Research progress on the relationship between steroid-induced avascular necrosis of the femoral head and microRNA / 中国医师杂志

ABSTRACT

Steroid-induced avascular necrosis of the femoral head (SANFH) is the death of the femoral head caused by long-term use of glucocorticoid (GC). Its pathological manifestations are mainly trabecular bone collapse and increased empty bone lacunas, osteocyte apoptosis rate and autophagy rate. Its pathogenesis is complicated, and the exact pathogenesis is still unclear. MicroRNAs (miRNAs) are a group of endogenous, non-coding small RNAs with an average length of 23 nucleotides. They are responsible for negatively regulating gene expression after transcription by inhibiting target messenger RNAs (mRNAs). MiRNAs play an important role in physiological processes, including cell development, proliferation, differentiation, metabolism, migration and apoptosis. According to bioinformatics analysis, MiRNAs play an important role in regulating gene expression, and it is estimated that more than one-third of human genes are regulated by them. In the past few years, more and more miRNAs have been found to be related to osteonecrosis, such as regulating the proliferation and differentiation of mesenchymal stem cells and osteoblasts. This article aims to review the relationship between steroid-induced femoral head necrosis and miRNAs.