Genome-wide microarray-based analysis of miRNAs expression in patients with acute-on-chronic liver failure

BackgroundAcute-on-chronic liver failure (ACLF) is a severe clinical syndrome that may cause a high mortality. However, the mechanism is still not clear. Characterization of the microRNA (miRNA) profiles in ACLF patients may provide new clues to the pathogenesis and management of this syndrome.MethodsGenome-wide microarray was performed to compare the different miRNA expression profiles in peripheral blood mononuclear cells of a pair of monozygotic twins, an ACLF patient and an HBV asymptomatic carrier (AsC). The case-control miRNA profiles were compared and confirmed by quantitative reverse transcription-polymerase chain reaction in 104 ACLF patients and 96 AsCs. A combined computational prediction algorithm was used to predict the potential target genes.ResultsForty-five miRNAs were increased and eight miRNAs were decreased in the ACLF group. The expressions of hsa-let-7a and hsa-miR-16 were increased by 8.58- and 8.63-fold in ACLF patients compared with that in AsCs, respectively (P<0.001). CARD8, BCL2, IL1RAPL1, LTB, FZD10 and EDA were identified as the target genes of hsa-miR-16; MAP4K3, OPRM1, IGF2BP1 and CERCAM were verified as the target genes of hsa-let-7a.ConclusionsOur results showed that there is a close relationship between specific miRNAs of peripheral blood mononuclear cells and ACLF. hsa-miR-16 and hsa-let-7a may contribute to the development of ACLF.