Integrated analyses of miRNA and mRNA profiles in leukocytes and serums in traditional Chinese medicine (TCM)-defined Pi-qi-deficiency syndrome and Pi-wei damp-heat syndrome resulting from chronic atrophic gastritis

Abstract Background To investigate the microRNA (miRNA)-gene interactions underlying leukocyte functions and characteristics, especially potential serum biomarkers, implicated in traditional Chinese medicine (TCM)-defined Pi-qi-deficiency syndrome (PQDS) Pi-wei damp-heat (PDHS) resulting from chronic atrophic gastritis (CAG). Methods Using RNA/miRNA-sequencing approach, compared with healthy control population, we identified PDHS- or PQDS - specific miRNAs genes leukocytes serums, Zheng (syndrome)-specific miRNA-gene interactions, further decoded their pathways. Results Despite being TCM-defined Zhengs same disease of CAG, -specific were not same. The PDHS-specific mainly involved defense immune responses, including NOD-like receptor signaling several synapses-related expression upregulation enriched neutrophil degranulation pathway, indicated enhanced activation. PQDS-specific inflammatory response, extracellular matrix (ECM) organization collagen catabolism. They could be MAPK IL17 helper T cell differentiation pathways, pathways associated cell-to-cell adhesion/junction communication such as adhesion molecules, ECM ECM-receptor interaction, probably contributing to characteristics leukocytes. Also, experimentally-supported concerned COL4A2 , COL26A1 SPP1 PROCR regulation related communication, suggesting roles for characteristic functional changes Interestingly, serums corresponding leukocytes, seemed have common Importantly, hsa-miR-122-5p a biomarker, capable contained carried plasma exosomes much higher both CAG patients rather than PDHS. Conclusions These results may provide new insights into two PDHS PQDS, miRNA-mediated gene functions, biomarkers future application integrative medicine. Trial registration ClinicalTrials.gov, NCT02915393. Registered on September 17, 2016.