Impact of liver failure on the circulating extracellular vesicle miRNA repertoire

• Published in: Hepatology research Vol. 53; no. 8; pp. 771 - 785
• Main Authors: Mastoridis, Sotiris, Patel, Vishal, Christakoudi, Sofia, Lozano, Juan Jose, Salehi, Siamak, Kurt, Ada, Grossart, Cathleen, Kodela, Elisavet, Martinez‐Llordella, Marc, Sanchez‐Fueyo, Alberto
• Format: Journal Article
• Language: English
• Published: Netherlands Wiley Subscription Services, Inc 01.08.2023
• Subjects: ACLF; acute‐on‐chronic; Cell interactions; cirrhosis; EV‐miRNA; exosome; Liver diseases; Liver failure; MicroRNAs; miRNA; Sepsis; EV; EV-miRNA; ACLF; acute-on-chronic; exosome; cirrhosis
• ISSN: 1386-6346; 1872-034X
• DOI: 10.1111/hepr.13909

Background & aims Cell‐derived small extracellular vesicles (sEVs) participate in cell–cell communication via the transfer of molecular cargo including selectively enriched microRNAs (miRNAs). Utilizing advances in sEV isolation and characterization, this study investigates the impact of liver injury and dysfunction on the circulating EV‐miRNA profile. Methods High‐throughput screening of 799 sEV‐miRNAs isolated from plasma was performed in patients across a spectrum of liver disorders including compensated and decompensated chronic liver disease, acute‐on‐chronic liver failure (ACLF), and acute liver failure, in addition to healthy controls and those with severe sepsis. miRNA levels were compared with clinical and biochemical parameters, composite scores of liver disease, and patient outcomes. Results miRNA screening revealed the degree of hepatic dysfunction to be the main determinant of changes in circulating sEV‐miRNA profile, with liver‐specific miRNA‐122 being among the most highly dysregulated in severe injury. Principal components analyses of the 215 differentially expressed miRNAs showed differing profiles, particularly among those with acute liver injury and ACLF. A distinct profile of dysregulated miRNA, but not circulating cytokines, was shown to characterize ACLF, with four consensus miRNAs identified—miR‐320e, miR‐374‐5p, miR‐202‐3p, and miR‐1910‐5p. High miR‐320e was associated with poorer 90‐day survival (p = 0.014) and regulated the functional gene targets IK, RPS5, MANBAL, and PEBP1. Conclusions This first comprehensive analysis to the best of our knowledge of patients with varying degrees and stages of liver failure demonstrates miRNA profiles specifically within the sEV compartment to be significantly altered in progressive liver disease and highlights the diagnostic and prognostic potential of sEV‐miRNA in ACLF while also establishing downstream gene targets. We employ novel techniques to study the microRNA (miRNA) contents of nanoparticles found in the blood called extracellular vesicles to understand better how intercellular communication occurs in patients with varying severities and types of liver failure. We show that the degree of liver failure is the main driver of change in these miRNAs, and that distinct profiles are observed in certain conditions, including acute liver failure and acute‐on‐chronic liver failure. These insights into the miRNA content of circulating extracellular vesicles and of the functional gene targets of those associated with liver disease may serve as tools to improve diagnostic methods, to predict outcomes, and to develop targeted therapies.