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In ALS, MicroRNA Levels Closely Associated With Disease Occurrence
MicroRNAs (miRNAs), specifically serums miR-206, miR-133b, and miR338-3p, have been identified as “potential promising biomarkers” for detecting amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS), according to the results of a systematic review and meta-analysis published online ahead of print in Brain Research Bulletin.
“MiRNAs are essential regulators of cellular processes and play important roles in disease development and progression. Accumulated evidence suggests that miRNAs can also promote gene expression in particular contexts via various mechanisms,” the researchers noted in the study introduction. “Changes in miRNA expression may target the peripheral nerves, CNS, or skeletal muscles, may contribute to the ALS diseases etiology and play an important role in progression of ALS.”
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The authors selected 11 studies that analyzed the level of miRNA in serum and muscle samples, and then compared the overall levels of miRNA in patients with ALS to healthy control (HC) patients across the studies.
The outcome of the random-effects model for this meta-analysis showed that ALS patients had higher miRNA levels than HC patients for serum miR-206 (five studies; Hedges’g=0.763, 95% CI=0.487-1.040, P=0.000), muscle serum miR-206 (three studies, Hedges’g=0.811, 95% CI=0.290-1.1331, P=0.002) miR-133a (three studies; Hedges’g=-0.190, 95% CI=-1.854 to 1.475, P= 0.823), miR-133b (three studies; Hedges’g=1.176, 95% CI=0.685-1.666, P=0.000), and miR-338-3p (three studies; Hedges’g=0.467, 95% CI=-0.215 to 718, P=0.000).
“Early intervention for ALS patients can effectively improve their quality of life and prolong their life,” the authors emphasized in the discussion of the results. “Therefore, early diagnosis of ALS disease is very necessary and has a great significance.”
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