Liver Damage and microRNAs: An Update
Erika Cione1,2, Diana Marisol Abrego Guandique2,3, Maria Cristina Caroleo2,3
1Department of Pharmacy, Health and Nutritional Sciences, University of Calabria, 87036 Rende, Italy.
Abstract:
One of the major organs in the body with multiple functions is the liver. It plays a central role in the transformation of macronutrients and clearance of chemicals and drugs. The serum biomarkers often used to indicate liver damage are not specifically for drug-induced liver injury (DILI) or liver injury caused by other xenobiotics, nor for viral infection. In this case, microRNAs (miRNAs) could play an exciting role as biomarkers of specific liver damage. In this review, we aimed to update the current literature on liver damage induced by drugs, as acute conditions and viral infections mediated by the hepatitis B virus (HBV) linked these two conditions to advanced research, with a focus on microRNAs as early biomarkers for liver damage. The undoubtable evidence that circulating miR-122 could be used as a human biomarker of DILI came from several studies in which a strong increase of it was linked with the status of liver function. In infancy, there is the possibility of an early miRNA detection for hepatitis B virus infection, but there are a lack of solid models for studying the HVB molecular mechanism of infection in detail, even if miRNAs do hold unrealized potential as biomarkers for early detection of hepatitis B virus infection mediated by HBV.
Insights
MicroRNAs (miRNAs) show promise as specific biomarkers for liver damage, including drug-induced liver injury (DILI) and hepatitis B virus (HBV) infection. Circulating miR-122 is a validated biomarker for DILI, and miRNAs may enable early HBV detection.
Area of Science:
- Hepatology
- Molecular Biology
- Biomarker Discovery
Background:
- The liver performs vital functions, including metabolism and detoxification.
- Current serum biomarkers lack specificity for drug-induced liver injury (DILI) or viral hepatitis.
- MicroRNAs (miRNAs) offer potential for specific liver damage detection.
Purpose of the Study:
- To review current literature on drug-induced liver damage and hepatitis B virus (HBV) infection.
- To focus on the role of miRNAs as early biomarkers for these liver conditions.
Main Methods:
- Literature review of studies on drug-induced liver injury (DILI).
- Review of research on hepatitis B virus (HBV) infection and its link to liver damage.
- Analysis of the role of microRNAs (miRNAs) as potential biomarkers.
Main Results:
- Circulating miR-122 is a validated human biomarker for DILI, with increased levels correlating to liver function.
- miRNAs show potential for early detection of hepatitis B virus (HBV) infection, particularly in infancy.
- Further research is needed to develop robust models for studying HBV molecular mechanisms.
Conclusions:
- MicroRNAs (miRNAs) represent a promising avenue for specific and early detection of liver damage.
- miR-122 is a key biomarker for drug-induced liver injury (DILI).
- Further investigation into miRNAs could significantly advance the diagnosis of hepatitis B virus (HBV) infection.
