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Updated: May 24, 2025
Tissue-specific miRNA Expression Profiling in Mouse Heart Sections Using In Situ Hybridization
Published on: September 15, 2018
MicroRNAs as regulators of cardiac dysfunction in sepsis: pathogenesis and diagnostic potential
Zhen Liu1,2, Feiyang Li1,2, Ningcen Li1,2
1Research Center of Experimental Acupuncture Science, Tianjin University of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Tianjin, China.
Introduction:
Sepsis, a life-threatening condition arising from an uncontrolled immune response to infection, can lead to organ dysfunction, with severe inflammation potentially causing multiple organ failures. Sepsis-induced cardiac dysfunction (SIMD) is a common and severe complication of sepsis, significantly increasing patient mortality. Understanding the pathogenesis of SIMD is crucial for improving treatment, and microRNAs (miRNAs) have emerged as important regulators in this process.
Methods:
A comprehensive literature search was conducted in PubMed, Science Direct, and Embase databases up to September 2024. The search terms included ["miRNA" or "microRNA"] and ["Cardiac" or "Heart"] and ["Sepsis" or "Septic"], with the language limited to English. After initial filtering by the database search engine, Excel software was used to further screen references. Duplicate articles, those without abstracts or full texts, and review/meta-analyses or non-English articles were excluded. Finally, 106 relevant research articles were included for data extraction and analysis.
Results:
The pathogenesis of SIMD is complex and involves mitochondrial dysfunction, oxidative stress, cardiomyocyte apoptosis and pyroptosis, dysregulation of myocardial calcium homeostasis, myocardial inhibitory factors, autonomic nervous regulation disorders, hemodynamic changes, and myocardial structural alterations. miRNAs play diverse roles in SIMD. They are involved in regulating the above-mentioned pathological processes.
Discussion:
Although significant progress has been made in understanding the role of miRNAs in SIMD, there are still challenges. Some studies on the pathogenesis of SIMD have limitations such as small sample sizes and failure to account for confounding factors. Research on miRNAs also faces issues like inconsistent measurement techniques and unclear miRNA-target gene relationships. Moreover, the translation of miRNA-based research into clinical applications is hindered by problems related to miRNA stability, delivery mechanisms, off-target effects, and long-term safety. In conclusion, miRNAs play a significant role in the pathogenesis of SIMD and have potential as diagnostic biomarkers. Further research is needed to overcome existing challenges and fully exploit the potential of miRNAs in the diagnosis and treatment of SIMD.
Insights
MicroRNAs (miRNAs) are key regulators in sepsis-induced cardiac dysfunction (SIMD), a severe complication of sepsis. Further research is needed to overcome challenges and translate miRNA potential into clinical diagnosis and treatment for SIMD.
Area of Science:
- Cardiovascular Biology
- Molecular Medicine
- Sepsis Pathophysiology
Background:
- Sepsis is a life-threatening condition with uncontrolled immune responses leading to organ dysfunction.
- Sepsis-induced cardiac dysfunction (SIMD) is a severe complication that significantly increases mortality.
- MicroRNAs (miRNAs) are emerging as critical regulators in the pathogenesis of SIMD.
Purpose of the Study:
- To review and analyze the current understanding of miRNA roles in sepsis-induced cardiac dysfunction.
- To identify key pathological processes in SIMD regulated by miRNAs.
- To highlight challenges and future directions for miRNA-based research and clinical application in SIMD.
Main Methods:
- A comprehensive literature search was conducted in PubMed, Science Direct, and Embase up to September 2024.
- Search terms included "miRNA" or "microRNA", "Cardiac" or "Heart", and "Sepsis" or "Septic".
- 106 relevant research articles were included after rigorous screening and exclusion criteria were applied.
Main Results:
- The pathogenesis of SIMD is complex, involving mitochondrial dysfunction, oxidative stress, cardiomyocyte apoptosis/pyroptosis, calcium homeostasis dysregulation, and hemodynamic changes.
- miRNAs play diverse regulatory roles in these pathological processes within SIMD.
- miRNAs show potential as diagnostic biomarkers for SIMD.
Conclusions:
- miRNAs are significantly involved in the pathogenesis of SIMD.
- Existing research faces challenges including small sample sizes, inconsistent measurement techniques, and unclear miRNA-target gene relationships.
- Overcoming challenges in miRNA stability, delivery, off-target effects, and safety is crucial for clinical translation in SIMD diagnosis and treatment.
