Overview of microRNA Modulation in Analgesic Research

Abstract

MicroRNA(miRNA)-mediated gene regulation underlies cellular processes, playing an important role in homeostasis and diseases. The expression and function of miRNAs are altered by various pharmacological agents, with differences in the endogenous levels of miRNAs influencing drug efficacy and toxicity. Thus, miRNA levels could be a biomarker for predicting treatment response, efficacy, and safety. In addition, elucidating the mechanistic significance of miRNA alterations can aid in the identification of therapeutic targets and patient selection, and guide personalized therapy. Discussed in this overview are the properties of miRNA, their modulation, and the ways to measure them. The effects of different classes of analgesics, including opioid and non-opioid, are described as examples of drug-induced modifications of miRNA, with a discussion on how measurement of miRNA levels in patients receiving analgesic therapy can assist in maximizing effectiveness while minimizing the untoward responses to this drug class. © 2017 by John Wiley & Sons, Inc.

Differences in the miRNA signatures of chronic musculoskeletal pain patients from neuropathic or nociceptive origins

“…For each patient, the psychological status and pain levels were monitored using validated questionnaires, while the clinical information was collected from their medical records. Medication has been shown to influence miRNA expression [34]. However little is known about the influence of specific medicine on miRNA expression pattern.…”

“…Finally, as expected Np patients used more opioid and antiepileptic treatments than No. Since it is known that some treatments may influence miRNAs expression [34, 35] analgesic treatment could be a confounding bias in the relationship between the type of pain and the expression of miRNAs. The only ethically acceptable way to rule out this hypothesis would be to conduct a longitudinal observational study on a new cohort of chronic pain patients, and to observe the evolution of c-miRNAs during the course of the respective treatments.…”

Toward Composite Pain Biomarkers of Neuropathic Pain—Focus on Peripheral Neuropathic Pain

“…MicroRNA are small non-coding RNA molecules that contain about 22 nucleotides and are found in plants, animals, and some viruses ( 106 ). Identification of the first microRNA occurred in 1993, and currently more than 2,000 human microRNAs have been recognized ( 107 ).…”

“…Disease states or perturbations in cellular homeostasis can lead to aberrant microRNA expression ( 110 ). Numerous studies suggest the involvement of microRNAs in key biological processes including development and cellular homeostasis, and their altered expression is associated with various pathological conditions including cancer, immune disease, inflammatory disease as well as pain mechanisms ( 106 , 111 , 112 ).…”

“…It is well-established that microRNAs are present in the serum and plasma of humans and stable (as part of RNase resistant molecular complexes or within vesicles or exosomes) such that retrospective studies can be performed using banked samples ( 106 , 110 , 113 ). Horizontal transfer of circulating microRNAs between cells is a novel mode of intercellular communication ( 109 ).…”