hsa-MiR-19a-3p and hsa-MiR-19b-3p Are Associated with Spinal Cord Injury-Induced Neuropathic Pain: Findings from a Genome-Wide MicroRNA Expression Proﬁling Screen

Neurotrauma Reports, 2021 · DOI: 10.1089/neur.2021.0011 · Published: January 1, 2021

Spinal Cord Injury Pain Management Genetics

Simple Explanation

Neuropathic pain after spinal cord injury (SCI) involves inﬂammation in the nervous system, which can lead to persistent pain. Understanding the factors involved in this inﬂammation could reveal new ways to treat neuropathic pain. MicroRNAs (miRNAs) are small RNA molecules that can serve as biomarkers and molecular mediators in various conditions. This study used a genome-wide miRNA screening approach to identify miRNAs associated with neuropathic pain in SCI patients. The study found that hsa-miR-19a-3p and hsa-miR-19b-3p were significantly higher in individuals with chronic SCI and severe neuropathic pain. These miRNAs could potentially be targeted by therapeutic interventions.

Study Duration

Not specified

Participants

68 healthy, community-dwelling adults with and without SCI

Evidence Level

Not specified

Key Findings

1
383 miRNAs were differentially expressed in acute or chronic SCI versus no SCI.
2
71 miRNAs were differentially expressed in chronic neuropathic pain versus no neuropathic pain.
3
hsa-miR-19a-3p and hsa-miR-19b-3p levels were significantly higher in those with chronic SCI and severe neuropathic pain versus those with chronic SCI and no neuropathic pain.

Research Summary

This study investigated the role of microRNAs (miRNAs) in neuropathic pain following spinal cord injury (SCI) by screening miRNA expression in plasma samples from individuals with and without SCI. The findings indicated that hsa-miR-19a-3p and hsa-miR-19b-3p were significantly upregulated in individuals with chronic SCI and neuropathic pain, suggesting their involvement in the condition. The study suggests that miRNAs, particularly hsa-miR-19a-3p and hsa-miR-19b-3p, may serve as potential biomarkers and therapeutic targets for neuropathic pain in SCI patients.

Practical Implications

Biomarker Development

hsa-miR-19a-3p and hsa-miR-19b-3p could potentially be used as biomarkers to identify individuals at risk of developing chronic neuropathic pain after SCI.

Therapeutic Targets

miRNAs, particularly hsa-miR-19a-3p and hsa-miR-19b-3p, could be targeted with therapeutic interventions to mitigate neuroinflammation and neuropathic pain in SCI patients.

Personalized Medicine

Identifying miRNA expression profiles may allow for personalized treatment strategies based on individual risk and pain profiles after SCI.

Study Limitations

1
Candidate miRNAs should be conﬁrmed in a larger, more heterogeneous sample.
2
This is a cross-sectional study and therefore we cannot assign causality.
3
Mechanistic studies focused on these miRNAs, SOCS1/SOCS3 pathways, and inﬂammatory cytokines are needed.

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