MiRNA expression profiling in HIV pathogenesis, disease progression and response to treatment: a systematic review

Lay abstract miRNAs play important role in the regulation of gene expression and are involved in various physiological processes. Dysregulation of their function can lead to human diseases including cancer, cardiovascular and metabolic diseases, liver conditions and immune dysfunction. The aim of this work is to systematically analyze the current scientific literature to identify miRNAs linked to the mechanism, development and treatment of HIV. A total of 35 articles were included and the miRNAs that were found with significantly different levels in compared groups of subjects (e.g., subjects with HIV vs healthy persons, persons able to limit the disease progression without therapy vs those whose immune system is already compromised by HIV) were highlighted. The most frequently reported miRNAs were: the hsa-miR-29 family, hsa-miR-146b-5p and hsa-miR-150-5p. To our knowledge, this is the first attempt to systematically identify the miRNAs associated with HIV and could be a useful contribution to general knowledge in this field. Aim: A systematic review was conducted to identify the association of miRNA expression with HIV pathogenesis, progression and treatment. Methods: A search of articles was conducted in MEDLINE(R), Cochrane Central Register of Controlled Trials and Global Health. Results: 35 articles were included. Due to the heterogeneity of HIV phenotypes, a harmonization based on key progression parameters was proposed. The hsa-miR-29 family, -146b-5p, and -150-5p, are the most frequently differentially expressed in HIV. Direct comparison of studies was not possible due to heterogeneity in biological samples and miRNA analysis techniques. Conclusion: This is the first attempt to systematically identify miRNA's different expression in well-defined patient phenotypes and could represent a helpful way to increase general knowledge in this field.

Automated summary

miRNAs play crucial roles in gene expression regulation and dysregulation can lead to human diseases. This study systematically analyzed scientific literature to identify miRNAs associated with HIV, highlighting hsa-miR-29 family, hsa-miR-146b-5p, and hsa-miR-150-5p as frequently reported miRNAs.