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Evaluation of the plasma microRNA levels in stage 3 premature retinopathy with plus disease: preliminary study
Abstract:
PurposeIn the present study, we aimed to investigate the changes in plasma microRNA (miRNA) levels in premature infants diagnosed with premature retinopathy (ROP).Patients and methodsIn order to investigate the relationship of miRNAs with ROP, 13 premature infants admitted to Mersin University, Medical School, Department of Ophthalmology and diagnosed with ROP stage 3 with plus disease between January 2014-January 2015 were included in the study. Control group consisted of 15 premature infants with no ROP. The plasma miRNA levels were evaluated using high-throughput quantitative real-time PCR.ResultsThe results of study demonstrated that the expression level of miR-23a and miR-200b-3p was significantly upregulated in patients with ROP when compared with the control group (P<0.05). The expression level of miR-27b-3p and miR-214-3p was significantly downregulated in patients (P<0.05). In addition, expression of 17 miRNA (miR-410-3p, miR-17-5p, miR-451a, miR-31-5p, miR-132-3p, miR-183-5p, miR-184, miR-222-3p, miR-296-5p, miR-200a-3p, miR-328-3p,miR-96-5p, miR-199a-5p, miR-99a-5p, miR-106a-5p, miR-125b-5p, miR-155-5p) had upregulated or downregulated, but not statistically significantly different when compared with the control group.ConclusionsOur results suggest that plasma miRNA levels may alter in ROP and, some miRNAs might have an effect in the physiopathology of this disease. These molecules may have an important therapeutic role in patients who are unresponsive to anti-vascular endothelial growth factor therapy. However, further studies must be conducted for possible effects of miRNAs in vascular disorders of eye such as ROP. Moreover to define the relationship of these molecules with the disease more clearly, a multicenter study including more patients is necessary.
Insights
Plasma microRNA (miRNA) levels differ in premature infants with retinopathy of prematurity (ROP). Specific miRNAs were found to be significantly up or downregulated, suggesting a role in ROP
Area of Science:
- Ophthalmology
- Neonatology
- Molecular Biology
- Genetics
Background:
- Retinopathy of prematurity (ROP) is a significant cause of vision impairment in premature infants.
- The underlying molecular mechanisms of ROP are not fully understood, necessitating further investigation.
- MicroRNAs (miRNAs) are small non-coding RNAs that regulate gene expression and are implicated in various diseases.
Purpose of the Study:
- To investigate alterations in plasma microRNA (miRNA) levels in premature infants diagnosed with retinopathy of prematurity (ROP).
- To explore the potential role of specific miRNAs in the pathophysiology of ROP.
- To identify potential novel therapeutic targets for ROP management.
Main Methods:
- Plasma samples were collected from 13 premature infants with ROP (stage 3 with plus disease) and 15 premature infants without ROP (control group).
- High-throughput quantitative real-time PCR was employed to evaluate plasma miRNA expression levels.
- Statistical analysis was performed to compare miRNA expression between ROP patients and the control group.
Main Results:
- Significantly upregulated expression of miR-23a and miR-200b-3p was observed in ROP patients compared to controls (P<0.05).
- Significantly downregulated expression of miR-27b-3p and miR-214-3p was found in ROP patients (P<0.05).
- Expression of 17 other miRNAs showed non-significant upregulation or downregulation in ROP patients.
Conclusions:
- Plasma miRNA levels are altered in premature infants with ROP, indicating their potential involvement in the disease's physiopathology.
- Specific miRNAs, such as miR-23a, miR-200b-3p, miR-27b-3p, and miR-214-3p, may serve as biomarkers or therapeutic targets for ROP.
- Further multicenter studies with larger cohorts are necessary to elucidate the precise role of miRNAs in ROP and their therapeutic potential, especially for patients unresponsive to anti-VEGF therapy.
