MicroRNA-148a-3p is a candidate mediator of increased bone marrow adiposity and bone loss following spinal cord injury

Frontiers in Endocrinology, 2022 · DOI: 10.3389/fendo.2022.910934 · Published: August 5, 2022

Spinal Cord Injury Endocrinology Musculoskeletal Medicine

Simple Explanation

Spinal cord injury (SCI) is often followed by osteoporosis characterized by rapid and severe bone loss. This bone loss can lead to an increased risk of fractures in people with SCI. This study investigated microRNA mediated mechanisms relating to osteoporosis following spinal cord injury, focusing on miR-148a-3p. The study found that miR-148a-3p levels were negatively associated with marrow adiposity, suggesting it plays a role in osteoporosis following SCI.

Study Duration

Between 2017-08-04 and 2019-11-05

Participants

53 men and women, with and without SCI (n=23 no SCI, n=12 acute SCI, n=18 chronic SCI)

Evidence Level

Original Research

Key Findings

1
MiR-148a-3p was upregulated in subjects with acute SCI vs chronic SCI, as well as in acute SCI vs no SCI.
2
Subjects with chronic SCI had greater levels of marrow adiposity in the distal femoral diaphysis compared to subjects with acute SCI.
3
MiR-148a-3p levels were negatively associated with distal femoral diaphysis marrow adiposity.

Research Summary

This study evaluated the differential expression of miRNAs in subjects with chronic SCI, acute SCI, and no SCI to investigate the association of these miRNAs with SCI mediated osteoporosis and related bone metabolism pathways. The study identified an increase in the expression of miR-148-3p during the acute phase of spinal cord injury and found it was negatively associated with marrow adiposity. The findings suggest that miR-148a-3p is a mediator of osteoporosis following spinal cord injury and has the potential to be used as a biomarker or therapeutic target.

Practical Implications

Biomarker Potential

MiR-148a-3p could be used as a biomarker to identify individuals with acute SCI at risk of developing osteoporosis.

Therapeutic Target

MiR-148a-3p may serve as a therapeutic target for preventing or treating SCI-induced osteoporosis.

Understanding SCI Osteoporosis

The study contributes to a better understanding of the microRNA-mediated mechanisms underlying osteoporosis following spinal cord injury.

MicroRNA-148a-3p is a candidate mediator of increased bone marrow adiposity and bone loss following spinal cord injury

Simple Explanation

Key Findings

Research Summary

Practical Implications

Biomarker Potential

Therapeutic Target

Understanding SCI Osteoporosis

Study Limitations

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MicroRNA-148a-3p is a candidate mediator of increased bone marrow adiposity and bone loss following spinal cord injury

Simple Explanation

Key Findings

Research Summary

Practical Implications

Biomarker Potential

Therapeutic Target

Understanding SCI Osteoporosis

Study Limitations

Your Feedback

Was this summary helpful?