Overexpression of miR-24 Is Involved in the Formation of Hypocoagulation State after Severe Trauma by Inhibiting the Synthesis of Coagulation Factor X

Predictive value of miR-24-3p and miR-1277-5p in hemodialysis patients with vascular access thrombosis

One of the complications of chronic kidney disease (CKD) is venous thromboembolism (VTE). Currently, the D-dimer test is used for the diagnosis of VTE. This test has low diagnostic value and specificity. Circulating microRNAs are present in plasma, serum, and other body fluids and have recently been shown to be valuable biomarkers in numerous illnesses. Therefore, this study aimed to evaluate the diagnostic potential of serum microRNAs as noninvasive biomarkers for VTE diagnosis in hemodialysis patients. Serum samples were collected from 42 hemodialysis patients with thrombosis, 42 hemodialysis patients without thrombosis, and 42 healthy individuals. After the synthesis of cDNA from serum, the expression of miR-24-3P and miR-1277-5P was measured by qRT-PCR. The data were analyzed using SPSS 20 and GraphPad Prism7 software. The expression level of miR-24-3P in the thrombotic and nonthrombotic hemodialysis groups was significantly greater than that in the healthy groups after adjustment for hyperglycemia (P = 0.003, P = 0.04). Receiver-operating characteristic (ROC) analysis revealed that the area under the curve (AUC) values were 0.769 and 0.649, respectively. However, in the thrombotic group compared with the nonthrombotic group after adjustment for hyperglycemia, no significant difference was detected (P = 0.063), and the AUC was 0.62. After adjustment for age, sex, and BMI, there was a significant difference between the thrombotic group and the nonthrombotic group (P = 0.002), and the AUC was 0.71. Compared with that in the control group, the odds ratio (OR) of increased miR-1277-5P expression was greater in the thrombotic group (P = 0.05, OR = 1.618). There was no significant difference between the nonthrombotic group and the control group (P = 0.73, OR = 0.914). Our results indicated that miR-24-3P is not a reliable marker for examining thrombosis in the studied samples, while miR-1277-5P has a positive association with VAT and could be considered a diagnostic and therapeutic marker.

MicroRNA Profiles in Critically Ill Patients

The use of biomarkers to expedite diagnosis, prognostication, and treatment could significantly improve patient outcomes. The early diagnosis and treatment of critical illnesses can greatly reduce mortality and morbidity. Therefore, there is great interest in the discovery of biomarkers for critical illnesses. Micro-ribonucleic acids (miRNAs) are a highly conserved group of non-coding RNA molecules. They regulate the expression of genes involved in several developmental, physiological, and pathological processes. The characteristics of miRNAs suggest that they could be versatile biomarkers. Assay panels to measure the expression of several miRNAs could facilitate clinical decision-- making for a range of diseases. We have, in this paper, reviewed the current understanding of the role of miRNAs as biomarkers in critically ill patients.

Post-transcriptional control of haemostatic genes: mechanisms and emerging therapeutic concepts in thrombo-inflammatory disorders

The haemostatic system is pivotal to maintaining vascular integrity. Multiple components involved in blood coagulation have central functions in inflammation and immunity. A derailed haemostasis is common in prevalent pathologies such as sepsis, cardiovascular disorders, and lately, COVID-19. Physiological mechanisms limit the deleterious consequences of a hyperactivated haemostatic system through adaptive changes in gene expression. While this is mainly regulated at the level of transcription, co- and posttranscriptional mechanisms are increasingly perceived as central hubs governing multiple facets of the haemostatic system. This layer of regulation modulates the biogenesis of haemostatic components, for example in situations of increased turnover and demand. However, they can also be 'hijacked' in disease processes, thereby perpetuating and even causally entertaining associated pathologies. This review summarizes examples and emerging concepts that illustrate the importance of posttranscriptional mechanisms in haemostatic control and crosstalk with the immune system. It also discusses how such regulatory principles can be used to usher in new therapeutic concepts to combat global medical threats such as sepsis or cardiovascular disorders.

The Intricate Role of Non-Coding RNAs in Sepsis-Associated Disseminated Intravascular Coagulation

Disseminated Intravascular Coagulation (DIC) is a type of tissue and organ dysregulation in sepsis, due mainly to the effect of the inflammation on the coagulation system. Unfortunately, the underlying molecular mechanisms that lead to this disorder are not fully understood. Moreover, current biomarkers for DIC, including biological and clinical parameters, generally provide a poor diagnosis and prognosis. In recent years, non-coding RNAs have been studied as promising and robust biomarkers for a variety of diseases. Thus, their potential in the diagnosis and prognosis of DIC should be further studied. Specifically, the relationship between the coagulation cascade and non-coding RNAs should be established. In this review, microRNAs, long non-coding RNAs, and circular RNAs are studied in relation to DIC. Specifically, the axis between these non-coding RNAs and the corresponding affected pathway has been identified, including inflammation, alteration of the coagulation cascade, and endothelial damage. The main affected pathway identified is PI3K/AKT/mTOR axis, where several ncRNAs participate in its regulation, including miR-122-5p which is sponged by circ_0005963, ciRS-122, and circPTN, and miR-19a-3p which is modulated by circ_0000096 and circ_0063425. Additionally, both miR-223 and miR-24 were found to affect the PI3K/AKT pathway and were regulated by lncGAS5 and lncKCNQ1OT1, respectively. Thus, this work provides a useful pipeline of inter-connected ncRNAs that future research on their impact on DIC can further explore.

The Function of microRNAs in Pulmonary Embolism: Review and Research Outlook

Pulmonary embolism (PE) is a common pathologic condition that frequently occurs in patients with deep venous thrombosis. Severe PE may critically suppress cardiopulmonary function, thereby threatening the life of patients. Chronic pulmonary hypertension caused by PE may lead to deterioration of respiratory dysfunction, resulting in complete disability. MicroRNAs (miRNAs) are a group of abundantly expressed non-coding RNAs that exert multiple functions in regulating the transcriptome via post-transcriptional targeting of mRNAs. Specifically, miRNAs bind to target mRNAs in a matching mechanism between the miRNA seed sequence and mRNA 3ʹ UTR, thus modulating the transcript stability or subsequent translation activity by RNA-induced silencing complex. Current studies have reported the function of miRNAs as biomarkers of PE, revealing their mechanism, function, and targetome in venous thrombophilia. This review summarizes the literature on miRNA functions and downstream mechanisms in PE. We conclude that various related miRNAs play important roles in PE and have great potential as treatment targets. For clinical application, we propose that miRNA biomarkers combined with traditional biomarkers or miRNA signatures generated from microchips may serve as a great predictive tool for PE occurrence and prognosis. Further, therapies targeting miRNAs or their upstream/downstream molecules need to be developed more quickly to keep up with the progress of routine treatments, such as anticoagulation, thrombolysis, or surgery.

The expression profile of platelet-derived miRNA in coronary artery disease patients with clopidogrel resistance

Clopidogrel is widely used for antiplatelet therapy in patients with coronary artery disease (CAD), but clopidogrel resistance (CR) is relatively common in these patients. The goal of our study was to explore the platelet-derived miRNA expression profile of CR in CAD patients. In this study, 66 CAD patients treated with dual antiplatelet therapy (clopidogrel 75 mg once daily plus aspirin 100 mg once daily) were included. According to inhibition of platelet aggregation (IPA), we divided these patients into CR group (IPA <30%) and control group (IPA ≥30%). The concentrations of clopidogrel and clopidogrel active metabolites in plasma were obtained using UHPLC-Q-Orbitrap HRMS method. The platelet-derived miRNA expression profiles of these subjects were detected by high-throughput sequencing and qRT-PCR. Gene Ontology (GO) and Kyoto Encyclopedia of Genes and Genomes (KEGG) were used for function prediction of differentially expressed miRNAs. Our results suggested no significant difference of clopidogrel and active metabolic derivative concentrations between CR group and control group. Correlation analysis showed no significant association between clopidogrel concentration and IPA; active metabolic derivative and IPA. In addition, 67 platelet-derived miRNAs were differentially expressed between three CR and three control patients. After adjusting, eight miRNAs might be related to CR in CAD. In our validation cohort (30 CR patients and 30 control group), miRNA-142-3p and miRNA-24-3p expression levels were significantly upregulated, and miRNA-411-3p expression was significantly downregulated in the CR group. In conclusion, the miRNA-142-3p, miRNA-24-3p, and miRNA-411-3p might be potential markers for CR in CAD patients.

Plasma miRNA profiles associated with stable warfarin dosage in Chinese patients

Background

We used bioinformatic analysis and quantitative reverse transcription polymerase chain reaction (RT-qPCR) assays to investigate the association between plasma microRNAs (miRNAs) and stable warfarin dosage in a Chinese Han population.

Methods

Bioinformatics analysis was used to screen out potential warfarin dose-associated miRNAs. Three plasma miRNAs were validated in 99 samples by RT-qPCR. Kruskal–Wallis test and multivariate logistic regression were used to compare differences in plasma miRNAs expression levels between three warfarin dosage groups.

Results

There were significant between-group differences among the three dose groups for hsa-miR-133b expression (p = 0.005), but we observed an “n-shaped” dose-dependent curve rather than a linear relationship. Expression levels of hsa-miR-24-3p (p = 0.475) and hsa-miR-1276 (p = 0.558) were not significantly different in the multivariate logistic regression.

Conclusion

miRNAs have received extensive attention as ideal biomarkers and possible therapeutic targets for various diseases. However, they are not yet widely used in precision medicine. Our results indicate that hsa-miR-133b may be a possible reference factor for the warfarin dosage algorithm. These findings emphasize the importance of a comprehensive evaluation of complex relationships in warfarin dose prediction models and provide new avenues for future pharmacogenomics studies.

Circulating miRNAs Associated With ER Stress and Organ Damage in a Preclinical Model of Trauma Hemorrhagic Shock

Circulating microRNAs (miRNA) alterations have been reported in severe trauma patients but the pathophysiological relevance of these changes is still unclear. miRNAs are critical biologic regulators of pathological events such as hypoxia and inflammation, which are known to induce endoplasmic reticulum (ER) stress. ER stress is emerging as an important process contributing to the development of single and/or multiple organ dysfunction after trauma hemorrhagic shock (THS) accompanied by impaired tissue microcirculation and inflammation. Here, we aim to bring new insights into the involvement of miRNAs associated with ER stress in THS. THS was induced in rats by a median laparotomy and blood withdrawal until mean arterial pressure (MAP) dropped to 30-35 mmHg followed by a restrictive (40 min) and full reperfusion (60 min) with Ringer's solution. Tunicamycin was used to induce ER stress. Blood samples were collected 24 h after THS for the determination of pathological changes in the blood (PCB) and circulating miRNAs. Plasma levels of circulating miRNAs were compared between THS, tunicamycin, and sham groups and correlated to biomarkers of PCB. MiRNA profile of THS animals showed that 40 out of 91 (44%) miRNAs were significantly upregulated compared to sham (p < 0.01). The data showed a very strong correlation between liver injury and miR−122-5p (r = 0.91, p < 0.00001). MiR-638, miR−135a-5p, miR−135b-5p, miR-668-3p, miR-204-5p, miR−146a-5p, miR−200a-3p, miR−17-5p, miR−30a-5p, and miR−214-3p were found positively correlated with lactate (r > 0.7, p < 0.05), and negatively with base excess (r ≤ 0.8, p < 0.05) and bicarbonate (r ≤ 0.8, p < 0.05), which are clinical parameters that reflected the shock severity. Tunicamycin significantly modified the microRNA profile of the animals, 33 out of 91 miRNAs were found differentially expressed. In addition, principal component analysis revealed that THS and tunicamycin induced similar changes in plasma miRNA patterns. Strikingly, the data showed that 15 (25.9%) miRNAs were regulated by both THS and tunicamycin (p < 0.01). This included miR−122-5p, a liver-specific microRNA, but also miR−17-5p and miR-125b-5p which are miRNAs remarkably involved in unfolded protein response (UPR)-mediating pro-survival signaling (IRE1α). Since miRNAs associated with ER stress are clearly correlated with THS, our data strongly suggest that interaction between miRNAs and ER stress is an important pathologic event occurring during THS. Overall, we consider that the miRNA profile developed in this study can provide a rationale for the development of bench-to-bedside strategies that target miRNAs in critical care diseases or be used as biomarkers in the prognosis of trauma patients.

Role of microRNAs in Hemophilia and Thrombosis in Humans

MicroRNAs (miRNA) play an important role in gene expression at the posttranscriptional level by targeting the untranslated regions of messenger RNA (mRNAs). These small RNAs have been shown to control cellular physiological processes including cell differentiation and proliferation. Dysregulation of miRNAs have been associated with numerous diseases. In the past few years miRNAs have emerged as potential biopharmaceuticals and the first miRNA-based therapies have entered clinical trials. Our recent studies suggest that miRNAs may also play an important role in the pathology of genetic diseases that are currently considered to be solely due to mutations in the coding sequence. For instance, among hemophilia A patients there exist a small subset, with normal wildtype genes; i.e., lacking in mutations in the coding and non-coding regions of the F8 gene. Similarly, in many patients with missense mutations in the F8 gene, the genetic defect does not fully explain the severity of the disease. Dysregulation of miRNAs that target mRNAs encoding coagulation factors have been shown to disturb gene expression. Alterations in protein levels involved in the coagulation cascade mediated by miRNAs could lead to bleeding disorders or thrombosis. This review summarizes current knowledge on the role of miRNAs in hemophilia and thrombosis. Recognizing and understanding the functions of miRNAs by identifying their targets is important in identifying their roles in health and diseases. Successful basic research may result in the development and improvement of tools for diagnosis, risk evaluation or even new treatment strategies.

MicroRNA (miRNA): A New Dimension in the Pathogenesis of Antiphospholipid Syndrome (APS)

MicroRNAs (miRNAs) are single-stranded, endogenous RNA molecules that play a significant role in the regulation of gene expression as well as cell development, differentiation, and function. Recent data suggest that these small molecules are responsible for the regulation of immune responses. Therefore, they may act as potent modulators of the immune system and play an important role in the development of several autoimmune diseases. Antiphospholipid syndrome (APS) is an autoimmune systemic disease characterized by venous and/or arterial thromboses and/or recurrent fetal losses in the presence of antiphospholipid antibodies (aPLs). Several lines of evidence suggest that like other autoimmune disorders, miRNAs are deeply involved in the pathogenesis of APS, interacting with the function of innate and adaptive immune responses. In this review, we characterize miRNAs in the light of having a functional role in the immune system and autoimmune responses focusing on APS. In addition, we also discuss miRNAs as potential biomarkers and target molecules in treating APS.

Analysis of the Association Between MicroRNA Biogenesis Gene Polymorphisms and Venous Thromboembolism in Koreans

Venous thromboembolism (VTE) involves the formation of a blood clot, typically in the deep veins of the leg or arm (deep vein thrombosis), which then travels via the circulatory system and ultimately lodges in the lungs, resulting in pulmonary embolism. A number of microRNAs (miRNAs) are well-known regulators of thrombosis and thrombolysis, and mutations in miRNA biogenesis genes, such as DICER1, DROSHA have been implicated in miRNA synthesis and function. We investigated the genetic association between polymorphisms in four miRNA biogenesis genes, DICER1 rs3742330A > G, DROSHA rs10719T > C, RAN rs14035C > T and XPO5 rs11077A > C, and VTE in 503 Koreans: 300 controls and 203 patients. Genotyping was assessed with polymerase chain reaction-restriction fragment length polymorphism assays. We detected associations between polymorphisms in RAN and XPO5 and VTE prevalence (RAN rs14035CC + CT versus TT: p = 0.018; XPO5 rs11077AA + AC versus CC: p < 0.001). Analysis of allele combinations of all four polymorphisms (DICER1, DROSHA, RAN, XPO5) revealed that A-T-T-A was associated with decreased VTE prevalence (p = 0.0002), and A-T-C-C was associated with increased VTE prevalence (p = 0.027). Moreover, in subjects with provoked VTE, the DROSHA rs10719T > C, polymorphism was associated with increased disease prevalence (TT versus TC + CC: p < 0.039). Our study demonstrates that RAN and XPO5 polymorphisms are associated with risk for VTE in Korean subjects.

MicroRNA-525 enhances chondrosarcoma malignancy by targeting F-spondin 1

Increasing evidence has suggested that microRNAs (miRNAs; miRs) are extensively involved in the progression of chondrosarcoma (CHS). However, few studies have investigated the functional role of miR-525 in CHS tissues and cells. In the present study, it was discovered that miR-525 levels were decreased in CHS tissues and cells. Dual luciferase assays indicated that F-spondin 1 (SPON1) is a target gene of microRNA (miR)-525. In addition, miR-525 overexpression suppressed SW1353 cell migration and invasion and enhanced SW1353 cell apoptosis. Increased SPON1 expression levels were identified in CHS tissues and cell lines. Furthermore, miR-525 overexpression significantly suppressed the activation of focal adhesion kinase (FAK)/Src/phosphatidylinositol-4,5-bisphosphate 3-kinase (PI3K)/protein kinase B (Akt) signaling in CHS cells; this suppression led to SPON1 silencing. In comparison, the SPON1 knockdown-mediated inactivation of FAK/Src/PI3K/Akt signaling was inhibited by inhibiting miR-525. In summary, the present study revealed that decreased miR-525 levels could enhance CHS malignancy as decreased miR-525 binding to the 3' untranslated region of SPON1 activates FAK/Src/PI3K/Akt signaling.