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MicroRNAs as commonly expressed biomarkers for sarcopenia and frailty: A systematic review
Hyung Eun Shin1, Jae Young Jang2, Heeeun Jung3
1Department of Orthopaedics, Emory Musculoskeletal Institute, Emory University School of Medicine, Atlanta, GA 30329, USA; Department of Health Sciences and Technology, College of Medicine, Kyung Hee University, Seoul 02447, Republic of Korea.
Background:
Coexistent sarcopenia and frailty is more strongly associated with adverse health outcomes than each condition alone. As the importance of coexistent sarcopenia and frailty increases, exploring their underlying mechanisms is warranted. Recently, noncoding ribonucleic acids (RNAs) have been suggested as potential biomarkers of sarcopenia and frailty. This systematic review aimed to summarize noncoding RNAs commonly expressed in sarcopenia and frailty, and to search the predicted target genes and biological pathways of them.
Methods:
We systematically searched the literatures on PubMed, Embase, Cochrane Library, Web of Science, and Scopus for literature published till November 15, 2023. A total of 7,202 literatures were initially retrieved. After de-duplication, 34 studies (26 sarcopenia-related and 8 frailty-related) were full-text reviewed, and 15 studies (11 sarcopenia-related and 4 frailty-related) were finally included.
Results:
miR-29a-3p, miR-29b-3p, and miR-328 were identified as commonly expressed in same direction in sarcopenia and frailty. These microRNAs (miRNAs), identified in the literature search using PubMed, modulate transforming growth factor-β signaling via extracellular matrix components and calcineurin/nuclear factor of activated T cells 3 signaling via sarcoplasmic/endoplasmic reticulum Ca2+ ATPase 2a, which are involved in regulating skeletal muscle fibrosis and the growth of slow-twitch muscle fibers, respectively. miR-155-5p, miR-486, and miR-23a-3p were also commonly expressed in two conditions, although in different or conflicting directions.
Conclusion:
In this systematic review, we highlight the potential of shared miRNAs that exhibit consistent expression patterns as biomarkers for the early diagnosis and progression assessment of both sarcopenia and frailty.
Insights
Shared microRNAs (miRNAs) show consistent expression patterns in both sarcopenia and frailty. These findings suggest miRNAs as potential biomarkers for early diagnosis and progression monitoring of these conditions.
Area of Science:
- Biochemistry
- Gerontology
- Molecular Biology
Background:
- Coexistent sarcopenia and frailty present a greater health risk than either condition alone.
- Understanding the mechanisms underlying combined sarcopenia and frailty is crucial.
- Noncoding RNAs are emerging as potential biomarkers for sarcopenia and frailty.
Conclusions:
- Shared microRNAs (miRNAs) with consistent expression patterns hold promise as biomarkers.
- These miRNAs can aid in the early diagnosis of sarcopenia and frailty.
- Consistent miRNA expression can also assist in assessing disease progression.
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