Bone and muscle specific circulating microRNAs in postmenopausal women based on osteoporosis and sarcopenia status
Zhaojing Chen1, Michael G Bemben1, Debra A Bemben1
1Department of Health and Exercise Science, University of Oklahoma, 1401 Asp Avenue, Norman, OK 73019, USA.
Abstract:
MicroRNAs (miRNAs) are short, non-coding RNA molecules that fine tune posttranscriptional protein expression. Aging is accompanied by progressive declines in muscle mass and strength, and in bone mineral density (BMD). Although miRNAs in pathology have been extensively studied, the role of circulating miRNAs (c-miRNAs) in osteoporosis and sarcopenia has to date not been well understood. The purpose of this study was to examine the difference in bone and muscle specific c-miRNAs in postmenopausal women based on their bone and muscle status, and to determine the associations between these specific c-miRNAs and muscle and bone variables. Seventy-five postmenopausal women aged 60 to 85 years old participated in this study. Body composition and BMD, functional performance tests (grip strength, gait speed, and countermovement jumps) were assessed. Levels of c-miRNAs (miR-1-3p, -21-5p, -23a-3p, -24-3p, -100-5p, -125b-5p, -133a-3p, -206) and bone turnover markers were analyzed. Statistically, there were no significant differences in specific c-miRNAs based on sarcopenia and osteoporosis status. However, fold changes of miR-21-5p (FC = 2.59) and -23a-3p (FC = 2.09) indicated upregulation and miR-125b-5p (FC = 0.46) indicated downregulation in the osteoporotic group compared to the non-osteoporotic group. The relative expression level of miR-125b-5p was significantly positively correlated with age (p < 0.05). The relative expression level of miR-21-5p was significantly negatively correlated with trochanter BMC (p < 0.05). Furthermore, the relative expression level of miR-23a-3p was significantly positively correlated with TRAP5b levels (p < 0.05). Although no statistical differences were found in target c-miRNAs based on muscle and bone status, our results indicate that there are biological differential expressions in some c-miRNAs between osteoporotic and non-osteoporotic individuals. Other circulating miRNAs need to be studied in the future.
Insights
Circulating microRNAs (c-miRNAs) show differential expression in postmenopausal women with osteoporosis, correlating with age and bone density. Further research is needed to understand their role in sarcopenia and osteoporosis.
Area of Science:
- Biochemistry
- Gerontology
- Molecular Biology
Background:
- Aging leads to muscle mass and bone density loss.
- Circulating microRNAs (c-miRNAs) are key regulators of gene expression.
- The role of c-miRNAs in age-related muscle and bone conditions like sarcopenia and osteoporosis is not well understood.
Purpose of the Study:
- To investigate differences in bone and muscle-specific c-miRNAs in postmenopausal women.
- To correlate c-miRNA levels with bone mineral density (BMD) and muscle function.
- To explore the relationship between c-miRNAs and osteoporosis and sarcopenia.
Main Methods:
- Seventy-five postmenopausal women (aged 60-85) were analyzed.
- Assessed body composition, BMD, and functional performance (grip strength, gait speed, jump tests).
- Measured levels of specific c-miRNAs (miR-1-3p, -21-5p, -23a-3p, -24-3p, -100-5p, -125b-5p, -133a-3p, -206) and bone turnover markers.
Main Results:
- No statistically significant differences in c-miRNAs were found based on sarcopenia or osteoporosis status.
- Upregulation of miR-21-5p and miR-23a-3p, and downregulation of miR-125b-5p were observed in the osteoporotic group.
- miR-125b-5p correlated positively with age, miR-21-5p negatively with trochanter bone mineral content, and miR-23a-3p positively with TRAP5b.
Conclusions:
- While no statistical differences were found regarding sarcopenia and osteoporosis, biological differences in c-miRNAs exist between osteoporotic and non-osteoporotic individuals.
- Specific c-miRNAs like miR-21-5p, miR-23a-3p, and miR-125b-5p show potential associations with osteoporosis.
- Further investigation into other circulating miRNAs is warranted to elucidate their role in age-related bone and muscle diseases.
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