MicroRNA Expression in Subretinal Fluid in Eyes Affected by Rhegmatogenous Retinal Detachment

Abstract

Proliferative vitreoretinopathy (PVR) is an abnormal intraocular scarring process that can complicate cases of rhegmatogenous retinal detachment (RRD). Although previous studies have examined the relevance of microRNAs (miRNAs) in ophthalmic diseases, only a few studies have evaluated the expression profiles of microRNAs in subretinal fluid. We hypothesized that the expression profiles of specific miRNAs may change in response to RRD, in the subretinal fluid that is directly in contact with photoreceptors and the retinal pigment epithelium (RPE). We looked for a potential correlation between the expression of specific miRNAs in eyes with RRD and known clinical risk factors of PVR. A total of 24 patients (59 ± 11 years) who underwent scleral buckling procedure were enrolled in this prospective study. Twenty-four undiluted subretinal fluid samples were collected, RNA was isolated and qRT-PCR was performed to analyze the expression of 12 miRNAs. We found the existence of a positive association between the expression of miR-21 (p = 0.017, r = 0.515) and miR-34 (p = 0.030, r = 0.624) and the duration of symptoms related to retinal detachment. Moreover, the expression of miR-146a tended to decrease in patients who developed PVR. Subretinal fluid constitutes an intriguing biological matrix to evaluate the role of miRNAs leading to the development of PVR.

miR-210 is essential to retinal homeostasis in fruit flies and mice

“…In mice, miR-210 was found to be highly expressed in the adult mice retina 55 , being detected in at least three different layers: the ganglion cell layer (GCL), the inner nuclear layer (INL), and the outer nuclear layer (ONL) 56 . In humans, miR-210 was found in both the retina 57 and the subretinal fluid 58 , as well as in the vitreous humour 59 , suggesting a possible role in eye homeostasis. In addition, miR-210 has also been associated to some eye diseases since it was found to be upregulated in the retina of a murine model of proliferative retinopathy 17 and in the serum of diabetic retinopathy 18 and primary open-angle glaucoma 60 patients.…”

Proliferative Vitreoretinopathy: A Reappraisal

“…In this perspective, epigenetics with non-coding RNAs has gained increasing interest in the pathophysiology of many eye diseases. MiRNAs play a central role in PVR physiopathology [ 82 , 83 ], and there are promising possibilities to use them as disease biomarkers and master regulators for therapeutic strategies to stabilize or reset the cellular state of neurons and glial cells [ 143 ].…”

“…In recent years, PVR physiopathology knowledge has enhanced thanks to studies regarding the role of non-coding RNAs. Different microRNAs (miRNAs) have been related both to RRD clinical features linked to progression toward PVR [ 82 ] and to PVR itself [ 83 ]. A positive association has been found between the expression of miR-21 and miR-34 and the duration of symptoms related to retinal detachment [ 82 ].…”

“…Different microRNAs (miRNAs) have been related both to RRD clinical features linked to progression toward PVR [ 82 ] and to PVR itself [ 83 ]. A positive association has been found between the expression of miR-21 and miR-34 and the duration of symptoms related to retinal detachment [ 82 ]. The expression of miR-143-3p, miR-224-5p, miR-361-5p, miR-452-5p, miR-486-3p, and miR891a-5p increased with the worsening of PVR grading [ 83 ].…”

Microbial Dynamics in Ophthalmic Health: Exploring the Interplay between Human Microbiota and Glaucoma Pathogenesis

“…Specifically, 26 miRNAs were found to be downregulated, including MiR-122-5p, while 8 miRNAs were upregulated. These differentially expressed miRNAs were associated with pathways such as phosphatidylinositol 3-kinase-Akt signaling, axon guidance, and mitogen-activated protein kinase signaling [59,60].…”