MicroRNAs target on cartilage extracellular matrix degradation of knee osteoarthritis

OBJECTIVE: Knee osteoarthritis (KOA) is currently indicated to be characterized by destruction of articular cartilage. The destruction can be described as an imbalance between synthesis and degradation of extracellular matrix (ECM) components. It is accompanied with changes of pro-inflammatory cytokines and degradation enzymes dominated by matrix metalloproteinase (MMP) and a disintegrin and metalloproteinase with thrombospondin motifs (ADAMTS). Recent studies have revealed that microRNAs (miRNAs) are associated with synthesis and degradation of extracellular matrix (ECM). They play an important role in articular cartilage homeostasis of knee osteoarthritis (KOA). The related mechanisms include mediating the relevant enzymes and pro- inflammatory cytokines. The aim of this study is to reveal the potential microRNAs (miRNAs) and their corresponding upstream or downstream targeting on cartilage extracellular matrix (ECM) degradation in knee osteoarthritis (KOA). MATERIALS AND METHODS: 7 databases were extensively searched with a theme of MicroRNAs (miRNAs) and knee osteoarthritis (KOA). The articles were searched regardless of publication status and language. The databases include PubMed, Cochrane Library, EMbase, China Biology Medicine (CBM), China National Knowledge Infrastructre (CNKI), WanFang Data and Chinese Scientific Journal Database (VIP). RESULTS: This article reviews the microRNAs (miR-140, miR-146a, miR-25, miR-543, miR19, miR-125b, miR-92a, miR-27b, miR- 448, miR558, miR-155) and their corresponding upstream or downstream in mediating cartilage extracellular matrix (ECM) degradation. CONCLUSIONS: MicroRNAs (miRNAs) have been involved in the pathogenesis of KOA. They can directly regulate cartilage homeostasis by targeting on ECM degradation via corresponding upstream/downstream.