Identification of MicroRNA-Based Biomarkers Indicative of Neurological Effects Due to Jet Fuel Exposure in Rats (Rattus Norvegicus)
Abstract
Inhalation exposures to jet fuel can result in alterations in neurological and immunological systems, potentially disrupting neuroimmune signaling. This study utilized rat inhalation exposure models using various jet fuel to identify potential brain and blood microRNA (miRNA) biomarkers which correlate with jet fuel-mediated neurological deficit. Plasma and brain regions were examined after low, medium, and high fuel dosages to see if and which brain regions indicated significant alterations, and if those miRNA signal profiles were reflected in the blood. Study collaborators NAMRU-D also completed behavioral assays as well as electrophysiology to directly assess brain function at the neuronal levels. Specific miRNA alterations initiated by inhalation of the military fuels JP-8, Jet A, JP-5, or Fischer-Tropsch (FT) were identified in three brain regions (cerebellum, hippocampus, prefrontal cortex). As gauged by levels of miRNA alterations, it was seen that the primary brain target varied depending upon fuel type. Highest levels of differential miRNA were seen as: JP-8 (cerebellum), Jet A (cerebellum and hippocampus), JP-5 (prefrontal cortex), and FT (prefrontal cortex). While qPCR analysis of a subset of identified miRNAs failed to validate the expression changes, other miRNA discoveries (especially members of the miRNA-466family) remain to be further examined.
Document Details
- Document Type
- Technical Report
- Publication Date
- Dec 01, 2021
- Accession Number
- AD1165337
Entities
People
- Camilla A. Mauzy
- Jeanette S. Frey
- Kirt Henderson
- Matthew W. Grogg