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CircuLating micrornas in post-COVID-19 patients and its association with cognitive impairment
Gemma Carreras-Badosa1, Mar Ariza2,3, Andrea Riberas-Sánchez1
1Departament de Biologia, Facultat de Ciències, Universitat de Girona, Girona, Spain.
Abstract:
Post-COVID-19 condition (PCC) develops after the acute phase of the SARS-CoV-2 infection with cognitive symptoms in 7.2-59.2% of cases, affecting primarily executive function, memory and attention-processing speed. MicroRNAs (miRNAs) are vital neurophysiological regulators and potential non-invasive biomarkers. This study analyzes a complete neuropsychological battery in 48 PCC patients, grouped into cognitively impaired (PCC-CI) and cognitively healthy (PCC-CH), and 16 controls; and quantifies plasma miRNAs using a TaqMan OpenArray or qRT-PCR. Results showed 13 miRNAs differentially expressed in PCC-CI as compared to PCC-CH patients. Functional analysis using predictive tools revealed associations with the Forkhead box O (FoxO) signaling pathway, Hippo signaling pathway or neurotrophin signaling pathway, among others, all involved in cognitive decline over time. Moreover, miR-369-3p, miR-448, miR-450a-5p and miR-483-3p were validated to be differentially expressed in additional samples of PCC and shown direct correlations with cognitive variables related to memory, processing speed and executive functions. Finally, a miR-448 and miR-450a signature showed good predictive values as biomarkers of cognitive impairment in PCC patients. In conclusion, a miR-448 and miR-450a signature showed potential as biomarkers to distinguish cognitively impaired patients in the post-COVID condition, indicating their potential to be applied in medical practice in the future.
Insights
Post-COVID-19 condition (PCC) can cause cognitive impairment. Specific microRNAs (miRNAs) like miR-448 and miR-450a show potential as biomarkers for identifying cognitive issues in PCC patients.
Area of Science:
- Neuroscience
- Biomarker Discovery
- Molecular Biology
Background:
- Post-COVID-19 condition (PCC) frequently presents with cognitive symptoms, impacting memory, attention, and executive functions.
- MicroRNAs (miRNAs) are crucial for neuroregulation and are being investigated as potential non-invasive biomarkers for neurological conditions.
Purpose of the Study:
- To identify specific plasma miRNAs associated with cognitive impairment in PCC patients.
- To explore the potential of miRNA signatures as biomarkers for cognitive deficits in PCC.
Main Methods:
- Neuropsychological testing was performed on 48 PCC patients (cognitively impaired and healthy) and 16 controls.
- Plasma miRNA levels were quantified using TaqMan OpenArray or qRT-PCR.
- Functional pathway analysis was conducted using predictive tools.
Main Results:
- Thirteen miRNAs were differentially expressed in cognitively impaired PCC patients compared to cognitively healthy PCC patients.
- Specific miRNAs (miR-369-3p, miR-448, miR-450a-5p, miR-483-3p) correlated with memory, processing speed, and executive functions.
- A signature of miR-448 and miR-450a demonstrated strong predictive value for cognitive impairment in PCC.
Conclusions:
- A signature of miR-448 and miR-450a shows promise as a biomarker for distinguishing cognitive impairment in Post-COVID-19 condition.
- These miRNAs could potentially be applied in clinical practice for diagnosing cognitive deficits associated with PCC.
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