A systematic review of dysregulated microRNAs in Hashimoto’s thyroiditis

Plenty of evidence suggests that dysregulated microRNAs are linked to developing autoimmune thyroid diseases. In this study, we aimed to identify commonly linked dysregulated microRNAs in Hashimoto’s thyroiditis(HT) and explore microRNA-targeted genes and the involved pathways.

Embase, PubMed, Web of Science, and Scopus databases were searched using the MeSH terms and free text terms, which yielded 11879 articles published up to July 2023. Two-step screening(first for titles and second for abstracts) was completed according to inclusion and exclusion criteria. The search strategy was formulated using the PEO format(Population, Exposure, and Outcome) for observational studies. The corresponding target genes and relevant signaling pathways were also identified using web servers of Diana Tools/its mirPath v.3 software, miRNA Enrichment Analysis, Mirpath DB2, miRPathDB 2.0, and miRmap.

Review inclusion criteria were met by 16 studies. Thirty-three microRNAs were identified as differentially expressed in HT patients compared to a healthy control after qRT-PCR or RNA sequencing confirmation. Only three miR-146a, miR-142, and miR-301 showed significant results in more than two studies comparing HT cases with healthy controls.

Three key microRNAs in HT were identified by systematic review; the corresponding target genes and signaling pathways involved in the target genes were also identified. These microRNAs regulate the immune response and inflammation and may favor the development and progression of HT. These data may be beneficial to make a step forward to understand the exact etiology of HT and use of these MicroRNAs as possible diagnostic and prognostic biomarkers and as target therapy.