Zhongju Shi1, Hengxing Zhou1, Lu Lu1, Xueying Li2, Zheng Fu3, Jun Liu1, Yi Kang1, Zhijian Wei1, Bin Pan1, Lu Liu1, Xiaohong Kong4, Shiqing Feng1. 1. a Department of Orthopaedics , Tianjin Medical University General Hospital , Tianjin , P. R. China. 2. b Key Laboratory of Immuno Microenvironment and Disease of the Educational Ministry of China, Department of Immunology , Tianjin Medical University , Tianjin , P. R. China. 3. c Department of Immunology , Tianjin Medical University , Tianjin , P. R. China. 4. d 221 Laboratory, School of Medicine , Nankai University , Tianjin , P. R. China.
Abstract
BACKGROUND AND PURPOSE: Spinal cord injury (SCI) involves serious damage that can result in abnormal or absent motor and sensory functions and a disruption of autonomic function, and a series of pathological reactions occur after the injury. As a type of small non-coding RNA, microRNAs (miRNAs) have been verified to inhibit gene expression via post-transcriptional regulation. This review mainly focuses on recent advances regarding the roles of miRNAs following SCI. METHODS: The Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Reviews and Meta-Analyses guidelines were adopted. The studies regarding the roles of miRNAs following SCI were identified through PubMed, Embase and Web of Science. We summarise the changes in expression levels of miRNAs and discuss the roles of miRNAs after SCI. RESULTS: A total of 77 empirical studies meeting the inclusion criteria were identified. Existing studies showed that miRNAs were temporally altered and had effects on apoptosis, inflammation, angiogenesis, astrogliosis, oligodendrocyte development, axonal regeneration and remyelination after SCI. The alteration of miRNAs and the regulative action of pathological reactions can also provide opportunities for potential therapeutic interventions. "miRNA replacement therapy" aims to transfer miRNAs into diseased cells via delivery techniques and improve targeting effectiveness in cells, and this novel therapeutic tool provides a promising technique to promote the repair of SCI and reduces functional deficits. CONCLUSIONS: This review is helpful for understanding the underlying mechanisms of SCI and the potential clinical value of miRNAs. miRNAs have the potential to be attractive tools and targets for novel diagnostic and therapeutic approaches of SCI.
BACKGROUND AND PURPOSE:Spinal cord injury (SCI) involves serious damage that can result in abnormal or absent motor and sensory functions and a disruption of autonomic function, and a series of pathological reactions occur after the injury. As a type of small non-coding RNA, microRNAs (miRNAs) have been verified to inhibit gene expression via post-transcriptional regulation. This review mainly focuses on recent advances regarding the roles of miRNAs following SCI. METHODS: The Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Reviews and Meta-Analyses guidelines were adopted. The studies regarding the roles of miRNAs following SCI were identified through PubMed, Embase and Web of Science. We summarise the changes in expression levels of miRNAs and discuss the roles of miRNAs after SCI. RESULTS: A total of 77 empirical studies meeting the inclusion criteria were identified. Existing studies showed that miRNAs were temporally altered and had effects on apoptosis, inflammation, angiogenesis, astrogliosis, oligodendrocyte development, axonal regeneration and remyelination after SCI. The alteration of miRNAs and the regulative action of pathological reactions can also provide opportunities for potential therapeutic interventions. "miRNA replacement therapy" aims to transfer miRNAs into diseased cells via delivery techniques and improve targeting effectiveness in cells, and this novel therapeutic tool provides a promising technique to promote the repair of SCI and reduces functional deficits. CONCLUSIONS: This review is helpful for understanding the underlying mechanisms of SCI and the potential clinical value of miRNAs. miRNAs have the potential to be attractive tools and targets for novel diagnostic and therapeutic approaches of SCI.