Common miRNAs of Osteoporosis and Fibromyalgia: A Review

Int J Mol Sci. 2023 Aug 31;24(17):13513. doi: 10.3390/ijms241713513.

Abstract

A significant clinical association between osteoporosis (OP) and fibromyalgia (FM) has been shown in the literature. Given the need for specific biomarkers to improve OP and FM management, common miRNAs might provide promising tracks for future prevention and treatment. The aim of this review is to identify miRNAs described in OP and FM, and dysregulated in the same direction in both pathologies. The PubMed database was searched until June 2023, with a clear mention of OP, FM, and miRNA expression. Clinical trials, case-control, and cross-sectional studies were included. Gray literature was not searched. Out of the 184 miRNAs found in our research, 23 are shared by OP and FM: 7 common miRNAs are dysregulated in the same direction for both pathologies (3 up-, 4 downregulated). The majority of these common miRNAs are involved in the Wnt pathway and the cholinergic system and a possible link has been highlighted. Further studies are needed to explore this relationship. Moreover, the harmonization of technical methods is necessary to confirm miRNAs shared between OP and FM.

Keywords: epigenetics; fibromyalgia; microRNA; osteoporosis.

Publication types

  • Review

MeSH terms

  • Cross-Sectional Studies
  • Databases, Factual
  • Fibromyalgia* / genetics
  • Humans
  • MicroRNAs* / genetics
  • Osteoporosis* / genetics

Substances

  • MicroRNAs

Grants and funding

This research received no external funding.