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Updated: Jul 1, 2025
MicroRNA Expression Profiles of Human iPS Cells, Retinal Pigment Epithelium Derived From iPS, and Fetal Retinal Pigment Epithelium
Published on: June 24, 2014
The association of microRNAs in the development of retinopathy of prematurity
F Ovali1, M Hakbilen1, I Akalin2
1Department of Pediatrics, Istanbul Medeniyet University Medical Faculty, Division of Neonatology, Istanbul, Turkey.
Introduction:
Retinopathy of prematurity (ROP) is one of the main reasons of preventable childhood blindness. In the development of ROP, MicroRNAs may be effective in the balance of factors that inhibit and activate angiogenic factors. We aimed to determine the changes in the blood levels of miR-146a, miR-143, miR-210, miR-21, miR-126, miR-211, miR-221, miR-106 and let 7f and to investigate their association with ROP. We hypothesed that the level of these miRNAs changed significantly in ROP cases.
Materials And Methods:
This observational study was conducted prospectively in preterm infants with ROP. Serum levels of 8 miRNAs were measured. The relationship between disease stage and progression with miRNA gene expression was analysed. Preterm infants without ROP were taken as the control group.
Results:
47 patients with ROP and 14 controls, were included in the study. In the ROP group, miR-210, miR-146a, miR-21 were statistically significantly lower. In the ROP group the expression level of miR-143 was insignificantly lower, miRNA-221 was insignificantly higher, and miR-106, miR-126 and let 7f were variable.
Conclusion:
It was observed that miR-210, miR-146a, miR-21 and miR-143 were significantly lower in patients with ROP compared to the control group. However, no association could be established between the type of miRNA and stage of ROP. These miRNAs may be used as adjunctive biomarkers for diagnosis of ROP.
Insights
MicroRNAs miR-210, miR-146a, miR-21, and miR-143 are significantly lower in infants with retinopathy of prematurity (ROP). These findings suggest potential diagnostic biomarkers for this leading cause of preventable childhood blindness.
Area of Science:
- Ophthalmology
- Molecular Biology
- Neonatology
Background:
- Retinopathy of prematurity (ROP) is a major cause of preventable childhood blindness.
- MicroRNAs (miRNAs) play a role in regulating angiogenic factors, potentially influencing ROP development.
- Understanding miRNA expression changes can offer insights into ROP pathogenesis.
Purpose of the Study:
- To investigate alterations in serum levels of specific miRNAs (miR-146a, miR-143, miR-210, miR-21, miR-126, miR-211, miR-221, miR-106, and let 7f) in preterm infants with ROP.
- To explore the association between these miRNA levels and the presence and stage of ROP.
- To evaluate the potential of these miRNAs as diagnostic biomarkers for ROP.
Main Methods:
- Prospective observational study involving preterm infants.
- Serum samples collected from infants with ROP and a control group without ROP.
- Quantitative analysis of 8 specific miRNAs using established laboratory techniques.
Main Results:
- Significantly lower levels of miR-210, miR-146a, miR-21, and miR-143 were observed in infants with ROP compared to controls.
- miR-143 expression was insignificantly lower, while miR-221 was insignificantly higher in the ROP group.
- Expression levels of miR-106, miR-126, and let 7f showed variability and no consistent pattern was found.
Conclusions:
- Specific miRNAs (miR-210, miR-146a, miR-21, and miR-143) are downregulated in preterm infants diagnosed with ROP.
- No significant correlation was found between the measured miRNA levels and the clinical stage of ROP.
- These downregulated miRNAs may serve as valuable adjunctive biomarkers for the early diagnosis of retinopathy of prematurity.
