The interplay between microRNAs and oxidative stress and its implications in respiratory diseases

MicroRNAs (miRNAs) are a small class of endogenous non-coding RNA molecules that play a key role in various physiological and pathological processes. Likewise, oxidative stress can cause damage to many parts of the body and can contribute to disease development. Hence, this review aims to address the crosstalk between reactive oxygen species (ROS) and miRNAs in respiratory diseases. This review begins with an overview of the sources and regulation of free radicals, oxidative stress-mediated lung pathologies, and miRNAs biogenesis. Indeed, growing evidence suggests that miRNAs can modify cellular redox status in both non-malignant and malignant respiratory diseases. We also discussed ROS-responsive miRNAs that have implications in disease development. Mechanistic pathways by which the complex interplay between miRNAs and ROS occurs have been discussed. Thus, targeting miRNAs may provide potential new strategies to specifically overcome oxidative stress-mediated development of many lung diseases.