Emerging Roles for MicroRNAs in Perioperative Medicine

Abstract

MicroRNAs (miRNAs) are small, non–protein-coding, single-stranded RNAs. They function as posttranscriptional regulators of gene expression by interacting with target mRNAs. This process prevents translation of target mRNAs into a functional protein. miRNAs are considered to be functionally involved in virtually all physiologic processes, including differentiation and proliferation, metabolism, hemostasis, apoptosis, and inflammation. Many of these functions have important implications for anesthesiology and critical care medicine. Studies indicate that miRNA expression levels can be used to predict the risk for eminent organ injury or sepsis. Pharmacologic approaches targeting miRNAs for the treatment of human diseases are currently being tested in clinical trials. The present review highlights the important biological functions of miRNAs and their usefulness as perioperative biomarkers and discusses the pharmacologic approaches that modulate miRNA functions for disease treatment. In addition, the authors discuss the pharmacologic interactions of miRNAs with currently used anesthetics and their potential to impact anesthetic toxicity and side effects.

MicroRNA miR-223 as regulator of innate immunity

“…miRNAs are involved in almost all aspects of biological processes involving development, cellular differentiation, immune modulation, and pathogenic conditions. miRNAs alter mRNA function via blockade of translation or RNA degradation and it is predicted that approximately 60% of human genes are controlled by miRNAs . The specificity of mRNA targeting relies on a sequence of the miRNA, termed the ‘seed’ sequence, that binds complementary to the 3′ untranslated region (3′UTR) of the mRNA .…”

“…miRNAs alter mRNA function via blockade of translation or RNA degradation and it is predicted that approximately 60% of human genes are controlled by miRNAs. [1][2][3][4][5][6][7] The specificity of mRNA targeting relies on a sequence of the miRNA, termed the 'seed' sequence, that binds complementary to the 3 ′ untranslated region (3 ′ UTR) of the mRNA. 8 Thus one miRNA is capable Abbreviations: 3 ′ UTR, 3 ′ untranslated region; ALI, acute lung injury; ARDS, acute respiratory distress syndrome; BALF, bronchial alveolar lavage fluid; BM, bone marrow; DAMP, damage-associated molecular patterns; DC, dendritic cell; DGCR8, DiGeorge syndrome chromosomal region 8; DSS, dextran sodium sulfate; IBD, inflammatory bowel disease;…”

miR-365 targets β-arrestin 2 to reverse morphine tolerance in rats

“…However, this study has several limitations. The goal of miRNA overexpression is to restore physiological levels of miRNA for optimal function and avoid unwanted side effects of high levels of miRNA21. However, neither lentiviral-mediated overexpression of miR-365 nor a miR-365 mimic can satisfy these requirements.…”

“…miRNAs have been shown to modulate expression of various genes in different systems14151617. Recent studies have found miRNAs are also involved in perioperative medicine, including inflammation, ischemia, sepsis and mediating anesthetic toxicity1819202122. However, the specific role of miRNAs in morphine tolerance is still poorly understood.…”

Overview of microRNA Modulation in Analgesic Research

“…Downregulation of these miRNAs improved survival, learning, and behavioral performance in mice. Ketamine is also employed as an anesthetic, and the miRNA expression changes after exposure to fixed anesthetics, including propofol and ketamine, have been reviewed recently (Neudecker, Brodsky, Kreth, Ginde, & Eltzschig, 2016).…”