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The roles of microRNAs in the pathogenesis of chronic obstructive pulmonary disease
Xinwei Huang1, Zongxin Zhu1, Xiaoran Guo1
1Medical School, Kunming University of Science and Technology, Kunming, Yunnan Province 650500, China.
Abstract:
Chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) is characterized by a progressive and irreversible airflow obstruction, with an abnormal lung function. The etiology of COPD correlates with complex interactions between environmental and genetic determinants. However, the exact pathogenesis of COPD is obscure although it involves multiple aspects including oxidative stress, imbalance between proteolytic and anti-proteolytic activity, immunity and inflammation, apoptosis, and repair and destruction in both airways and lungs. Many genes have been demonstrated to be involved in those pathogenic processes of this disease in patients exposed to harmful environmental factors. Previous reports have investigated promising microRNAs (miRNAs) to disclose the molecular mechanisms for COPD development induced by different environmental exposure and genetic predisposition encounter, and find some potential miRNA biomarkers for early diagnosis and treatment targets of COPD. In this review, we summarized the expression profiles of the reported miRNAs from studies of COPD associated with environmental risk factors including cigarette smoking and air pollution exposures, and provided an overview of roles of those miRNAs in the pathogenesis of the disease. We also highlighted the potential utility and limitations of miRNAs serving as diagnostic biomarkers and therapeutic targets for COPD.
Insights
MicroRNAs (miRNAs) are implicated in chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) development, influenced by environmental factors like smoking and pollution. This review explores miRNA roles in COPD pathogenesis and their potential as diagnostic biomarkers and therapeutic targets.
Area of Science:
- Pulmonary Medicine
- Molecular Biology
- Genetics
Background:
- Chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) involves progressive airflow obstruction with complex environmental and genetic causes.
- The precise pathogenesis of COPD remains unclear, involving oxidative stress, inflammation, apoptosis, and tissue remodeling.
- MicroRNAs (miRNAs) are emerging as key regulators in COPD development.
Purpose of the Study:
- To review the expression profiles of miRNAs in COPD associated with environmental risk factors.
- To elucidate the roles of these miRNAs in the pathogenesis of COPD.
- To highlight the potential of miRNAs as diagnostic biomarkers and therapeutic targets for COPD.
Main Methods:
- Literature review of studies on miRNA expression in COPD.
- Analysis of miRNA roles in COPD pathogenesis linked to environmental exposures (smoking, air pollution).
- Evaluation of miRNA utility and limitations as biomarkers and therapeutic targets.
Main Results:
- Specific miRNA expression profiles are associated with COPD.
- miRNAs play significant roles in COPD pathogenesis, including inflammation and tissue remodeling.
- Certain miRNAs show potential as early diagnostic markers and therapeutic targets for COPD.
Conclusions:
- miRNAs are crucial in COPD pathogenesis, particularly in response to environmental exposures.
- Further research is needed to validate miRNAs as reliable diagnostic biomarkers and therapeutic targets for COPD.
- Understanding miRNA functions could lead to novel strategies for COPD management.
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Assessment
01:25Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease-III: Symptoms and Complications.
Symptoms of COPD can be classified as primary or systemic. Primary symptoms relate to reduced airflow, while systemic or extrapulmonary symptoms relate to COPD's broader impact on the body.
Primary Symptoms of COPD: