A groundbreaking study published in Cureus identified miRNA-122-5p (miR-122-5p) as a potential biomarker that could revolutionize the diagnosis and treatment of individuals suffering from both knee osteoarthritis (KOA) and osteoporosis (OP).
The research team examined serum samples from 268 participants, divided into four groups: those with KOA, those with OP, those with both conditions, and healthy controls. Using advanced molecular techniques, they analyzed the expression levels of miR-122-5p in each group. The results showed that miR-122-5p levels were significantly elevated in all three patient groups compared to the healthy controls, with the highest levels observed in individuals suffering from both KOA and OP. The study found that miR-122-5p demonstrated remarkable sensitivity and specificity as a diagnostic tool, with area under the curve (AUC) values of 0.99 for KOA and OP individually, and a perfect 1.00 for those with both conditions.
miRNAs are crucial regulators of numerous biological processes, including development, cell differentiation, proliferation, apoptosis, immunity, and metabolism. Dysregulated miRNA expression has been implicated in a wide range of human diseases, such as cancer, viral infections, neurological disorders, cardiovascular conditions, musculoskeletal diseases, diabetes, and more. Emerging studies point to miR-122-5p as a potential contributor to the development of KOA, as altered expression has been detected in the synovial fluid, cartilage, and serum of individuals with KOA. Similarly, miR-122-5p has been explored in the context of OP, where it appears to regulate osteoblast and osteoclast activity, as well as bone formation and remodeling. Research suggests that miR-122-5p may play a role in OP pathogenesis by affecting bone mineral density and metabolism.
This biomarker could potentially aid in early diagnosis, monitor disease progression, and evaluate treatment effectiveness. Moreover, the study opened new avenues for understanding the complex molecular pathways linking KOA and OP, potentially leading to more targeted and personalized therapeutic interventions. As the global population ages, the prevalence of KOA and OP is expected to rise, making this research even more crucial. The identification of miR-122-5p as a potential biomarker could pave the way for earlier interventions, better disease management, and improved quality of life for patients. The medical community awaits further developments in this promising area of research, although larger, longitudinal studies are needed to validate the utility of miR-122-5p as a reliable biomarker.
References
- Yadav R, Srivastava RN, Kumar D, Sharma A, Srivastava SR, Pant S, et al. Role of Serum Micro-RNA-122-5p Expression as a Circulatory Biomarker in People Having Both Knee Osteoarthritis and Osteoporosis: A Case-Control Study. Cureus. 2024 May 22;16(5):e60844.
- Al-Rawaf HA, Alghadir AH, Gabr SA. Circulating MicroRNA Expression, Vitamin D, and Hypercortisolism as Predictors of Osteoporosis in Elderly Postmenopausal Women. Dis Markers. 2021 Dec 13;2021:3719919.
- Felekkis K, Pieri M, Papaneophytou C. Exploring the Feasibility of Circulating miRNAs as Diagnostic and Prognostic Biomarkers in Osteoarthritis: Challenges and Opportunities. Int J Mol Sci. 2023 Aug 24;24(17):13144.