MicroRNAs and Microcystins Induce Immune Disorders

Abstract

Background: Cyanobacterial blooms caused by eutrophication can not only worsen the water environment, but also produce cyanobacterial toxins when some toxic cyanobacterial blooms proliferate. Microcystin is one of the most abundant cyanobacterial toxins found in reservoirs worldwide. Among its isomer, microcystin-leucine-arginine (MC-LR) is the most abundant and most toxic variety. Various experiments have clearly shown that MC-LR has hepatotoxicity and carcinogenicity, but there are relatively few studies on its immune damage effect. Numerous studies have shown that microRNAs (miRNAs) are involved in a wide range of biological processes. Do miRNAs also play a role in immune disorders caused by microcystin exposure? This is the question to be discussed in this study. Objective: By reviewing the effects of microcystins on the immune system, the changes of miRNAs caused by microcystins exposure and the role of miRNAs in immune regulation, we further explore the possible important role of miRNAs in immune disorders induced by microcystins exposure. Methods: Firstly, evidence of the influence of microcystin on immune system was collected, then the influence of microcystin exposure on microRNAs expression was reviewed, and finally, the role of microRNAs in immune regulation was explored. Conclusions: Exposure to microcystin in vitro or in vivo can cause changes in the expression of miRNAs, as well as corresponding responses from the body's immune system. There has been evidence that miRNAs are involved in a variety of immune regulatory processes in the body, but there are still relatively few studies on the role of miRNAs in immune disorders caused by microcystins exposure.