MiRNA and Erythropoietin profiles during the menstrual cycle in relation to hematological and lipid biomarkers

Background: Circulatory micro RNAs (miRNA) have been discussed as complementary diagnostic markers in cardiovascular diseases, and in anti-doping testing. MiR-144 and miR-486 have been associated with cholesterol homeostasis and hematopoiesis, respectively. In addition, they have been suggested as putative biomarkers for autologous blood transfusion and erythropoietin (EPO) doping. The aim of the present study was to assess the variability of miR-144-3p/5p, miR-486-5p/3p and EPO during the menstrual cycle. Secondary aim was to study the correlations between miRNAs, EPO and hematological parameters and lipids. Methods: 13 healthy women with regular menses were followed with weekly blood sampling during two whole menstrual cycles. MiRNAs were analyzed using TaqMan and PCR followed by calculation of the relative expression for each miRNA using ddCT approach. Results: There was no menstrual cycle variability in miRNAs and EPO. MiRNA-144-3p was associated with HDL-C (rs=-0.34, p=0.036) and miRNA-486-5p with Hb (rs=0.32, p=0.046). EPO concentrations correlated to lymphocytes (rs=-0.062, p=0.0002)), Hb (rs= -0.42, p=0.0091), HDL-C (rs=0.36, p=0.030) and triglycerides (rs=-0.54, p=0.0006). Conclusions: The results of this study may increase the understanding of how miR486-5p and miR144-3p as well as EPO correlate to hematopoietic and lipid biomarkers.