MicroRNA Signatures in Ischemia-Reperfusion Injury

Background: MicroRNAs (miRs) are involved in gene expression and function, but little is known of their function in ischemia-reperfusion injury (IRI), which plays a critical role in flap compromise during microvascular flap surgeries. This article aimed to determine the expression profiles of miRs in rat flap surgeries after IRI. Methods: Vessel specimens in rat epigastric flap were initially determined for miRs survey after 2 hours of ischemia and 2 hours of reperfusion. Their miR expressions were further quantified after 2 hours of ischemia and subsequent reperfusion for 2 and 24 hours. Results: Only 3 miRs (miR-21, miR-193-3p, and miR-210) in rat vessels, but not in flap tissues, were significantly up-regulated at 24 hours of reperfusion after 2 hours of ischemia. Conclusions: Our findings provide insights into deregulated expressions of miRs in flap surgeries after IRI. They might provide a further therapeutic consideration to prevent vascular compromise due to IRI in flap surgeries.