Different expression of circulating microRNA profile and plasma SP-D in Tibetan COPD patients

COPD is the fourth leading cause of mortality, and is predicted to be the third leading cause of death worldwide by 2020. But few studies on Tibetan COPD of China. This study identifies distinctive miRNA signatures in Tibetan COPD patients from Tibetan healthy subjects that could serve as diagnostic biomarkers or describe differential molecular mechanisms with potential therapeutic implications. In this study, a total of 210 differentially expressed miRNAs were screened. Analysis of the functions of target genes of differentially expressed miRNAs via GO enrichment analysis revealed that they mainly influenced guanyl-nucleotide exchange factor activity, cell morphogenesis and the positive regulation of GTPase activity. KEGG pathway enrichment analysis showed that these target genes were mainly enriched in signaling by NGF, Axon guidance, developmental biology, ubiquitin mediated proteolysis, and PDGF signaling pathways. MiR-106-5p and miR-486-5p expression was validated in the complete cohort. Age, plasma miR-106-5p, miR-486-5p, SP-D protein levels, and SP-D mRNA level were also determined to be correlated with FEV1%Pred, and may as the risk factors of Tibetan COPD. The combination of plasma miR-106-5p, miR-486-5p and SP-D mRNA expression may be the best model to assist the diagnosis of Tibetan COPD.

Automated summary

This study identifies distinct miRNA signatures in Tibetan COPD patients that could be used as diagnostic biomarkers or describe differential molecular mechanisms. Functional analysis of the target genes of differentially expressed miRNAs showed their influence on cell morphogenesis and signaling pathways. Age, plasma miRNA, and SP-D mRNA expression were found to be correlated with COPD risk factors.