Sex‐specific analysis of microRNA profiles in HBV‐associated cirrhosis by small RNA‐sequencing

Liver cirrhosis represents an advanced stage of chronic liver disease and is associated with significant morbidity, mortality, and risk of cancer development. While sex disparity of liver diseases has been observed, understanding at a genetic level awaits more thorough investigation. In this study, we performed a sex‐specific analysis of the microRNA (miR) profiles in hepatitis B virus (HBV)–associated cirrhosis by small RNA‐sequencing using clinical tissue samples. Potential associated signaling pathways, downstream gene targets, and upstream regulators were highlighted by computational prediction analyses based on the differentially expressed miRs (DEmiRs). From our results, deregulation of miRs in cirrhosis showed a marked difference between males and females by the degree and pattern. Sixty‐five (64 up‐regulated, 1 down‐regulated) and 12 (6 up‐regulated, 6 down‐regulated) DEmiRs were found in males and females, respectively, when compared with their respective control group. A number of DEmiRs were only observed in one sex but not the other. In addition, 26 DEmiRs were identified between cirrhosis female and cirrhosis male groups. Fatty acid biosynthesis pathway, extracellular matrix–receptor interaction, p53 signaling, Hippo signaling, tumor necrosis factor signaling, the forkhead box O signaling, as well as gene targets ribosomal protein S27 like, methyl CpG binding protein 2, and estrogen receptor 1, may contribute to the pathogenesis and biological behavior of cirrhosis in a sex‐specific manner. Analysis of the Cancer Genome Atlas data set suggested a role of sex‐specific DEmiRs in multistep hepatocarcinogenesis. Conclusion: Our findings illustrate that miR profiles in HBV‐associated cirrhosis are distinct between the males and females and suggest a potential role of sex‐specific biomarkers and molecular mechanisms in disease development and progression.