MicroRNAs in alcoholic liver disease: Recent advances and future applications
Tao Xu1,2, Li Li1,2,3, Hua-Qing Hu4
1The Key Laboratory of Major Autoimmune Diseases, Anhui Province, Anhui Institute of Innovative Drug, School of Pharmacy, Anhui Medical University, No. 81 Meishan Road, Hefei, Anhui, China.
Abstract:
Alcoholic liver disease (ALD) is characterized by hepatocyte damage, inflammatory cell activation, and increased intestinal permeability leading to the clinical manifestations of alcoholic hepatitis. Selected members of the family of microRNAs (miRNAs) are affected by alcohol, resulting in an abnormal miRNA profile in the liver and circulation in ALD. Increasing evidence suggests that miRNAs that regulate inflammation, lipid metabolism and promote cancer are affected by excessive alcohol administration in mouse models of ALD. This communication highlights recent findings in miRNA expression and functions as they relate to the pathogenesis of ALD. The cell-specific distribution of miRNAs, as well as the significance of circulating extracellular miRNAs, is discussed as potential biomarkers. Finally, the prospects of miRNA-based therapies are evaluated in ALD.
Insights
Alcohol affects microRNAs (miRNAs), altering liver profiles in alcoholic liver disease (ALD). These miRNAs, crucial for inflammation and lipid metabolism, show potential as biomarkers and therapeutic targets for ALD.
Area of Science:
- Hepatology
- Molecular Biology
- Biochemistry
Background:
- Alcoholic liver disease (ALD) involves hepatocyte damage and inflammation.
- Alcohol consumption alters microRNA (miRNA) expression in the liver and circulation.
- Dysregulated miRNAs are implicated in ALD pathogenesis, affecting inflammation, lipid metabolism, and cancer pathways.
Purpose of the Study:
- To review recent findings on miRNA expression and function in ALD pathogenesis.
- To discuss the role of cell-specific and circulating extracellular miRNAs as potential biomarkers.
- To evaluate the prospects of miRNA-based therapies for ALD.
Main Methods:
- Literature review of studies on miRNA expression and function in ALD.
- Analysis of research on alcohol's impact on miRNA profiles in mouse models and humans.
- Discussion of diagnostic and therapeutic potential of miRNAs in ALD.
Main Results:
- Alcohol selectively affects specific miRNAs involved in key ALD pathways.
- Abnormal miRNA profiles are observed in both liver tissue and circulation of ALD patients.
- Extracellular miRNAs show promise as non-invasive biomarkers for ALD detection and monitoring.
Conclusions:
- MicroRNAs play a significant role in the development and progression of alcoholic liver disease.
- miRNA expression patterns can serve as valuable biomarkers for ALD.
- Targeting miRNAs offers a promising therapeutic strategy for managing ALD.
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