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The Involvement of MicroRNAs in Osteoarthritis and Recent Developments: A Narrative Review
Panagiotis K Panagopoulos1, George I Lambrou1,2
1Postgraduate Program "Metabolic Bone Diseases", National and Kapodistrian University of Athens, Medical School, Athens, Greece.
Background:
Osteoarthritis (OA) is the most common chronic joint disease and it may progressively cause disability and compromise quality of life. Lately, the role of miRNAs in the pathogenesis of OA has drawn a lot of attention. miRNAs are small, single-stranded, non-coding molecules of RNA which regulate gene expression at post-transcriptional level. The dysregulation of the expression of several miRNAs affects pathways involved in OA pathogenesis.
Objective:
The purpose of this article is to review the literature on the involvement of miRNAs in the pathogenesis of OA and the implications on its diagnosis and treatment.
Materials And Methods:
An extensive electronic literature search was conducted by two researchers from January 2008 to August 2017. Titles and abstracts of papers were screened by the authors for further inclusion in the present work. Finally, full texts of the selected articles were retrieved.
Results:
Abnormally expressed miRNAs enhance the production of cartilage degrading enzymes, inhibit the expression of cartilage matrix components, increase the production of proinflammatory cytokines, facilitate chondrocyte apoptosis, suppress autophagy in chondrocytes and are involved in pain-related pathways. miRNAs are also incorporated in extra-cellular membranous vesicles such as exosomes and participate in the intercellular communication in osteoarthritic joints.
Conclusion:
Ongoing research on miRNAs has potential implications in the diagnosis and treatment of OA. Their different levels in peripheral blood and synovial fluid between OA patients and healthy population makes them candidates for being used as biomarkers of the disease, while targeting miRNAs may be a novel therapeutic strategy in OA.
Insights
MicroRNAs (miRNAs) are key players in osteoarthritis (OA) pathogenesis, influencing cartilage degradation and inflammation. These molecules show promise as diagnostic biomarkers and potential therapeutic targets for OA.
Area of Science:
- Biochemistry
- Molecular Biology
- Genetics
Background:
- Osteoarthritis (OA) is a prevalent chronic joint disease causing disability and reduced quality of life.
- MicroRNAs (miRNAs), small non-coding RNA molecules regulating gene expression, are increasingly recognized for their role in OA pathogenesis.
- Dysregulated miRNA expression impacts critical pathways involved in OA development.
Purpose of the Study:
- To review existing literature on the involvement of miRNAs in osteoarthritis pathogenesis.
- To explore the implications of miRNAs in the diagnosis and treatment of OA.
Main Methods:
- An extensive electronic literature search was performed from January 2008 to August 2017.
- Titles and abstracts were screened for relevance by two independent researchers.
- Full texts of selected articles were retrieved for comprehensive analysis.
Main Results:
- Abnormally expressed miRNAs contribute to cartilage degradation by enhancing enzyme production and inhibiting matrix components.
- miRNAs influence OA through increased pro-inflammatory cytokine production, chondrocyte apoptosis, and suppressed autophagy.
- miRNAs are involved in pain pathways and intercellular communication within osteoarthritic joints via exosomes.
Conclusions:
- miRNAs hold significant potential as diagnostic biomarkers for OA due to differential expression in blood and synovial fluid.
- Targeting miRNAs presents a novel therapeutic strategy for managing osteoarthritis.
- Further research into miRNAs is crucial for advancing OA diagnosis and treatment.
