MicroRNAs, a class of regulatory small non-coding RNAs, are emerging as promising biomarkers for different health outcomes. Due to their tissue specificity, stability in extracellular space and high conservation between preclinical test species, applications of novel miRNA-based biomarkers for drug safety testing regarding hepatotoxicity and cardiotoxicity are investigated. Furthermore, miRNA expression is altered by environmental exposure such as cigarette smoke or polychlorinated biphenyls. As a consequence, miRNAs potentially influence tumor suppressor genes and oncogenes and may influence carcinogenesis. This has raised the interest in the use of miRNA profiles for health risk assessment. This review summarizes the recent developments in miRNA research with focus on biomarkers for drug safety testing and biomarkers for health outcomes related to environmental exposures.
Keywords: biomarker; cardiotoxicity; circulating miRNAs; drug safety testing; environmental exposure; hepatotoxicity; microRNA.