MicroRNAs as Potential Biomarkers for the Diagnosis, Treatment, and Prognosis of Sexually Transmitted Diseases: Recent Advances and Future Directions

Abstract

Sexually transmitted diseases (STDs), including condyloma acuminatum (CA), syphilis, gonorrhea, genital Chlamydia trachomatis (CT), and acquired immune deficiency syndrome (AIDS)/human immunodeficiency virus (HIV) infection, are a group of diseases primarily transmitted through sexual contact, similar behaviors, and indirect contact. These diseases exert a profound impact on both the physical and mental health of patients and impose a substantial socioeconomic burden. Nonetheless, there is a lack of satisfactory treatment options and preventive strategies currently. Research has revealed aberrant expression patterns of microRNAs (miRNAs) in the tissues and blood of individuals with STDs, which are involved in the regulation of essential cellular processes, including proliferation, differentiation, and apoptosis. Consequently, miRNAs hold promise as crucial biomarkers for early diagnosis, disease assessment, prognosis, and potential therapeutic targets for STDs. This systematic review presents pertinent research on miRNAs in the context of STDs to establish a theoretical foundation for clinical diagnosis and treatment strategies.