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Updated: Jan 1, 2026
Detection of microRNA Expression in Peritoneal Membrane of Rats Using Quantitative Real-time PCR
Published on: June 27, 2017
Detection of Serum miRNAs Affecting Liver Apoptosis in a Periodontitis Rat Model
Yoshio Sugiura1, Toshiki Yoneda2, Kohei Fujimori1
1Department of Preventive Dentistry, Okayama University Graduate School of Medicine, Dentistry and Pharmaceutical Sciences, Okayama, Japan.
Background/Aim:
miRNA molecules have been attracting attention as genetic modifiers between organs. We examined the relationship between serum miRNA and targeted liver mRNA profiles in a periodontitis rat model, and the influence of periodontitis on the liver.
Materials And Methods:
Male Wistar rats (n=16, 8 weeks old) were randomly divided into two groups (8 rats each): control and periodontitis (ligature placement for 4 weeks). Serum miRNA and liver mRNA profiles were compared.
Results:
Periodontal destruction and hepatocyte apoptosis were induced in the periodontitis group. Microarray analysis indicated that 52 serum miRNAs and 33 liver mRNAs were expressed with a >1.5-fold change (FC) and a >2.0-FC (p<0.05), respectively, between the two groups. From the miRNA target genes, 12 genes equivalented to liver mRNAs with a >2.0-FC, among which, Hyou1, Chac1, and Bloc1s3 have apoptotic functions in our model. miRNAs upstream of these 3 mRNAs are miR-3591, miR-181a-2-3p and miR-6321.
Conclusion:
miR-3591, miR-181a-2-3p and miR-6321 induced hepatocyte apoptosis in our periodontitis rat model.
Insights
Periodontitis in rats alters serum microRNA (miRNA) and liver messenger RNA (mRNA) profiles. Specific miRNAs, including miR-3591, miR-181a-2-3p, and miR-6321, were found to induce liver cell apoptosis.
Area of Science:
- Molecular biology
- Genetics
- Organelle interactions
Background:
- MicroRNAs (miRNAs) are recognized as key intercellular genetic modifiers.
- Periodontitis, a common inflammatory condition, may impact systemic health, including liver function.
- Understanding the molecular crosstalk between periodontal disease and the liver is crucial for identifying biomarkers and therapeutic targets.
Purpose of the Study:
- To investigate the relationship between serum microRNA (miRNA) profiles and targeted liver messenger RNA (mRNA) in a rat model of periodontitis.
- To elucidate the influence of periodontitis on hepatic gene expression and cellular function.
Main Methods:
- A periodontitis model was established in male Wistar rats using ligature placement for four weeks.
- Serum miRNA and liver mRNA expression profiles were analyzed using microarray analysis.
- Differential gene expression analysis was performed to identify significant changes between control and periodontitis groups.
Main Results:
- Periodontitis induced significant periodontal destruction and hepatocyte apoptosis.
- Microarray analysis revealed distinct serum miRNA (52 molecules) and liver mRNA (33 molecules) profiles in the periodontitis group compared to controls.
- Twelve differentially expressed liver mRNAs were identified as potential targets of specific miRNAs, with Hyou1, Chac1, and Bloc1s3 showing apoptotic functions.
Conclusions:
- The study identified specific miRNAs (miR-3591, miR-181a-2-3p, and miR-6321) as potentially involved in mediating the effects of periodontitis on the liver.
- These identified miRNAs were demonstrated to induce hepatocyte apoptosis in the context of the periodontitis rat model.
- The findings suggest a molecular mechanism by which periodontitis may adversely affect liver health through miRNA-mediated pathways.
