Study of circulating MiRNA expression in myopic patients

This study examines five circulating microRNAs (miRNAs) (miR-29a, let-7i, miR-204, miR-142, and miR-328) potentially relevant to the diagnostic and/or prognostic significance of myopia. miRNA expression was analyzed using StepOnePlus™ RT-PCR. miRNA expression was evaluated in whole blood samples collected and stored using Tempus™ Blood RNA Tubes. The expression of five miRNAs was analyzed in 88 participants: 45 in the myopia group and 43 in the control (emmetropic) group. Heatmap analysis revealed differences in the expression patterns of miR-29a, let-7i, miR-204, and miR-142 when comparing individuals with myopia and controls. The intensity of miR-328 expression was similar between the myopia and control groups. A significant correlation was observed between miR-204 ΔCt and spherical equivalent. However, comparison of median values between different degrees of myopia and the control group did not reveal significant differences. The simultaneous evaluation of multiple circulating miRNAs may help to better understand biological processes associated with myopia.