MicroRNA signatures in ischemia-reperfusion injury.

Abstract

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. 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. 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. 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.