MicroRNAs and mild cognitive impairment: A systematic review

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A Machine Learning Approach to Design an Efficient Selective Screening of Mild Cognitive Impairment
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A Machine Learning Approach to Design an Efficient Selective Screening of Mild Cognitive Impairment

Published on: January 11, 2020

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Paola Piscopo1, Eleonora Lacorte2, Marco Feligioni3

  • 1Dept of Neuroscience, Istituto Superiore di Sanità, Viale Regina Elena, 299, 00161 Rome, Italy.

Ageing Research Reviews
|November 26, 2018
PubMed
Abstract

Insights

MicroRNAs (miRNAs) show potential as non-invasive biomarkers for mild cognitive impairment (MCI). However, current evidence is inconsistent, highlighting the need for further research to validate their diagnostic utility in MCI progression.

Area of Science:

  • Biomarkers
  • Neuroscience
  • Molecular Biology

Background:

  • Mild cognitive impairment (MCI) represents a transitional stage between normal cognition and dementia.
  • Accurate identification of individuals at high risk of progressing from MCI to Alzheimer's disease (AD) is crucial for effective management.
  • Current MCI diagnosis relies on clinical assessment, with research biomarkers often requiring invasive procedures like cerebrospinal fluid (CSF) collection.

Purpose of the Study:

  • To systematically review existing literature on the application of microRNAs (miRNAs) as biomarkers for diagnosing MCI.
  • To assess the current evidence regarding the utility of miRNAs in identifying individuals with MCI.

Main Methods:

  • A systematic literature search was conducted across PubMed, ISI Web of Knowledge, and Cochrane Database up to June 2018.
  • Inclusion criteria focused on studies investigating microRNAs (miRNAs) in the context of MCI diagnosis.
  • Methodological quality of included studies was evaluated using QUADAS-2 and QUIPS tools.

Main Results:

  • Twenty-one studies involving 153 articles met the inclusion criteria, with participant numbers ranging from 6 to 330.
  • Over 40 microRNAs (miRNAs) were identified as dysregulated in MCI.
  • miR-206 was the only miRNA consistently found to be differentially expressed in MCI patients across multiple studies, though results require independent validation and show inconsistencies.

Conclusions:

  • MicroRNAs (miRNAs) present a promising avenue for developing non-invasive biomarkers for mild cognitive impairment (MCI).
  • Significant inconsistencies exist among current studies regarding miRNA expression in MCI, potentially due to variations in participant selection, sample handling, and analytical methods.
  • Further research with standardized protocols and independent validation is necessary to establish the reliability of miRNAs as diagnostic biomarkers for MCI.
Keywords:
Alzheimer’s diseaseBiomarkerDiagnostic studiesMild cognitive impairmentPrognostic studiesSystematic reviewmicroRNA

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