Serum Based miRNA as a Diagnostic Biomarker for Multiple Sclerosis: a Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis.

This systematic review and meta-analysis aimed to identify deferentially expressed serum miRNAs in multiple sclerosis patients and to evaluate their diagnostic value in multiple sclerosis diagnosis. Studies were identified on PubMed, Google scholar and Saudi digital library up to 30 September 2019. Articles that examined miRNA expression level in MS patients compared to healthy control group were included in the review and the data were extracted by three independent author. The comprehensive Meta-Analysis version 3 software was used for meta-analysis and heterogeneity of studies was identified according to I2 value. Our literatures search identified 9 eligible articles concerning the serum miRNA as a diagnostic biomarker for multiple sclerosis in comparison to healthy control group. 19 serum miRNAs differentially expressed in MS patients were identified (8 downregulated, 11 upregulated and 1 with discordant result). In publications that provided information on specific miRNA diagnostic value, the pooled AUC was 72% (95% CI 0.65-0.78, p-value 0.00) for the overall multiple sclerosis patients and primary progressive MS (PPMS) (95% CI 0.66-0.78 p-value 0.00). A miRNA panel of four miRNAs showed high sensitivity (73%) and specificity (68%) in distinguishing multiple sclerosis from control groups. When using single miRNA (miR-145), the sensitivity increased to 79% and the specificity to 87%. The available data from the literature and this meta-analysis suggests the potential use of serum miRNA as biomarkers for early diagnosis of MS with high sensitivity and specificity in distinguishing multiple sclerosis subtypes from healthy controls.Abbreviation: MS: Multiple sclerosis; IDD: inflammatory demyelinating diseases; RRMS: relapsing-remitting Multiple sclerosis; PPMS: primary progressive Multiple sclerosis; SPMS: secondary progressive Multiple sclerosis; NMO: Neuromyelitis optica; miRNA: microRNA; ECmiRNA: extracellular microRNA; AUC: Area Under the Curve; ROC: Receiver Operator Characteristic.

Investigating the Role of Non-Coding RNA in Non-Alcoholic Fatty Liver Disease.

Non-coding RNAs (ncRNAs) are RNA molecules that do not code for protein but play key roles in regulating cellular processes. NcRNAs globally affect gene expression in diverse physiological and pathological contexts. Functionally important ncRNAs act in chromatin modifications, in mRNA stabilization and translation, and in regulation of various signaling pathways. Non-alcoholic fatty liver disease (NAFLD) is a set of conditions caused by the accumulation of triacylglycerol in the liver. Studies of ncRNA in NAFLD are limited but have demonstrated that ncRNAs play a critical role in the pathogenesis of NAFLD. In this review, we summarize NAFLD's pathogenesis and clinical features, discuss current treatment options, and review the involvement of ncRNAs as regulatory molecules in NAFLD and its progression to non-alcoholic steatohepatitis (NASH). In addition, we highlight signaling pathways dysregulated in NAFLD and review their crosstalk with ncRNAs. Having a thorough understanding of the disease process's molecular mechanisms will facilitate development of highly effective diagnostic and therapeutic treatments. Such insights can also inform preventive strategies to minimize the disease's future development.

MiR-126 in Hepatocellular Carcinoma and Cholangiocellular Carcinoma: A Reappraisal with an in situ Detection of miR-126.

OBJECTIVE: Hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) and cholangiocellular carcinoma (CCA) represent the most common malignant tumors of the liver. MicroRNAs (miRNAs) are small non-coding RNAs that play a role in regulating gene expression post-transcriptionally. The altered expression of miRNAs has been observed in many malignancies, including liver cancer. However, the expression level of miR-126 in HCC and CCA and its role in carcinogenesis show debatable data currently. METHODS: In this study, we investigate the expression level, localization, and biological significance of miRNA-126 in HCC and CCA. RESULTS: Our in situ hybridization analysis showed a significant reduction in miR-126 levels in HCC and CCA tissues relative to their corresponding healthy tissues. Conversely, miR-126 was expressed in the normal hepatocytes, blood vessels, and sinusoidal cells. Also, we detected a low expression level of miR-126 in HCC and CCA cell lines. The overexpression of miR-126 in HepG2 and HuCCT1 using miRNA mimics significantly inhibited cell proliferation, growth, and migration. CONCLUSION: This study further suggests that miR-126 plays a critical role in hepatic carcinogenesis. In our opinion, miR-126 warrants further investigations because this marker may have both diagnostic and prognostic implications in hepatocarcinogenesis.