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Published on: October 7, 2025
Emerging Roles for MicroRNAs in Perioperative Medicine
Viola Neudecker1, Kelley S Brodsky, Simone Kreth
1From the Department of Anesthesiology, Clinic of the University of Munich, Munich, Germany (V.N., S.K.); and Organ Protection Program, Department of Anesthesiology (V.N., K.S.B., A.A.G., H.K.E.) and Department of Emergency Medicine (A.A.G.), University of Colorado School of Medicine, Aurora, Colorado.
Abstract:
MicroRNAs (miRNAs) are small, non-protein-coding, single-stranded RNAs. They function as posttranscriptional regulators of gene expression by interacting with target mRNAs. This process prevents translation of target mRNAs into a functional protein. miRNAs are considered to be functionally involved in virtually all physiologic processes, including differentiation and proliferation, metabolism, hemostasis, apoptosis, and inflammation. Many of these functions have important implications for anesthesiology and critical care medicine. Studies indicate that miRNA expression levels can be used to predict the risk for eminent organ injury or sepsis. Pharmacologic approaches targeting miRNAs for the treatment of human diseases are currently being tested in clinical trials. The present review highlights the important biological functions of miRNAs and their usefulness as perioperative biomarkers and discusses the pharmacologic approaches that modulate miRNA functions for disease treatment. In addition, the authors discuss the pharmacologic interactions of miRNAs with currently used anesthetics and their potential to impact anesthetic toxicity and side effects.
Insights
MicroRNAs (miRNAs) are key regulators of gene expression with critical roles in physiology. This review explores their potential as biomarkers and therapeutic targets in anesthesiology and critical care.
Area of Science:
- Molecular Biology
- Genetics
- Biochemistry
Background:
- MicroRNAs (miRNAs) are small, non-coding RNAs regulating gene expression post-transcriptionally.
- miRNAs are implicated in diverse physiological processes, including inflammation, apoptosis, and cell proliferation.
- These functions hold significant relevance for anesthesiology and critical care medicine.
Purpose of the Study:
- To review the biological functions of miRNAs.
- To highlight their utility as perioperative biomarkers for predicting organ injury and sepsis.
- To discuss miRNA-targeted pharmacologic therapies and their interactions with anesthetics.
Main Methods:
- Literature review of studies on miRNA biology and clinical applications.
- Analysis of miRNA expression in relation to physiological processes and disease states.
- Examination of current and emerging pharmacologic strategies involving miRNAs.
Main Results:
- miRNA expression levels can predict the risk of organ injury and sepsis.
- Pharmacologic interventions targeting miRNAs are under clinical investigation for various diseases.
- miRNAs interact with anesthetics, potentially influencing toxicity and side effects.
Conclusions:
- miRNAs are crucial regulators with broad physiological roles.
- They serve as valuable perioperative biomarkers and potential therapeutic targets.
- Understanding miRNA-anesthetic interactions is vital for optimizing patient care and minimizing adverse events.
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