MicroRNA-1281 as a Novel Circulating Biomarker in Patients With Diabetic Retinopathy

Objective:Recently, the role of circulating miRNAs as non-invasive biomarkers for the identification and monitoring of diabetes microvascular complications has emerged. Herein, we aimed to: identify circulating miRNAs differentially expressed in patients with and without diabetic retinopathy (DR); examine their predictive value; and understand their pathogenic impact. Methods:Pooled serum samples from randomly selected matched patients with type 2 diabetes, either with or without DR, were used for initial serum miRNA profiling. Validation of the most relevant miRNAs was thereafter conducted by RT-qPCR in an extended sample of patients with DR and matched controls. Results:Following miRNA profiling, 43 miRNAs were significantly up- or down-regulated in patients with DR compared with controls. After individual validation, 5 miRNAs were found significantly overexpressed in patients with DR. One of them,miR-1281, was the most up-regulated and appeared to be specifically related to DR. Furthermore, secreted levels ofmiR-1281were increased in high glucose-cultured retinal cells, and there was evidence of a potential link between glucose-inducedmiR-1281up-regulation and DR. Conclusion:Our findings suggestmiR-1281as a circulating biomarker of DR. Also, they highlight the pathogenic significance ofmiR-1281, providing insights for a new potential target in treating DR.