Researchers are investigating blood-based biomarkers, particularly plasma microRNAs (miRNAs), as a less invasive and more accessible method for the early diagnosis and prediction of Alzheimer's disease progression.

These microRNAs may act as biomarkers years before clinical symptoms of Alzheimer's manifest, presenting opportunities for early intervention and prevention.

Recent findings suggest that combining plasma microRNA evaluation with neuropsychological tests can effectively predict cognitive decline in aging individuals.

In particular, the expression of miR-197-3p was found to be significantly lower in patients with alcohol-related liver cirrhosis compared to healthy controls, highlighting its potential role as a biomarker.

The study focused on evaluating specific microRNAs in patients with alcohol-related liver cirrhosis, emphasizing their potential involvement in liver fibrosis diagnostics.

Evaluated miRNAs included miR-126-3p, miR-197-3p, and miR-1-3p, alongside direct and indirect markers of liver fibrosis.

In the context of mental health, statistical analysis has shown significant variations in miRNA expression between patients with major depressive disorder (MDD) and healthy controls, suggesting their potential as diagnostic markers.

Eleven specific miRNAs were identified as significantly upregulated in MDD patients, particularly hsa-miR-874-3p, hsa-let-7d-5p, and hsa-miR-93-3p.

Moreover, a total of 205 miRNAs were identified in plasma exosomes, with notable differences in expression levels between patients with chronic total occlusion and those with acute myocardial infarction.

The research underscores the importance of extracellular vesicles (EVs) in cancer biology, as they provide a protective environment for RNA and contain molecular cargo reflective of their originating cells.

Additionally, mesenchymal stem cells (MSCs) interact with various immune cells, including B cells and dendritic cells, to exert their immunosuppressive effects, which is crucial in understanding their therapeutic potential.

Overall, these studies highlight the need for further research to validate the clinical utility of these biomarkers and their implications for early diagnosis and treatment strategies.