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Published on: August 28, 2021
The administration of dexmedetomidine changes microRNA expression profiling of rat hearts
Lingyan Wang1, Shumiao Tang1, Zhuoran Wang1
1Department of Anesthesiology, First Affiliated Hospital of Kunming Medical University, Kunming, Yunnan Province, China.
Background:
Dexmedetomidine is widely used for perioperative and ICU patients. microRNAs (miRNAs) function as regulators of gene expression. The aim of the study was to assay expression profiling of microRNA in rat hearts following administration of dexmedetomidine.
Methods:
In this study 6 rats were randomly divided into two groups (n = 3): dexmedetomidine group and control group. The rats of dexmedetomidine group were intraperitoneally given dexmedetomidine in a dose of 100 μg/kg whereas the rats in control group were administered normal saline intraperitoneally. The hearts were excised 30 min after the administration of dexmedetomidine or normal saline under anesthesia. The samples were analyzed for differentially expressed microRNAs with Exiqon miRNA Array. The differentially expressed microRNAs were confirmed by using qRT-PCR. Gene Ontology (GO) and Kyoto Encyclopedia of Genes and Genomes (KEGG) pathway analyses were performed to find the target genes and signaling pathways of the aberrantly expressed miRNAs.
Results:
Six microRNAs were identified to be significantly expressed, among of which, five microRNAs (miRNA-434-3p, miRNA-3596d, miRNA-496-5p, miRNA-7a-2-3p and miRNA-702-3p) were up-regulated and 1 microRNA (miRNA-208b-3p) down-regulated compared to those of control group. The aberrantly expressed microRNAs were further validated by Quantitative Real Time-Polymerase Chain Reaction (qRT-PCR). GO and KEGG analyses were used to identify target genes and the signaling pathways.
Conclusions:
The use of dexmedetomidine is associated with differentially expressed microRNAs which may be involved in cardioprotection following administration of dexmedetomidine.
Insights
Dexmedetomidine alters microRNA expression in rat hearts. These changes in microRNAs (miRNAs) may play a role in the drug's cardioprotective effects.
Area of Science:
- Cardiovascular Research
- Molecular Biology
- Pharmacology
Background:
- Dexmedetomidine is frequently used in perioperative and ICU settings.
- MicroRNAs (miRNAs) are key regulators of gene expression.
- Understanding miRNA changes is crucial for evaluating drug effects.
Purpose of the Study:
- To investigate microRNA expression profiling in rat hearts after dexmedetomidine administration.
- To identify specific microRNAs affected by dexmedetomidine.
Main Methods:
- Six rats were divided into dexmedetomidine and control groups.
- Hearts were analyzed 30 minutes post-administration using Exiqon miRNA Array.
- Differential expression was confirmed by qRT-PCR; GO and KEGG analyses identified target genes and pathways.
Main Results:
- Six microRNAs showed significant differential expression.
- Five miRNAs were upregulated (miRNA-434-3p, miRNA-3596d, miRNA-496-5p, miRNA-7a-2-3p, miRNA-702-3p).
- One miRNA was downregulated (miRNA-208b-3p).
Conclusions:
- Dexmedetomidine administration leads to altered microRNA expression in rat hearts.
- These differentially expressed miRNAs may contribute to dexmedetomidine's cardioprotective mechanisms.
