MICRORNAS IN VIRAL INFECTIONS: BIOMARKERS OF DISEASE PROGRESSION AND CLINICAL OUTCOMES
Abstract
MicroRNAs (miRNAs) are small non-coding RNAs involved in post-transcriptional regulation of gene expression and host responses to viral infections. Changes in their expression may reflect disease activity, tissue damage and progression of virus-associated complications. At the Research Institute of Virology of Uzbekistan, miRNAs have been investigated as potential molecular biomarkers in HIV infection, chronic viral hepatitis and HPV-associated cervical disease. In HIV infection, miR-29a, miR-134 and miR-3665 were evaluated in 50 patients with neurocognitive disorders, including 31 patients with HIV-associated dementia and 19 without dementia. MiR-134 expression was markedly higher in patients with HIV-associated dementia (19.5 vs 3.64), while miR-3665 showed an approximately two-fold increase (3.64 vs 1.76). MiR-29a decreased to an undetectable level. These findings indicate that changes in selected miRNAs may accompany progression of HIV-associated neurocognitive impairment. The studies conducted at the Research Institute of Virology demonstrate that miRNA expression patterns reflect different pathways of progression and complications of viral infections, including neurocognitive impairment, progressive liver fibrosis and virus-associated carcinogenesis. Specific miRNAs and their combinations therefore represent promising complementary biomarkers for assessing disease progression and clinical outcomes. Further standardization and validation in independent cohorts are required for their translation into routine clinical practice.
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