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Molecular Biology Reports May 2024Treatment-resistant depression (TRD) is a condition in a subset of depressed patients characterized by resistance to antidepressant medications. The global prevalence of... (Review)
Review
BACKGROUND
Treatment-resistant depression (TRD) is a condition in a subset of depressed patients characterized by resistance to antidepressant medications. The global prevalence of TRD has been steadily increasing, yet significant advancements in its diagnosis and treatment remain elusive despite extensive research efforts. The precise underlying pathogenic mechanisms are still not fully understood. Epigenetic mechanisms play a vital role in a wide range of diseases. In recent years, investigators have increasingly focused on the regulatory roles of miRNAs in the onset and progression of TRD. miRNAs are a class of noncoding RNA molecules that regulate the translation and degradation of their target mRNAs via interaction, making the exploration of their functions in TRD essential for elucidating their pathogenic mechanisms.
METHODS AND RESULTS
A systematic search was conducted in four databases, namely PubMed, Web of Science, Cochrane Library, and Embase, focusing on studies related to treatment-resistant depression and miRNAs. The search was performed using terms individually or in combination, such as "treatment-resistant depression," "medication-resistant depression," and "miRNAs." The selected articles were reviewed and collated, covering the time period from the inception of each database to the end of February 2024. We found that miRNAs play a crucial role in the pathophysiology of TRD through three main aspects: 1) involvement in miRNA-mediated inflammatory responses (including miR-155, miR-345-5p, miR-146a, and miR-146a-5p); 2) influence on 5-HT transport processes (including miR-674,miR-708, and miR-133a); and 3) regulation of synaptic plasticity (including has-miR-335-5p,has-miR- 1292-3p, let-7b, and let-7c). Investigating the differential expression and interactions of these miRNAs could contribute to a deeper understanding of the molecular mechanisms underlying TRD.
CONCLUSIONS
miRNAs might play a pivotal role in the pathogenesis of TRD. Gaining a deeper understanding of the roles and interrelations of miRNAs in TRD will contribute to elucidating disease pathogenesis and potentially provide avenues for the development of novel diagnostic and therapeutic strategies.
Topics: Humans; MicroRNAs; Depressive Disorder, Treatment-Resistant; Antidepressive Agents; Gene Expression Regulation; Epigenesis, Genetic
PubMed: 38727891
DOI: 10.1007/s11033-024-09554-x -
Frontiers in Medicine 2024Hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) and liver cirrhosis (LC) stand as the primary causes of global mortality. Given their profound impact, the development of highly sensitive...
INTRODUCTION
Hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) and liver cirrhosis (LC) stand as the primary causes of global mortality. Given their profound impact, the development of highly sensitive and specific circulating diagnostic markers becomes imperative to effectively identify and differentiate between cirrhosis and HCC. Accurate diagnosis is paramount in guiding appropriate therapeutic interventions. Hence, this study aimed to evaluate the potential of microRNAs (miRNAs) in discerning between HCC and LC.
METHODS
This study followed the Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis (PRISMA) guidelines, with the protocol officially registered on PROSPERO under the reference number CRD42023417494. A thorough search across multiple databases like PubMed, Embase, Scopus, Wiley Online Library, and Science Direct was conducted to identify relevant studies published from January 1, 2018, to August 10, 2023. The included studies underwent methodological quality assessment using the Quality Assessment of Diagnostic Accuracy Studies 2 (QADAS-2) tool. The synthesis of pooled sensitivity, specificity, and other relevant diagnostic parameters employed a random-effects model and was conducted using Stata 14.0. Heterogeneity was assessed using and Cochrane Q, with subsequent subgroup analysis and meta-regression performed to identify potential sources of observed heterogeneity. A sensitivity analysis was performed to assess the resilience of the findings. Furthermore, Deeks' funnel plot was employed to evaluate publication bias.
RESULTS
In this meta-analysis, we included fifteen publications, encompassing 787 HCC patients and 784 LC patients. The combined sensitivity, specificity, positive likelihood ratio (PLR), negative likelihood ratio (NLR), diagnostic odds ratio (DOR), and area under the curve (AUC) values of miRNAs in differentiating HCC from LC were 0.84 (95% CI: 0.78-0.88), 0.79 (95% CI: 0.73-0.84), 3.9 (95% CI: 3.0-5.2), 0.21 (95% CI: 0.14-0.29), 19.44 (95% CI: 11-34), and 0.88 (95% CI: 0.85-0.91), respectively. The results of the subgroup analysis revealed that upregulated miRNA levels and miRNA assessments specifically for individuals of European descent exhibited superior diagnostic performance.
CONCLUSION
The results of this study suggested that circulating miRNAs, especially those that are upregulated, have the potential to function as robust and promising biomarkers in the differentiation of HCC from LC.
SYSTEMATIC REVIEW REGISTRATION
https://www.crd.york.ac.uk/prospero/display_record.php?ID=CRD42023475954.
PubMed: 38721351
DOI: 10.3389/fmed.2024.1359414 -
The Journal of Maternal-fetal &... Dec 2024Neonatal sepsis is the third leading cause of mortality during the neonatal period, with manifestations atypical and obscure. But the gold standard-blood culture test,... (Meta-Analysis)
Meta-Analysis Review
BACKGROUND
Neonatal sepsis is the third leading cause of mortality during the neonatal period, with manifestations atypical and obscure. But the gold standard-blood culture test, requiring 3-5 days, makes it difficult to unveil the final pathogen and leads to the increasing ratio of false-negative results. The empirical method is consulting traditional biomarkers, such as procalcitonin (PCT), C-reactive protein (CRP), and white blood cell count. However, they are not specific for neonate in diagnostic capacity, especially for infants within three days after delivery, so more novel biomarkers are urgently needed to assist diagnosing neonatal sepsis. microRNAs (miRNAs) have been widely studied in recent years for their diagnostic and prognostic values in different diseases and we conducted a meta-analysis of miRNAs on the topic that whether they are potentially novel biomarkers in early detection of neonatal sepsis.
OBJECTIVES
The purpose of the study was to assess whether circulating miRNAs could be used as potential biomarkers for neonatal sepsis, including early and late-onset neonatal sepsis, then calculate their overall accuracy (OA) via meta-analysis.
METHODS
PubMed, Cochrane Library, Embase, Web of Science, Scopus, and Ovid databases were retrieved; data cutoff for this analysis was 15 January 2023. Methodological quality assessment of included studies was performed through the Quality in Prognostic Studies tool. Corresponding 95% confidence interval (95%CI) was calculated to present miRNAs' diagnostic value including the pooled sensitivity (Sen), specificity (Spe), positive or negative likelihood ratios (PLR or NLR), diagnostic odds ratio (DOR), and area under the curve (AUC). Differences in OA between the septic group and non-septic group were compared using Chi-square test.
RESULTS
After identification, 16 records out of 11 selected articles were eligible for systematic review of miRNAs and four records for PCT; the case group for miRNAs included 945 neonatal sepsis cases; contrast group included 190 respiratory tract infections or pneumonia cases, 60 systemic inflammatory response syndrome (SIRS) cases and 559 healthy neonates. The pooled Sen, Spe, and DOR of miRNAs were 0.87 (95%CI 0.81-0.91), 0.79 (95%CI 0.71-0.85), and 24 (95%CI 12-50), respectively. The pooled Sen, Spe, and DOR of PCT were 0.92 (95%CI 0.83-0.96), 0.64 (95%CI 0.56-0.70), and 20 (95%CI, 7-56), respectively. The OA value of miRNAs was 80.38% and that of PCT was 77.36%, which were not statistically significant difference ( = .13) after the Chi-square test. In addition, no significant publication bias was indicated ( = .92).
CONCLUSIONS
Circulating miRNA levels could be applied as diagnostic biomarkers in neonatal sepsis.
Topics: Humans; Neonatal Sepsis; Infant, Newborn; Biomarkers; MicroRNAs
PubMed: 38714508
DOI: 10.1080/14767058.2024.2345850 -
The Kaohsiung Journal of Medical... Jun 2024Autoimmune disease is characterized by the proliferation of harmful immune cells, inducing tissue inflammation and ultimately causing organ damage. Current treatments... (Review)
Review
Autoimmune disease is characterized by the proliferation of harmful immune cells, inducing tissue inflammation and ultimately causing organ damage. Current treatments often lack specificity, necessitating high doses, prolonged usage, and high recurrence rates. Therefore, the identification of innovative and safe therapeutic strategies is urgently required. Recent preclinical studies and clinical trials on inflammatory and autoimmune diseases have evidenced the immunosuppressive properties of mesenchymal stromal cells (MSCs). Studies have demonstrated that extracellular vesicles (EV) derived from MSCs can mitigate abnormal autoinflammation while maintaining safety within the diseased microenvironment. This study conducted a systematic review to elucidate the crucial role of MSC-EVs in alleviating autoimmune diseases, particularly focusing on their impact on the underlying mechanisms of autoimmune conditions such as rheumatoid arthritis (RA), systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE), and inflammatory bowel disease (IBD). By specifically examining the regulatory functions of microRNAs (miRNAs) derived from MSC-EVs, the comprehensive study aimed to enhance the understanding related to disease mechanisms and identify potential diagnostic markers and therapeutic targets for these diseases.
Topics: Humans; Mesenchymal Stem Cells; Extracellular Vesicles; Autoimmune Diseases; MicroRNAs; Lupus Erythematosus, Systemic; Arthritis, Rheumatoid; Animals; Inflammatory Bowel Diseases; Immunomodulation
PubMed: 38712483
DOI: 10.1002/kjm2.12841 -
Ear, Nose, & Throat Journal May 2024To provide an in-depth analysis of noninvasive methods for the early diagnosis of oral premalignant lesions, focusing on novel biomarkers and optical technologies, and... (Review)
Review
To provide an in-depth analysis of noninvasive methods for the early diagnosis of oral premalignant lesions, focusing on novel biomarkers and optical technologies, and to discuss their potential in improving the prognosis of patients with oral oncological diseases. This state-of-the-art review examines various noninvasive diagnostic techniques, including the utilization of salivary microRNAs and optical technologies such as Raman spectroscopy, elastic scattering spectroscopy, diffuse reflectance spectroscopy, narrow-band imaging, autofluorescence imaging, toluidine blue staining, and microendoscopy. Several noninvasive techniques have shown varying degrees of effectiveness in detecting oral cancer. Autofluorescence imaging exhibited sensitivities up to 100% but had variable specificity. toluidine blue staining reported sensitivity between 77% and 100% for high-risk lesions or cancer, with specificity around 45% to 67%. Spectroscopy techniques achieved 72% to 100% sensitivities and specificities of 75% to 98%. Microendoscopy presented a sensitivity of 84% to 95% and a specificity of 91% to 95%. The review highlights the strengths and limitations of each noninvasive diagnostic method and their recent advancements. Although promising results have been demonstrated, there is a need for further development of reliable strategies for early detection and intervention in oral oncology.
PubMed: 38695398
DOI: 10.1177/01455613241245204 -
Frontiers in Oncology 2024Lung cancer is one of the most dangerous cancers in the world. Most lung cancer patients are diagnosed in the middle and later stages, which can lead to poor survival...
BACKGROUND
Lung cancer is one of the most dangerous cancers in the world. Most lung cancer patients are diagnosed in the middle and later stages, which can lead to poor survival rates. The development of lung cancer is often accompanied by abnormal expression of exosomal non-coding RNAs, which means that they have the potential to serve as noninvasive novel molecular markers for lung cancer diagnosis.
METHODS
For this study, we conducted a comprehensive literature search in PubMed, Web of science, Science direct, Embase, Cochrane, and Medline databases, and by reviewing published literature, The diagnostic capacity of exosomal microRNAs (miRNAs), long-chain non-coding RNAs (lncRNAs), and circular RNAs (circRNAs) for lung cancer was evaluated. Functional enrichment analysis of miRNA target genes was performed.
RESULTS
The study included 41 papers, a total of 68 studies. More than 60 miRNAs, 9 lncRNAs and 14 circRNAs were involved. The combined sensitivity and specificity were 0.83(95%CI, 0.80~0.86) and 0.83(95% CI,0.79~0.87); 0.71(95% CI,0.68~0.74) and 0.79(95%CI, 0.75~0.82); 0.79(95%CI,0.67~0.87) and 0.81(95%CI,0.74~0.86), and constructed overall subject operating characteristic curves with the summarized area under the curve values of 0.90, 0.82, and 0.86.
CONCLUSION
Our study shows that exosomes miRNAs, lncRNAs and circRNAs are effective in the diagnosis of lung cancer, providing evidence for studies related to novel lung cancer diagnostic markers.
SYSTEMATIC REVIEW REGISTRATION
https://www.crd.york.ac.uk/prospero/, identifier CRD42023457087.
PubMed: 38694786
DOI: 10.3389/fonc.2024.1357248 -
Advancements and trends in exosome research in lung cancer from a bibliometric analysis (2004-2023).Frontiers in Oncology 2024Lung cancer, characterized by its high morbidity and lethality, necessitates thorough research to enhance our understanding of its pathogenesis and discover novel...
BACKGROUND
Lung cancer, characterized by its high morbidity and lethality, necessitates thorough research to enhance our understanding of its pathogenesis and discover novel therapeutic approaches. Recent studies increasingly demonstrate that lung cancer cells can modulate the tumor microenvironment, promoting tumor growth, and metastasis through the release of exosomes. Exosomes are small vesicles secreted by cells and contain a variety of bioactive molecules such as proteins, nucleic acids, and metabolites. This paper presents a comprehensive review of exosome research in lung cancer and its progress through bibliometric analysis.
METHODS
Publications related to exosomes in lung cancer patients were systematically searched on the Web of Science Core Collection (WoSCC) database. Bibliometric analysis was performed using VOSviwers, CiteSpace, and the R package "Bibliometrics". Publications were quantitatively analyzed using Microsoft Office Excel 2019. The language of publication was restricted to "English" and the search strategy employed TS=(exosomes or exosomes or exosomes) and TS=(lung cancer). The search period commenced on January 1, 2004, and concluded on November 12, 2023, at noon. The selected literature types included Articles and Reviews.
RESULTS
The study encompassed 1699 papers from 521 journals across 71 countries and 2105 institutions. Analysis revealed a consistent upward trend in lung cancer exosome research over the years, with a notable surge in recent times. This surge indicates a growing interest and depth of inquiry into lung cancer exosomes. Major research institutions in China and the United States, including Nanjing Medical University, Shanghai Jiao Tong University, Chinese Academy Of Sciences, and Utmd Anderson Cancer Center, emerged as crucial research hubs. The annual publication count in this field witnessed a continuous rise, particularly in recent years. Key terms such as lung cancer, non-small cell lung cancer (NSCLC), microvesicles, intercellular communication, exosomal miRNAs, and oncology dominated the research landscape. Fields like cell biology, biochemistry, biotechnology, and oncology exhibited close relation with this research. Clotilde Théry emerged as the most cited author in the field, underlining her significant contributions. These results demonstrate the broad impact of exosome research in lung cancer, with key terms covering not only disease-specific aspects such as lung cancer and NSCLC but also basic biological concepts like microvesicles and intercellular communication. Explorations into exosomal microRNAs and oncology have opened new avenues for lung cancer exosome research. In summary, lung cancer exosome research is poised to continue receiving attention, potentially leading to breakthroughs in treatment and prevention.
CONCLUSION
Publications on lung cancer exosomes show a rising trend year by year, with China and the United States ranking first and second in terms of the number of publications. However, there is insufficient academic learning cooperation and exchanges between the two sides, and Chinese universities account for a large proportion of research institutions in this field. Jing Li is the most productive author, Clotilde Théry is the most co-cited author, and Cancers is the journal with the highest number of publications. The current focus in the field of lung cancer exosomes is on biomarkers, liquid biopsies, immunotherapy, and tumor microenvironment.
PubMed: 38690166
DOI: 10.3389/fonc.2024.1358101 -
International Journal of Molecular... Apr 2024Preeclampsia, a serious complication of pregnancy, involves intricate molecular and cellular mechanisms. Fetal microchimerism, where fetal cells persist within maternal... (Review)
Review
Preeclampsia, a serious complication of pregnancy, involves intricate molecular and cellular mechanisms. Fetal microchimerism, where fetal cells persist within maternal tissues and in circulation, acts as a mechanistic link between placental dysfunction and maternal complications in the two-stage model of preeclampsia. Hormones, complements, and cytokines play pivotal roles in the pathophysiology, influencing immune responses, arterial remodeling, and endothelial function. Also, soluble HLA-G, involved in maternal-fetal immune tolerance, is reduced in preeclampsia. Hypoxia-inducible factor 1-alpha (Hif-α) dysregulation leads to placental abnormalities and preeclampsia-like symptoms. Alterations in matrix metalloproteinases (MMPs), endothelins (ETs), chemokines, and cytokines contribute to defective trophoblast invasion, endothelial dysfunction, and inflammation. Preeclampsia's genetic complexity includes circRNAs, miRNAs, and lncRNAs. CircRNA_06354 is linked to early-onset preeclampsia by influencing trophoblast invasion via the hsa-miR-92a-3p/VEGF-A pathway. The dysregulation of C19MC, especially miR-519d and miR-517-5p, affects trophoblast function. Additionally, lncRNAs like IGFBP1 and EGFR-AS1, along with protein-coding genes, impact trophoblast regulation and angiogenesis, influencing both preeclampsia and fetal growth. Besides aberrations in CD31+ cells, other potential biomarkers such as MMPs, soluble HLA-G, and hCG hold promise for predicting preeclampsia and its complications. Therapeutic interventions targeting factors such as peroxisome PPAR-γ and endothelin receptors show potential in mitigating preeclampsia-related complications. In conclusion, preeclampsia is a complex disorder with a multifactorial etiology and pathogenesis. Fetal microchimerism, hormones, complements, and cytokines contribute to placental and endothelial dysfunction with inflammation. Identifying novel biomarkers and therapeutic targets offers promise for early diagnosis and effective management, ultimately reducing maternal and fetal morbidity and mortality. However, further research is warranted to translate these findings into clinical practice and enhance outcomes for at-risk women.
Topics: Female; Humans; Pregnancy; Biomarkers; Hormones; MicroRNAs; Placenta; Pre-Eclampsia; Trophoblasts
PubMed: 38674114
DOI: 10.3390/ijms25084532 -
Biomedicines Apr 2024The aim of this systematic review is to assess the power of circulating miRNAs as biomarkers as a diagnostic tool in endometriosis. In endometriosis-suspected women with... (Review)
Review
The aim of this systematic review is to assess the power of circulating miRNAs as biomarkers as a diagnostic tool in endometriosis. In endometriosis-suspected women with uncertain imaging, the only way to confirm or exclude endometriosis with certainty is currently laparoscopy. This creates a need for non-invasive diagnostics. We searched the literature through the PubMed database using the Mesh terms 'endometriosis' and 'miRNAs'. Some, but limited, overlap was found between the 32 articles included, with a total of 20 miRNAs reported as dysregulated in endometriosis in two or more studies. MiR-17-5p was reported as dysregulated in six studies, followed by miR-451a and let-7b-5p in four studies and miR-20a-5p, miR-143-3p, miR-199a-5p and miR-3613-5p in three studies. Furthermore, a possible impact of the menstrual phase on miRNA expression was noted in five studies, while no influence of hormonal intake was observed in any included study. The modest reproducibility between studies may be attributable to biological variability as well as to the lack of universal protocols, resulting in pre- and analytical variability. Despite the identification of several suitable candidate biomarkers among the miRNAs, the need for high-quality studies with larger and well-defined population cohorts and the use of standardized protocols lingers.
PubMed: 38672242
DOI: 10.3390/biomedicines12040888 -
Cureus Mar 2024Despite the hardships of major depressive disorder (MDD), biomarkers for the diagnosis and pharmacological management of this condition are lacking. MicroRNAs are... (Review)
Review
Despite the hardships of major depressive disorder (MDD), biomarkers for the diagnosis and pharmacological management of this condition are lacking. MicroRNAs are epigenetic mechanisms that could provide promising MDD biomarkers. Our aim was to summarize the findings and provide validation for the selection and use of specific microRNAs as biomarkers in the diagnosis and treatment of MDD. A systematic review was conducted using the PubMed/Medline, Cochrane, PsycINFO, Embase, and LILACS databases from March 2022 to November 2023, with clusters of terms based on "microRNA" and "antidepressant". Studies involving human subjects, animal models, and cell cultures were included, whereas those that evaluated herbal medicines, non-pharmacological therapies, or epigenetic mechanisms other than miRNA were excluded. The review revealed differences in the expression of various microRNAs when considering the time of assessment (before or after antidepressant treatment) and the population studied. However, due to the heterogeneity of the microRNAs investigated, the limited size of the samples, and the wide variety of antidepressants used, few conclusions could be made. Despite the observed heterogeneity, the following microRNAs were determined to be important factors in MDD and the antidepressant response: mir-1202, mir-135, mir-124, and mir-16. The findings indicate the potential for the use of microRNAs as biomarkers for the diagnosis and treatment of MDD; however, more homogeneous studies are needed.
PubMed: 38665721
DOI: 10.7759/cureus.56910