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Identification of microRNAs responsive to shear loading in rat skin
Wei-Jhen Hsu1, Takeo Minematsu2,3, Gojiro Nakagami1,2
1Department of Gerontological Nursing/Wound Care Management, Graduate School of Medicine, The University of Tokyo, Tokyo, Japan.
Abstract:
Pressure injuries (PIs) are localised skin injuries that result from pressure with or without shear force. Shear force is more destructive than pressure in clinical settings. Therefore, determining the critical external forces is important for selecting the appropriate care to prevent PIs. To quantitatively distinguish pressure and shear loading with high specificity, we focused on microRNAs (miRs). This study aimed to identify the miRs that are distinguishable between pressure with and without shear loading in rat skin. Microarray analysis identified six candidate miRs from the comparisons among the pressure, shear, and unloaded groups. We analysed the expression levels of the candidate miRs in the process of PI development using real-time reverse transcriptase polymerase chain reaction. In the pressure and shear groups, miR-92b expressions at 6 hours after loading were 2.3 ± 1.3 and 2.9 ± 1.0, respectively, which were significantly higher than those in the control group (P = .014 and .004, respectively). miR-877 expression at 6 hours after loading was significantly increased only in the shear group (2.8 ± 0.9) compared with the control group (P = .016). These results indicate that miR-92b and miR-877 are promising biomarkers to determine for which external force healthcare professionals should intervene.
Insights
This study identified microRNAs (miRs) that can distinguish between pressure and shear forces in rat skin, aiding in preventing pressure injuries. miR-92b and miR-877 show promise as biomarkers for targeted intervention.
Area of Science:
- Biomedical Engineering
- Dermatology
- Molecular Biology
Background:
- Pressure injuries (PIs) are skin injuries caused by pressure and shear forces, with shear being more damaging.
- Identifying the specific forces causing PIs is crucial for effective prevention and care.
- MicroRNAs (miRs) are explored as potential indicators to differentiate between pressure and shear loading.
Purpose of the Study:
- To identify specific miRs that can distinguish between pressure-only loading and combined pressure-shear loading in rat skin.
- To find molecular biomarkers for differentiating the causative forces of pressure injuries.
Main Methods:
- Microarray analysis was used to identify candidate miRs differentiating pressure, shear, and unloaded groups in rat skin.
- Real-time reverse transcriptase polymerase chain reaction (RT-PCR) was employed to analyze the expression levels of candidate miRs during PI development.
Main Results:
- Six candidate miRs were identified. miR-92b expression increased significantly in both pressure and shear groups at 6 hours.
- miR-877 expression significantly increased at 6 hours specifically in the shear group compared to controls.
Conclusions:
- miR-92b and miR-877 are identified as potential biomarkers for differentiating pressure and shear forces.
- These miRs can help healthcare professionals determine the appropriate intervention to prevent pressure injuries based on the dominant force.
