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MicroRNA-125b overexpression in pseudoexfoliation syndrome
Martyna Tomczyk-Socha1, Dagmara Baczyńska2, Joanna Przeździecka-Dołyk1
1Department of Ophthalmology, Wroclaw Medical University, Poland.
Background:
MicroRNAs (miRs) are small non-coding RNAs. MiR-125b has been described as being downregulated in cataract tissue when compared to a transparent lens.
Objectives:
The aims of the study were: 1) to establish the expression of miR-125b in cataracts complicated by pseudoexfoliation syndrome (PEX), glaucoma or PEX glaucoma; and 2) to determine whether any environmental factors influence miR-125b expression.
Material And Methods:
Anterior lens capsules were obtained from 150 patients. The patients were subdivided into 1 of 4 groups: those with PEX (PEXg), those with primary open-angle glaucoma (Gg) and those with PEX glaucoma (PEXGg), plus gender-matched controls with cataracts alone (control group - Cg). Quantitative polymerase chain reaction (qPCR) expression of microRNA-125b was examined in every group.
Results:
The mean age of the 150 patients was 75.18 years (standard deviation (SD) ±9.12 years). Our investigation indicated, for the first time, that miR-125b expression was increased 3.33 times in the PEXg (p = 0.015). The quantitative analysis of miR-125b expression conducted between combined groups of all the patients that have PEX syndrome (with or without glaucoma) and the Cg revealed a statistically significant difference (p = 0.04). Lower miR-125b expression was found in the patients who smoked compared to those who did not (p = 0.01).
Conclusions:
Our data revealed the possible role of miR-125b in PEX syndrome development. There are 2 possible interpretations of these results: either the co-existence of PEX acts as a moderator of miR-125b expression in the anterior lens capsule, or increased expression of miR-125b can play a role in the pathogenesis of PEX.
Insights
MicroRNA-125b (miR-125b) expression is elevated in pseudoexfoliation syndrome (PEX) and may play a role in its development. Smoking was associated with lower miR-125b levels in cataract patients.
Area of Science:
- Ophthalmology
- Molecular Biology
- Genetics
Background:
- MicroRNAs (miRs) are small non-coding RNAs with regulatory functions.
- MiR-125b has been previously reported as downregulated in cataractous tissue.
- Pseudoexfoliation syndrome (PEX) is a common cause of secondary glaucoma.
Purpose of the Study:
- To quantify miR-125b expression in cataracts associated with PEX, glaucoma, or both.
- To investigate the influence of environmental factors on miR-125b expression in these conditions.
Main Methods:
- Anterior lens capsules from 150 patients were analyzed.
- Patients were categorized into groups: PEX, primary open-angle glaucoma (Gg), PEX glaucoma (PEXGg), and cataract controls (Cg).
- Quantitative polymerase chain reaction (qPCR) was used to measure miR-125b expression.
Main Results:
- MiR-125b expression was significantly increased (3.33-fold) in the PEX group (p = 0.015).
- A statistically significant difference in miR-125b expression was observed between patients with PEX (with or without glaucoma) and controls (p = 0.04).
- Smokers exhibited lower miR-125b expression compared to non-smokers (p = 0.01).
Conclusions:
- The findings suggest a potential role for miR-125b in the pathogenesis of pseudoexfoliation syndrome.
- Increased miR-125b expression may be linked to PEX development or PEX may modulate miR-125b levels in the anterior lens capsule.
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