Plasma extracellular vesicle-derived microRNA associated with human alpha-1 antitrypsin deficiency-mediated liver disease

Background and Aims

Alpha-1 antitrypsin deficiency (AATD) is a genetic disorder associated with liver disease, ranging from fibrosis to hepatocellular carcinoma. The disease remains asymptomatic until its final stages when liver transplantation is the only available therapy. Biomarkers offer an advantage for disease evaluation. The presence of microRNAs (miRNAs) in plasma extracellular vesicles (EVs) presents a noninvasive approach to assess the molecular signatures of the disease. In this study, we aimed to identify miRNA biomarkers to distinguish molecular signatures of the liver disease associated with AATD in AATD individuals.

Methods

Using small RNA sequencing and qPCR, we examined plasma EV miRNAs in healthy controls (n = 20) and AATD patients (n = 17). We compared the EV miRNAs of AATD individuals with and without liver disease, developing an approach for detecting liver disease. A set of miRNAs identified in the AATD testing cohort was validated in a separate cohort of AATD patients (n = 45).

Results

We identified differential expression of 178 EV miRNAs in the plasma of the AATD testing cohort compared to controls. We categorized AATD individuals into those with and without liver disease, identifying 39 differentially expressed miRNAs. Six miRNAs were selected to test their ability to discriminate liver disease in AATD. These were validated for their specificity and sensitivity in an independent cohort of 45 AATD individuals. Our logistic model established composite scores with three- and four-miRNA combinations, achieving areas under the curve of 0.737 and 0.751, respectively, for predicting AATD liver disease.

Conclusions

We introduce plasma EV-derived miRNAs as potential biomarkers for evaluating AATD liver disease. Plasma EV-associated miRNAs may represent a molecular signature of AATD liver disease and could serve as valuable tools for its detection and monitoring.

Full text

https://www.xiahepublishing.com/2310-8819/JCTH-2024-00253

The study was recently published in the Journal of Clinical and Translational Hepatology.

The Journal of Clinical and Translational Hepatology (JCTH) is owned by the Second Affiliated Hospital of Chongqing Medical University and published by XIA & HE Publishing Inc. JCTH publishes high quality, peer reviewed studies in the translational and clinical human health sciences of liver diseases. JCTH has established high standards for publication of original research, which are characterized by a study’s novelty, quality, and ethical conduct in the scientific process as well as in the communication of the research findings. Each issue includes articles by leading authorities on topics in hepatology that are germane to the most current challenges in the field. Special features include reports on the latest advances in drug development and technology that are relevant to liver diseases. Regular features of JCTH also include editorials, correspondences and invited commentaries on rapidly progressing areas in hepatology. All articles published by JCTH, both solicited and unsolicited, must pass our rigorous peer review process.

Follow us on X: @xiahepublishing

Follow us on LinkedIn: Xia & He Publishing Inc.