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Belmonte T, Perez-Pons M, Benítez ID, Molinero M, García-Hidalgo MC, Rodríguez-Muñoz C, Gort-Paniello C, Moncusí-Moix A, Madè A, Devaux Y, Martelli F, Ortega A, González J, Torres G, Barbé F, de Gonzalo-Calvo D. Addressing the unsolved challenges in microRNA-based biomarker development: Suitable endogenous reference microRNAs for SARS-CoV-2 infection severity. Int J Biol Macromol 2024; 269:131926. [PMID: 38688344 DOI: 10.1016/j.ijbiomac.2024.131926] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/20/2023] [Revised: 04/24/2024] [Accepted: 04/25/2024] [Indexed: 05/02/2024]
Abstract
Circulating cell-free microRNAs (miRNAs) are promising biomarkers for medical decision-making. Suitable endogenous controls are essential to ensure reproducibility. We aimed to identify and validate endogenous reference miRNAs for qPCR data normalization in samples from SARS-CoV-2-infected hospitalized patients. We used plasma samples (n = 170) from COVID-19 patients collected at hospital admission (COVID-Ponent project, www.clinicaltrials.gov/NCT04824677). First, 179 miRNAs were profiled using RT-qPCR. After stability assessment, candidates were validated using the same methodology. miRNA stability was analyzed using the geNorm, NormFinder and BestKeeper algorithms. Stability was further evaluated using an RNA-seq dataset derived from COVID-19 hospitalized patients, along with plasma samples from patients with critical COVID-19 profiled using RT-qPCR. In the screening phase, after strict control of expression levels, stability assessment selected eleven candidates (miR-17-5p, miR-20a-5p, miR-30e-5p, miR-106a-5p, miR-151a-5p, miR-185-5p, miR-191-5p, miR-423-3p, miR-425-5p, miR-484 and miR-625-5p). In the validation phase, all algorithms identified miR-106a-5p and miR-484 as top endogenous controls. No association was observed between these miRNAs and clinical or sociodemographic characteristics. Both miRNAs were stably detected and showed low variability in the additional analyses. In conclusion, a 2-miRNA panel composed of miR-106a-5p and miR-484 constitutes a first-line normalizer for miRNA-based biomarker development using qPCR in hospitalized patients infected with SARS-CoV-2.
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Affiliation(s)
- Thalia Belmonte
- Translational Research in Respiratory Medicine, University Hospital Arnau de Vilanova and Santa Maria, IRBLleida, Lleida, Spain; CIBER of Respiratory Diseases (CIBERES), Institute of Health Carlos III, Madrid, Spain
| | - Manel Perez-Pons
- Translational Research in Respiratory Medicine, University Hospital Arnau de Vilanova and Santa Maria, IRBLleida, Lleida, Spain; CIBER of Respiratory Diseases (CIBERES), Institute of Health Carlos III, Madrid, Spain
| | - Iván D Benítez
- Translational Research in Respiratory Medicine, University Hospital Arnau de Vilanova and Santa Maria, IRBLleida, Lleida, Spain; CIBER of Respiratory Diseases (CIBERES), Institute of Health Carlos III, Madrid, Spain
| | - Marta Molinero
- Translational Research in Respiratory Medicine, University Hospital Arnau de Vilanova and Santa Maria, IRBLleida, Lleida, Spain; CIBER of Respiratory Diseases (CIBERES), Institute of Health Carlos III, Madrid, Spain
| | - María C García-Hidalgo
- Translational Research in Respiratory Medicine, University Hospital Arnau de Vilanova and Santa Maria, IRBLleida, Lleida, Spain; CIBER of Respiratory Diseases (CIBERES), Institute of Health Carlos III, Madrid, Spain
| | - Carlos Rodríguez-Muñoz
- Translational Research in Respiratory Medicine, University Hospital Arnau de Vilanova and Santa Maria, IRBLleida, Lleida, Spain; CIBER of Respiratory Diseases (CIBERES), Institute of Health Carlos III, Madrid, Spain
| | - Clara Gort-Paniello
- Translational Research in Respiratory Medicine, University Hospital Arnau de Vilanova and Santa Maria, IRBLleida, Lleida, Spain; CIBER of Respiratory Diseases (CIBERES), Institute of Health Carlos III, Madrid, Spain
| | - Anna Moncusí-Moix
- Translational Research in Respiratory Medicine, University Hospital Arnau de Vilanova and Santa Maria, IRBLleida, Lleida, Spain
| | - Alisia Madè
- Molecular Cardiology Laboratory, IRCCS Policlinico San Donato, Via Morandi 30, San Donato Milanese, 20097 MI, Italy
| | - Yvan Devaux
- Cardiovascular Research Unit, Department of Precision Health, Luxembourg Institute of Health, L-1445 Strassen, Luxembourg
| | - Fabio Martelli
- Molecular Cardiology Laboratory, IRCCS Policlinico San Donato, Via Morandi 30, San Donato Milanese, 20097 MI, Italy
| | - Alicia Ortega
- CIBER of Respiratory Diseases (CIBERES), Institute of Health Carlos III, Madrid, Spain; Instituto de Investigación Biomédica de Salamanca (IBSAL), Salamanca, Gerencia Regional de Salud de Castilla y León, Spain
| | - Jessica González
- Translational Research in Respiratory Medicine, University Hospital Arnau de Vilanova and Santa Maria, IRBLleida, Lleida, Spain; CIBER of Respiratory Diseases (CIBERES), Institute of Health Carlos III, Madrid, Spain
| | - Gerard Torres
- Translational Research in Respiratory Medicine, University Hospital Arnau de Vilanova and Santa Maria, IRBLleida, Lleida, Spain; CIBER of Respiratory Diseases (CIBERES), Institute of Health Carlos III, Madrid, Spain
| | - Ferran Barbé
- Translational Research in Respiratory Medicine, University Hospital Arnau de Vilanova and Santa Maria, IRBLleida, Lleida, Spain; CIBER of Respiratory Diseases (CIBERES), Institute of Health Carlos III, Madrid, Spain
| | - David de Gonzalo-Calvo
- Translational Research in Respiratory Medicine, University Hospital Arnau de Vilanova and Santa Maria, IRBLleida, Lleida, Spain; CIBER of Respiratory Diseases (CIBERES), Institute of Health Carlos III, Madrid, Spain.
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Sadeghi-Nodoushan F, Zare-Khormizi MR, Hekmatimoghaddam S, Pourrajab F. Blood Features Associated with Viral Infection Severity: An Experience from COVID-19-Pandemic Patients Hospitalized in the Center of Iran, Yazd. Int J Clin Pract 2024; 2024:7484645. [PMID: 38505695 PMCID: PMC10950416 DOI: 10.1155/2024/7484645] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/01/2023] [Revised: 12/08/2023] [Accepted: 12/28/2023] [Indexed: 03/21/2024] Open
Abstract
Pandemics such as coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) can manifest as systemic infections that affect multiple organs and show laboratory manifestations. We aimed to analyze laboratory findings to understand possible mechanisms of organ dysfunction and risk stratification of hospitalized patients in these epidemics. Methods. This retrospective study was conducted among patients admitted to COVID-19 referral treatment center, Shahid Sadoughi Hospital, Yazd, Iran, from April 21 to November 21, 2021. It was the fifth peak of COVID-19 in Iran, and Delta (VOC-21APR-02; B.1-617.2) was the dominant and most concerning strain. All cases were positive for COVID-19 by RT-PCR test. Lab information of included patients and association of sex, age, and outcome were analyzed, on admission. Results. A total of 466 COVID-19 patients were included in the study, the majority of whom were women (68.9%). The average age of hospitalized patients in male and female patients was 57.68 and 41.32 years, respectively (p < 0.01). During hospitalization, abnormality in hematological and biochemical parameters was significant and was associated with the outcome of death in patients. There was incidence of lymphopenia, neutrophilia, anemia, and thrombocytopenia. The changes in neutrophil/lymphocyte (N/L) and hematocrit/albumin (Het/Alb) ratio and potassium and calcium levels were significant. Conclusion. Based on these results, new biochemical and hematological parameters can be used to predict the spread of infection and the underlying molecular mechanism. Viral infection may spread through blood cells and the immune system.
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Affiliation(s)
- Fatemeh Sadeghi-Nodoushan
- Department of Nutrition, School of Public Health, Shahid Sadoughi University of Medical Sciences, Yazd, Iran
- School of Medicine, Shahid Sadoughi University of Medical Sciences, Yazd, Iran
| | - Mohamad Reza Zare-Khormizi
- School of Medicine, Shahid Sadoughi University of Medical Sciences, Yazd, Iran
- Cardiovascular Research Center, Institute of Basic and Clinical Physiology Sciences, Kerman University of Medical Sciences, Kerman, Iran
| | - Seyedhossein Hekmatimoghaddam
- Department of Laboratory Sciences, School of Paramedicine, Shahid Sadoughi University of Medical Sciences, Yazd, Iran
| | - Fatemeh Pourrajab
- Reproductive Immunology Research Center, Shahid Sadoughi University of Medical Sciences, Yazd, Iran
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Gao L, Kyubwa EM, Starbird MA, Diaz de Leon J, Nguyen M, Rogers CJ, Menon N. Circulating miRNA profiles in COVID-19 patients and meta-analysis: implications for disease progression and prognosis. Sci Rep 2023; 13:21656. [PMID: 38065980 PMCID: PMC10709343 DOI: 10.1038/s41598-023-48227-w] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/17/2023] [Accepted: 11/23/2023] [Indexed: 12/18/2023] Open
Abstract
We compared circulating miRNA profiles of hospitalized COVID-positive patients (n = 104), 27 with acute respiratory distress syndrome (ARDS) and age- and sex-matched healthy controls (n = 18) to identify miRNA signatures associated with COVID and COVID-induced ARDS. Meta-analysis incorporating data from published studies and our data was performed to identify a set of differentially expressed miRNAs in (1) COVID-positive patients versus healthy controls as well as (2) severe (ARDS+) COVID vs moderate COVID. Gene ontology enrichment analysis of the genes these miRNAs interact with identified terms associated with immune response, such as interferon and interleukin signaling, as well as viral genome activities associated with COVID disease and severity. Additionally, we observed downregulation of a cluster of miRNAs located on chromosome 14 (14q32) among all COVID patients. To predict COVID disease and severity, we developed machine learning models that achieved AUC scores between 0.81-0.93 for predicting disease, and between 0.71-0.81 for predicting severity, even across diverse studies with different sample types (plasma versus serum), collection methods, and library preparations. Our findings provide network and top miRNA feature insights into COVID disease progression and contribute to the development of tools for disease prognosis and management.
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Gouzouasis V, Tastsoglou S, Giannakakis A, Hatzigeorgiou AG. Virus-Derived Small RNAs and microRNAs in Health and Disease. Annu Rev Biomed Data Sci 2023; 6:275-298. [PMID: 37159873 DOI: 10.1146/annurev-biodatasci-122220-111429] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 05/11/2023]
Abstract
MicroRNAs (miRNAs) are short noncoding RNAs that can regulate all steps of gene expression (induction, transcription, and translation). Several virus families, primarily double-stranded DNA viruses, encode small RNAs (sRNAs), including miRNAs. These virus-derived miRNAs (v-miRNAs) help the virus evade the host's innate and adaptive immune system and maintain an environment of chronic latent infection. In this review, the functions of the sRNA-mediated virus-host interactions are highlighted, delineating their implication in chronic stress, inflammation, immunopathology, and disease. We provide insights into the latest viral RNA-based research-in silico approaches for functional characterization of v-miRNAs and other RNA types. The latest research can assist toward the identification of therapeutic targets to combat viral infections.
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Affiliation(s)
- Vasileios Gouzouasis
- Department of Molecular Biology and Genetics, Democritus University of Thrace, Alexandroupolis, Greece
- Laboratory of Molecular Genetics, Department of Immunology, Hellenic Pasteur Institute, Athens, Greece
- DIANA-Lab, Department of Computer Science and Biomedical Informatics, University of Thessaly, Lamia, Greece;
- DIANA-Lab, Hellenic Pasteur Institute, Athens, Greece
| | - Spyros Tastsoglou
- DIANA-Lab, Department of Computer Science and Biomedical Informatics, University of Thessaly, Lamia, Greece;
- DIANA-Lab, Hellenic Pasteur Institute, Athens, Greece
| | - Antonis Giannakakis
- Department of Molecular Biology and Genetics, Democritus University of Thrace, Alexandroupolis, Greece
- University Research Institute of Maternal and Child Health and Precision Medicine, UNESCO Chair on Adolescent Health Care, National and Kapodistrian University of Athens, Athens, Greece
| | - Artemis G Hatzigeorgiou
- DIANA-Lab, Department of Computer Science and Biomedical Informatics, University of Thessaly, Lamia, Greece;
- DIANA-Lab, Hellenic Pasteur Institute, Athens, Greece
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Spinetti G, Mutoli M, Greco S, Riccio F, Ben-Aicha S, Kenneweg F, Jusic A, de Gonzalo-Calvo D, Nossent AY, Novella S, Kararigas G, Thum T, Emanueli C, Devaux Y, Martelli F. Cardiovascular complications of diabetes: role of non-coding RNAs in the crosstalk between immune and cardiovascular systems. Cardiovasc Diabetol 2023; 22:122. [PMID: 37226245 PMCID: PMC10206598 DOI: 10.1186/s12933-023-01842-3] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/31/2023] [Accepted: 04/25/2023] [Indexed: 05/26/2023] Open
Abstract
Diabetes mellitus, a group of metabolic disorders characterized by high levels of blood glucose caused by insulin defect or impairment, is a major risk factor for cardiovascular diseases and related mortality. Patients with diabetes experience a state of chronic or intermittent hyperglycemia resulting in damage to the vasculature, leading to micro- and macro-vascular diseases. These conditions are associated with low-grade chronic inflammation and accelerated atherosclerosis. Several classes of leukocytes have been implicated in diabetic cardiovascular impairment. Although the molecular pathways through which diabetes elicits an inflammatory response have attracted significant attention, how they contribute to altering cardiovascular homeostasis is still incompletely understood. In this respect, non-coding RNAs (ncRNAs) are a still largely under-investigated class of transcripts that may play a fundamental role. This review article gathers the current knowledge on the function of ncRNAs in the crosstalk between immune and cardiovascular cells in the context of diabetic complications, highlighting the influence of biological sex in such mechanisms and exploring the potential role of ncRNAs as biomarkers and targets for treatments. The discussion closes by offering an overview of the ncRNAs involved in the increased cardiovascular risk suffered by patients with diabetes facing Sars-CoV-2 infection.
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Affiliation(s)
- Gaia Spinetti
- Laboratory of Cardiovascular Pathophysiology and Regenerative Medicine, IRCCS MultiMedica, Milan, Italy.
| | - Martina Mutoli
- Laboratory of Cardiovascular Pathophysiology and Regenerative Medicine, IRCCS MultiMedica, Milan, Italy
| | - Simona Greco
- Molecular Cardiology Laboratory, IRCCS Policlinico San Donato, Milan, Italy
| | - Federica Riccio
- Laboratory of Cardiovascular Pathophysiology and Regenerative Medicine, IRCCS MultiMedica, Milan, Italy
| | - Soumaya Ben-Aicha
- National Heart & Lung Institute, Imperial College London, London, UK
| | - Franziska Kenneweg
- Institute of Molecular and Translational Therapeutic Strategies (IMTTS), Hannover Medical School, Hannover, Germany
| | | | - David de Gonzalo-Calvo
- Translational Research in Respiratory Medicine, University Hospital Arnau de Vilanova and Santa Maria, IRBLleida, Lleida, Spain
- CIBER of Respiratory Diseases (CIBERES), Institute of Health Carlos III, Madrid, Spain
| | - Anne Yaël Nossent
- Department of Surgery, Leiden University Medical Center, Leiden, the Netherlands
| | - Susana Novella
- Department of Physiology, University of Valencia - INCLIVA Biomedical Research Institute, Valencia, Spain
| | - Georgios Kararigas
- Department of Physiology, Faculty of Medicine, University of Iceland, Reykjavík, Iceland
| | - Thomas Thum
- Institute of Molecular and Translational Therapeutic Strategies (IMTTS), Hannover Medical School, Hannover, Germany
| | - Costanza Emanueli
- National Heart & Lung Institute, Imperial College London, London, UK
| | - Yvan Devaux
- Cardiovascular Research Unit, Department of Precision Health, Luxembourg Institute of Health, Strassen, Luxembourg
| | - Fabio Martelli
- Molecular Cardiology Laboratory, IRCCS Policlinico San Donato, Milan, Italy.
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