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microRNA Expression Profiling Based on Microarray Approach in Human Diabetic Retinopathy: A Systematic Review and
Hao Zhou1,2, Cheng Peng1, De-Sheng Huang1,3
1Department of Epidemiology, School of Public Health, China Medical University, Shenyang, China.
Abstract:
Diabetes mellitus (DM) is one of the growing public health threats globally and as one of the common serious microvascular complications of DM, diabetic retinopathy (DR) is the leading cause of irreversible visual impairments and blindness. There is growing concern about the role of microRNAs (miRNAs) in the pathogenesis of DR. This meta-analysis was designed to collect those published miRNA expression profiling studies that compared the miRNA expression profiles in the biological samples of DR patients with those in the control group. Eight publications were finally included in the meta-analysis, and a total of 93 differentially expressed miRNAs were reported. Although six miRNAs were reported in at least two studies and with the consistent direction, after stratification by the type of biological samples, miR-320a was consistently reported to be upregulated in two serum sample-based studies and miR-423-5p was consistently reported to be upregulated in two vitreous humor sample-based studies. miR-27b was consistently reported to be downregulated in two serum sample-based studies. In conclusion, the results of this meta-analysis of human DR miRNAs' expression profiling studies might provide some clues of the potential biomarkers of DR. Further investigation of the mechanisms of miRNAs and more external validation studies are warranted with the aim of developing new diagnostic markers for preventing or reversing DR.
Insights
MicroRNAs (miRNAs) play a role in diabetic retinopathy (DR), a leading cause of blindness. This meta-analysis identified potential DR biomarkers, including miR-320a and miR-423-5p, for future diagnostic development.
Area of Science:
- Ophthalmology
- Genetics
- Endocrinology
Background:
- Diabetic retinopathy (DR) is a major microvascular complication of diabetes mellitus (DM), leading to irreversible vision loss.
- MicroRNAs (miRNAs) are increasingly implicated in the pathogenesis of DR.
Purpose of the Study:
- To conduct a meta-analysis of published miRNA expression profiling studies in DR patients versus controls.
- To identify consistently dysregulated miRNAs that may serve as potential biomarkers for DR.
Main Methods:
- Systematic literature search for miRNA expression profiling studies comparing DR patients and control groups.
- Meta-analysis of eight selected publications, analyzing 93 differentially expressed miRNAs.
- Stratification of results by biological sample type (serum, vitreous humor).
Main Results:
- Six miRNAs showed consistent differential expression across studies.
- miR-320a was consistently upregulated in serum samples.
- miR-423-5p was consistently upregulated in vitreous humor samples.
- miR-27b was consistently downregulated in serum samples.
Conclusions:
- The identified miRNAs (miR-320a, miR-423-5p, miR-27b) may serve as potential biomarkers for DR.
- Further research into miRNA mechanisms and external validation is needed for developing diagnostic markers.
- These findings could aid in preventing or reversing vision loss associated with DR.
