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microRNAs in parasite-induced liver fibrosis: from mechanisms to diagnostics and therapeutics
Mengqi Liu1, William C Cho2, Robin J Flynn3
1Key Laboratory of Applied Technology on Green-Eco-Healthy Animal Husbandry of Zhejiang Province, Zhejiang Provincial Engineering Laboratory for Animal Health Inspection & Internet Technology, Zhejiang International Science and Technology Cooperation Base for Veterinary Medicine and Health Management, China-Australia Joint Laboratory for Animal Health Big Data Analytics, College of Animal Science and Technology & College of Veterinary Medicine of Zhejiang A&F University, Hangzhou 311300, China.
Abstract:
Chronic parasite infections in the liver pose a global threat to human and animal health, often occurring with liver fibrosis that leads to cirrhosis, liver failure, and even cancer. Hepatic fibrogenesis is a complex yet reversible process of tissue repair and is associated with various factors, including immune cells, microenvironment, gut microbiome, and interactions of the different liver cells. As a profibrogenic or antifibrogenic driver, microRNAs (miRNAs) are closely involved in parasite-induced hepatic fibrosis. This article updates the current understanding of the roles of miRNAs in hepatic fibrogenesis by parasite infections and discusses the strategies using miRNAs as candidates for diagnostics and therapeutics.
Insights
Parasite infections cause liver fibrosis, a reversible process involving microRNAs (miRNAs). This review explores miRNAs
Area of Science:
- Hepatology
- Parasitology
- Molecular Biology
Background:
- Chronic liver parasite infections are a global health concern, frequently leading to liver fibrosis, cirrhosis, liver failure, and cancer.
- Hepatic fibrogenesis, the development of liver fibrosis, is a complex, reversible tissue repair process influenced by immune cells, the microenvironment, gut microbiome, and cellular interactions.
- MicroRNAs (miRNAs) play a dual role as profibrogenic or antifibrogenic drivers in parasite-induced hepatic fibrosis.
Purpose of the Study:
- To update the understanding of microRNA roles in parasite-induced hepatic fibrogenesis.
- To discuss the potential of miRNAs as diagnostic and therapeutic targets for liver fibrosis caused by parasites.
Main Methods:
- Literature review of studies on parasite infections and liver fibrosis.
- Analysis of research on microRNA involvement in hepatic fibrogenesis.
- Synthesis of current knowledge on miRNA-based diagnostics and therapeutics.
Main Results:
- MicroRNAs are significantly implicated in the development and progression of liver fibrosis due to parasitic infections.
- Specific miRNAs can act as either promoters or inhibitors of fibrogenesis.
- The complex interplay of cellular and environmental factors in hepatic fibrogenesis is modulated by miRNAs.
Conclusions:
- MicroRNAs are critical regulators in parasite-driven hepatic fibrosis.
- Targeting specific miRNAs offers promising avenues for developing novel diagnostic and therapeutic strategies for liver fibrosis.
- Further research is needed to fully elucidate miRNA mechanisms and translate findings into clinical applications.
