Deciphering the role of microRNAs in mustard gas–induced toxicity. Issue 1 (10th December 2020)

• Record Type: Journal Article
• Authors: Mishra, Neha; Raina, Komal; Agarwal, Rajesh
• Is Part Of: Annals of the New York Academy of Sciences. Volume 1491:Issue 1(2021)
• Page Start: 25
• Page End: 41
• Publication Date: 2020-12-10
• Subjects: sulfur mustard -- nitrogen mustard -- 2‐chloroethyl ethyl sulfide -- microRNAs -- toxicity; Medical sciences -- Periodicals; Medicine -- Periodicals; Science -- Periodicals; 610
• DOI: 10.1111/nyas.14539
• Languages: English
• ISSNs: 0077-8923

Abstract

Abstract: Mustard gas (sulfur mustard, SM), a highly vesicating chemical warfare agent, was first deployed in warfare in 1917 and recently during the Iraq–Iran war (1980s) and Syrian conflicts (2000s); however, the threat of exposure from stockpiles and old artillery shells still looms large. Whereas research has been long ongoing on SM‐induced toxicity, delineating the precise molecular pathways is still an ongoing area of investigation; thus, it is important to attempt novel approaches to decipher these mechanisms and develop a detailed network of pathways associated with SM‐induced toxicity. One such avenue is exploring the role of microRNAs (miRNAs) in SM‐induced toxicity. Recent research on the regulatory role of miRNAs provides important results to fill in the gaps in SM toxicity–associated mechanisms. In addition, differentially expressed miRNAs can also be used as diagnostic markers to determine the extent of toxicity in exposed individuals. Thus, in our review, we have summarized the studies conducted so far in cellular and animal models, including human subjects, on the expression profiles and roles of miRNAs in SM‐ and/or SM analog–induced toxicity. Further detailed research in this area will guide us in devising preventive strategies, diagnostic tools, and therapeutic interventions against SM‐induced toxicity. Abstract : The precise molecular pathways by which mustard gas (sulfur mustard, SM), a highly vesicating chemical warfare agent, exerts its toxic effects are still not well understood. One recent area of research explores microRNAs (miRNAs) as a possible mechanism. In our review, we have summarized the studies conducted so far in cellular and animal models, including human subjects, on the expression profiles and roles of miRNAs in SM‐induced toxicity.