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Updated: Jan 19, 2026
Collection, Isolation, and Flow Cytometric Analysis of Human Endocervical Samples
Published on: July 6, 2014
Circular RNA Expression Profiles in Vaginal Epithelial Tissue of Women With Lubrication Disorders
Jingjing Zhang1, Haiping Xia2, Aixia Zhang3
1School of Nursing, Nanjing Medical University, Nanjing, China.
Introduction:
Recently, circular RNA (circRNA) has been proved to occupy a vital pathological position in many diseases by acting as microRNAs sponges. However, the role of circRNA in female sexual dysfunction (FSD), especially in lubrication disorders (LDs), remains unclear.
Aim:
The aim of this study was to detect circRNA expression in LDs, analyzed target genes, and pathways regulated by the differently expressed circRNAs.
Methods:
In this study, next-generation sequencing was first conducted to produce circRNA expression profiles of FSD groups and normal control groups. Furthermore, differences in expression of 6 randomly selected circRNAs were confirmed through real-time quantitative polymerase chain reaction. Kyoto Encyclopedia of Genes and Genomes biological pathway analysis and Gene Ontology showed that immune processes and infection could be involved in the development of FSDs.
Main Outcome Measure:
CircRNA expression in vaginal epithelial tissue obtained from women with LDs have been detected. Gene Ontology, Kyoto Encyclopedia of Genes and Genomes biological pathway analysis, and circRNA-microRNA interaction predictions were investigated.
Results:
Totally, 7,746 circRNAs of vaginal epithelial tissue from women of 2 groups were sequenced. Preliminary judgment revealed that there were 73 circRNAs that have significant differential expression, including 53 downregulated circRNAs and 20 upregulated circRNAs. Research results also displayed that the majority of circRNAs has multiple binding sites of microRNAs, including miR-137, which has been reported to be linked to FSD.
Clinical Implications:
We predicted 10 circRNAs paired with hsa-miR-137-5p, but the mechanism of circRNA involvement in disease development remains to be further explored.
Strengths & Limitations:
For the first time, the research disclosed the potential pathogenesis of LDs. However, we only analyzed the expression profile of circRNA in FSD, no specific mechanism was further confirmed or proposed. We still have a preliminary understanding, and more research is needed to explore the target of FSD treatment.
Conclusion:
The results suggest that circRNAs have different expression in the FSD groups and play a vital part in the occurrence and development of FSD. Zhang J, Xia H, Zhang A, et al. Circular RNA Expression Profiles in Vaginal Epithelial Tissue of Women With Lubrication Disorders. J Sex Med 2019;16:1696-1707.
