SM, Mirzaei H. Cytokines and microRNAs in SARS-CoV-2: What do we know? MOLECULAR THERAPY. NUCLEIC ACIDS 2022; 29:219-242. [PMID: 35782361 PMCID: PMC9233348 DOI: 10.1016/j.omtn.2022.06.017] [Citation(s) in RCA: 18] [Impact Index Per Article: 9.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/08/2023]
Abstract
The coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) pandemic constitutes a global health emergency. Currently, there are no completely effective therapeutic medications for the management of this outbreak. The cytokine storm is a hyperinflammatory medical condition due to excessive and uncontrolled release of pro-inflammatory cytokines in patients suffering from severe COVID-19, leading to the development of acute respiratory distress syndrome (ARDS) and multiple organ dysfunction syndrome (MODS) and even mortality. Understanding the pathophysiology of COVID-19 can be helpful for the treatment of patients. Evidence suggests that the levels of tumor necrosis factor alpha (TNF-α) and interleukin (IL)-1 and IL-6 are dramatically different between mild and severe patients, so they may be important contributors to the cytokine storm. Several serum markers can be predictors for the cytokine storm. This review discusses the cytokines involved in severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 (SARS-CoV-2) infection, focusing on interferons (IFNs) and ILs, and whether they can be used in COVID-19 treatment. Moreover, we highlight several microRNAs that are involved in these cytokines and their role in the cytokine storm caused by COVID-19.
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Affiliation(s)
- Fahimeh Zamani Rarani
- Department of Anatomical Sciences, School of Medicine, Isfahan University of Medical Sciences, Isfahan, Iran
| | - Bahman Rashidi
- Department of Anatomical Sciences, School of Medicine, Isfahan University of Medical Sciences, Isfahan, Iran
| | | | - Michael R. Hamblin
- Laser Research Centre, Faculty of Health Science, University of Johannesburg, Doornfontein 2028, South Africa
| | - Seyed Mohammad Reza Hashemian
- Chronic Respiratory Diseases Research Center (CRDRC), National Research Institute of Tuberculosis and Lung Diseases (NRITLD), Shahid Beheshti University of Medical Sciences, Tehran, Iran
| | - Hamed Mirzaei
- Student Research Committee, Kashan University of Medical Sciences, Kashan, Iran
- Research Center for Biochemistry and Nutrition in Metabolic Diseases, Institute for Basic Sciences, Kashan University of Medical Sciences, Kashan, IR, Iran
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Osan C, Chira S, Nutu AM, Braicu C, Baciut M, Korban SS, Berindan-Neagoe I. The Connection between MicroRNAs and Oral Cancer Pathogenesis: Emerging Biomarkers in Oral Cancer Management. Genes (Basel) 2021; 12:genes12121989. [PMID: 34946938 PMCID: PMC8700798 DOI: 10.3390/genes12121989] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/08/2021] [Revised: 12/09/2021] [Accepted: 12/13/2021] [Indexed: 02/06/2023] Open
Abstract
Oral cancer is a common human malignancy that still maintains an elevated mortality rate despite scientific progress. Tumorigenesis is driven by altered gene expression patterns of proto-oncogenes and tumor-suppressor genes. MicroRNAs, a class of short non-coding RNAs involved in gene regulation, seem to play important roles in oral cancer development, progression, and tumor microenvironment modulation. As properties of microRNAs render them stable in diverse liquid biopsies, together with their differential expression signature in cancer cells, these features place microRNAs at the top of promising biomarkers for diagnostic and prognostic values. In this review, we highlight eight expression levels and functions of the most relevant microRNAs involved in oral cancer development, progression, and microenvironment sustainability. Furthermore, we emphasize the potential of using these small RNA species as non-invasive biomarkers for the early detection of oral cancerous lesions. Conclusively, we highlight the perspectives and limitations of microRNAs as novel diagnostic tools, as well as therapeutic models.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ciprian Osan
- Research Center for Functional Genomics, Biomedicine and Translational Medicine, “Iuliu Hatieganu” University of Medicine and Pharmacy, 400337 Cluj-Napoca, Romania; (C.O.); (S.C.); (A.M.N.); (C.B.)
| | - Sergiu Chira
- Research Center for Functional Genomics, Biomedicine and Translational Medicine, “Iuliu Hatieganu” University of Medicine and Pharmacy, 400337 Cluj-Napoca, Romania; (C.O.); (S.C.); (A.M.N.); (C.B.)
| | - Andreea Mihaela Nutu
- Research Center for Functional Genomics, Biomedicine and Translational Medicine, “Iuliu Hatieganu” University of Medicine and Pharmacy, 400337 Cluj-Napoca, Romania; (C.O.); (S.C.); (A.M.N.); (C.B.)
| | - Cornelia Braicu
- Research Center for Functional Genomics, Biomedicine and Translational Medicine, “Iuliu Hatieganu” University of Medicine and Pharmacy, 400337 Cluj-Napoca, Romania; (C.O.); (S.C.); (A.M.N.); (C.B.)
| | - Mihaela Baciut
- Department of Maxillofacial Surgery and Implantology, “Iuliu Hatieganu” University of Medicine and Pharmacy, 400033 Cluj-Napoca, Romania;
| | - Schuyler S. Korban
- Department of Natural Resources & Environmental Sciences, University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign, Urbana, IL 61801, USA;
| | - Ioana Berindan-Neagoe
- Research Center for Functional Genomics, Biomedicine and Translational Medicine, “Iuliu Hatieganu” University of Medicine and Pharmacy, 400337 Cluj-Napoca, Romania; (C.O.); (S.C.); (A.M.N.); (C.B.)
- Correspondence:
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Hefzy EM, Hassuna NA, Shaker OG, Masoud M, Abelhameed TA, Ahmed TI, Hemeda NF, Abdelhakeem MA, Mahmoud RH. miR-155 T/A (rs767649) and miR-146a A/G (rs57095329) single nucleotide polymorphisms as risk factors for chronic hepatitis B virus infection among Egyptian patients. PLoS One 2021; 16:e0256724. [PMID: 34437653 PMCID: PMC8389509 DOI: 10.1371/journal.pone.0256724] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/27/2021] [Accepted: 08/16/2021] [Indexed: 12/15/2022] Open
Abstract
Genetic variants in microRNAs (miRNAs) can alter the miRNAs expression and/or function, accordingly, affecting the related biological pathways and disease risk. Dysregulation of miR-155 and miR-146a expression levels has been well-described in viral hepatitis B (HBV). In the current study, we aimed to assess rs767649 T/A and rs57095329 A/G polymorphisms in miR-155, and miR-146a genes, respectively, as risk factors for Chronic HBV (CHBV) in the Egyptian population. Also, we aimed to do in silico analysis to investigate the molecules that primarily target these miRNAs. One hundred patients diagnosed as CHBV and one hundred age and sex-matched controls with evidence of past HBV infection were genotyped for miR-155 (rs767649) and miR-146a (rs57095329) using real-time polymerase chain reaction. The rs767649 AT and AA genotypes in CHBV patients confer four folds and ten folds risk respectively, as compared to control subjects [(AOR = 4.245 (95%CI 2.009–8.970), p<0.0001) and AOR = 10.583 (95%CI 4.012–27.919), p<0.0001, respectively)]. The rs767649 A allele was associated with an increased risk of developing CHBV (AOR = 2.777 (95%CI 1.847–4.175), p<0.0001). There was a significant difference in the frequency of rs57095329 AG and GG genotypes in CHBV patients compared to controls. AG and GG genotypes showed an increase in the risk of developing CHBV by about three and six folds respectively [AOR = 2.610 (95%CI 1.362–5.000), p = 0.004] and [AOR = 5.604 (95%CI 2.157–14.563), p<0.0001].We concluded that rs57095329 and rs767649 SNPs can act as potential risk factors for the development of CHBV in the Egyptian population.
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Affiliation(s)
- Enas M. Hefzy
- Faculty of Medicine, Department of Medical Microbiology and Immunology, Fayoum University, Fayoum, Egypt
- * E-mail:
| | - Noha A. Hassuna
- Faculty of Medicine, Department of Medical Microbiology and Immunology, Minia University, Minia, Egypt
| | - Olfat G. Shaker
- Faculty of Medicine, Department of Medical Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, Cairo University, Cairo, Egypt
| | - Mohamed Masoud
- Faculty of Medicine, Department of Public Health, Fayoum University, Fayoum, Egypt
| | | | - Tarek I. Ahmed
- Faculty of Medicine, Department of Internal Medicine, Fayoum University, Fayoum, Egypt
| | - Nada F. Hemeda
- Faculty of Agriculture, Department of Genetics, Fayoum University, Fayoum, Egypt
| | | | - Rania H. Mahmoud
- Department of Medical Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, Fayoum University, Fayoum, Egypt
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Xiao Y, Qiao W, Wang X, Sun L, Ren W. MiR-146a mediates TLR-4 signaling pathway to affect myocardial fibrosis in rat constrictive pericarditis model. J Thorac Dis 2021; 13:935-945. [PMID: 33717566 PMCID: PMC7947533 DOI: 10.21037/jtd-20-2716] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/21/2022]
Abstract
Background Myocardial fibrosis (MF) is thought to be associated with constrictive pericarditis (CP). miR-146a has been reported to be related to the survival of myocardial fibroblasts and related signal transduction pathways. The aim of this study was to investigate the expression of miR-146a in CP with MF and the activation of the Toll-like receptor 4 (TLR-4) signaling pathway, to understand the molecular mechanism of MF involvement in CP. Methods Thirty rats with different disease duration were randomly divided into three groups: an 8-week model group (CP-8W group), a 16-week model group (CP-16W group) model, and a normal control group (N group). After the CP model was established in the rats, the myocardial tissues were collected. The expression of miR-146a, the key factors of TLR-4 signaling pathway, including IL-1 receptor-associated kinase 1 (IRAK1), tumor necrosis factor receptor-associated factor 6 (TRAF6), nuclear factor-κB (NF-κB) and p-NF-κB, and the MF indicator α-SMA in myocardial tissue were detected. After treatment with lipopolysaccharide (LPS), primary cultured rat cardiac fibroblasts (CFs) were transfected with miR-146a. RT-PCR and western blot were used to detect the expression of downstream effectors to further verify the function of miRNA-146a in regulating MF via the TLR-4 signaling pathway. Results miR-146a was increased in the CP-8W group but not in the CP-16W group. IRAK1 and TRAF6 in the CP-16W group were found to be higher than in the N group and CP-8W group. α-SMA in the model groups was higher than in the N group. Compared with the CP-8W group, α-SMA in the CP-16W model group was further increased. In the experiments using CFs, the expression of IRAK1, TRAF6, p-NF-κB and α-SMA increased in the LPS-treated group compared with the N group. After transfection of CFs with the miR-146a mimics, the expression of IRAK1, TRAF6, p-NF-κB and α-SMA decreased compared with the LPS-treated group. Following transfection of CFs with miR-146a inhibitors, the expression of IRAK1, TRAF6, p-NF-κB and α-SMA increased compared with the LPS-treated group. Conclusions The expression of miR-146a demonstrated a dynamic change in the CP model; it was increased at the early time point (CP-8W) and then decreased at the 16W time point. miR-146a suppressed MF by inhibiting the target genes TRAF6 and IRAK1 via the TLR-4 signaling pathway.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yangjie Xiao
- Department of Ultrasound, Shengjing Hospital of China Medical University, Shenyang, China
| | - Wei Qiao
- Department of Ultrasound, Shengjing Hospital of China Medical University, Shenyang, China
| | - Xin Wang
- Department of Ultrasound, Shengjing Hospital of China Medical University, Shenyang, China
| | - Lijuan Sun
- Department of Ultrasound, Shengjing Hospital of China Medical University, Shenyang, China
| | - Weidong Ren
- Department of Ultrasound, Shengjing Hospital of China Medical University, Shenyang, China
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Profiling circulating microRNAs in patients with cirrhosis and acute-on-chronic liver failure. JHEP Rep 2021; 3:100233. [PMID: 33665588 PMCID: PMC7902550 DOI: 10.1016/j.jhepr.2021.100233] [Citation(s) in RCA: 11] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/23/2020] [Revised: 12/02/2020] [Accepted: 12/25/2020] [Indexed: 12/13/2022] Open
Abstract
Background & Aims MicroRNAs (miRNAs) circulate in several body fluids and can be useful biomarkers. The aim of this study was to identify blood-circulating miRNAs associated with cirrhosis progression and acute-on-chronic liver failure (ACLF). Methods Using high-throughput screening of 754 miRNAs, serum samples from 45 patients with compensated cirrhosis, decompensated cirrhosis, or ACLF were compared with those from healthy individuals (n = 15). miRNA levels were correlated with clinical parameters, organ failure, and disease progression and outcome. Dysregulated miRNAs were evaluated in portal and hepatic vein samples (n = 33), liver tissues (n = 17), and peripheral blood mononuclear cells (PBMCs) (n = 16). Results miRNA screening analysis revealed that circulating miRNAs are dysregulated in cirrhosis progression, with 51 miRNAs being differentially expressed among all groups of patients. Unsupervised clustering and principal component analysis indicated that the main differences in miRNA expression occurred at decompensation, showing similar levels in patients with decompensated cirrhosis and those with ACLF. Of 43 selected miRNAs examined for differences among groups, 10 were differentially expressed according to disease progression. Moreover, 20 circulating miRNAs were correlated with model for end-stage liver disease and Child-Pugh scores. Notably, 11 dysregulated miRNAs were associated with kidney or liver failure, encephalopathy, bacterial infection, and poor outcomes. The most severely dysregulated miRNAs (i.e. miR-146a-5p, miR-26a-5p, and miR-191-5p) were further evaluated in portal and hepatic vein blood and liver tissue, but showed no differences. However, PBMCs from patients with cirrhosis showed significant downregulation of miR-26 and miR-146a, suggesting a extrahepatic origin of some circulating miRNAs. Conclusions This study is a repository of circulating miRNA data following cirrhosis progression and ACLF. Circulating miRNAs were profoundly dysregulated during the progression of chronic liver disease, were associated with failure of several organs and could have prognostic utility. Lay summary Circulating miRNAs are small molecules in the blood that can be used to identify or predict a clinical condition. Our study aimed to identify miRNAs for use as biomarkers in patients with cirrhosis or acute-on-chronic liver failure. Several miRNAs were found to be dysregulated during the progression of disease, and some were also related to organ failure and disease-related outcomes. Circulating miRNAs are dysregulated with cirrhosis progression and in patients with ACLF. Patient decompensation is associated with important changes in the levels of circulating miRNAs. A total of 11 circulating miRNAs were identified as associated with organ failure and 7 with poor outcome. The miRNAs most dysregulated during cirrhosis progression were miR-146a, miR-26a, and miR-191. miR-146a was dysregulated in PBMCs of patients with decompensated cirrhosis vs. compensated cirrhosis.
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Key Words
- ACLF, acute-on-chronic liver failure
- ALT, alanine aminotransferase
- AST, aspartate aminotransferase
- Biomarkers
- CXCL10, C-X-C motif chemokine ligand 10
- Chronic liver disease
- EF CLIF, European Foundation for the Study of Chronic Liver Failure
- FoxO, forkhead box O
- INR, International Normalised Ratio
- LDH, lactate dehydrogenase
- Liver decompensation
- MAPK, mitogen-activated protein kinase
- MELD, model for end-stage liver disease
- NASH, non-alcoholic steatohepatitis
- Non-coding RNAs
- PBMCs, peripheral blood mononuclear cells
- PCA, principal component analysis
- TGF, transforming growth factor
- TIPS, transjugular intrahepatic portosystemic shunt
- qPCR, quantitative PCR
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Iacob DG, Rosca A, Ruta SM. Circulating microRNAs as non-invasive biomarkers for hepatitis B virus liver fibrosis. World J Gastroenterol 2020; 26:1113-1127. [PMID: 32231417 PMCID: PMC7093315 DOI: 10.3748/wjg.v26.i11.1113] [Citation(s) in RCA: 18] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/20/2019] [Revised: 03/04/2020] [Accepted: 03/09/2020] [Indexed: 02/06/2023] Open
Abstract
Viruses can alter the expression of host microRNAs (MiRNA s) and modulate the immune response during a persistent infection. The dysregulation of host MiRNA s by hepatitis B virus (HBV) contributes to the proinflammatory and profibrotic changes within the liver. Multiple studies have documented the differential regulation of intracellular and circulating MiRNA s during different stages of HBV infection. Circulating MiRNA s found in plasma and/or extracellular vesicles can integrate data on viral-host interactions and on the associated liver injury. Hence, the detection of circulating MiRNA s in chronic HBV hepatitis could offer a promising alternative to liver biopsy, as their expression is associated with HBV replication, the progression of liver fibrosis, and the outcome of antiviral treatment. The current review explores the available data on miRNA involvement in HBV pathogenesis with an emphasis on their potential use as biomarkers for liver fibrosis.
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Affiliation(s)
- Diana Gabriela Iacob
- Infectious Diseases Department, "Carol Davila" University of Medicine and Pharmacy, Bucharest 050474, Romania
- Bucharest Emergency University Hospital, Bucharest 050098, Romania
| | - Adelina Rosca
- Virology Department, Carol Davila University of Medicine and Pharmacy, Bucharest 050474, Romania
- Viral Emerging Diseases Department, Ștefan S. Nicolau Institute of Virology, Bucharest 030304, Romania
| | - Simona Maria Ruta
- Virology Department, Carol Davila University of Medicine and Pharmacy, Bucharest 050474, Romania
- Viral Emerging Diseases Department, Ștefan S. Nicolau Institute of Virology, Bucharest 030304, Romania
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The role of microRNAs in the pathogenesis, grading and treatment of hepatic fibrosis in schistosomiasis. Parasit Vectors 2019; 12:611. [PMID: 31888743 PMCID: PMC6937654 DOI: 10.1186/s13071-019-3866-0] [Citation(s) in RCA: 23] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/13/2019] [Accepted: 12/19/2019] [Indexed: 12/16/2022] Open
Abstract
Schistosomiasis is a prevalent parasitic disease worldwide. The main pathological changes of hepatosplenic schistosomiasis are hepatic granuloma and fibrosis due to worm eggs. Portal hypertension and ascites induced by hepatic fibrosis are usually the main causes of death in patients with chronic hepatosplenic schistosomiasis. Currently, no effective vaccine exists for preventing schistosome infections. For quite a long time, praziquantel (PZQ) was widely used for the treatment of schistosomiasis and has shown benefit in treating liver fibrosis. However, drug resistance and chemical toxicity from PZQ are being increasingly reported in recent years; therefore, new and effective strategies for treating schistosomiasis-induced hepatic fibrosis are urgently needed. MicroRNA (miRNA), a non-coding RNA, has been proved to be associated with the development of many human diseases, including schistosomiasis. In this review, we present a balanced and comprehensive view of the role of miRNAs in the pathogenesis, grading, and treatment of schistosomiasis-associated hepatic fibrosis. The multiple regulatory roles of miRNAs, such as promoting or inhibiting the development of liver pathology in murine schistosomiasis are also discussed in depth. Additionally, miRNAs may serve as candidate biomarkers for diagnosing liver pathology of schistosomiasis and as novel therapeutic targets for treating schistosomiasis-associated hepatic fibrosis.![]()
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