Identification of exosomal circRNAs as potential biomarkers for postmenopausal osteoporosis

Background: Osteoporosis is one of the most common chronic diseases around the world, especially in postmenopausal women. Circular RNAs (circRNAs) are emerging as important regulators in human disease. The aim of the present study was to analyze circRNA expression profiles in osteoporosis and to explore the clinical significance. Methods: The serum samples were collected from osteoporosis patients and healthy people. The circRNA array was performed to screen for differentially expressed circRNAs. The mRNA expression levels of target genes were analyzed by quantitative real-time PCR (qRT-PCR). Results: Hsa_circ_0006859 was identified as one of the most upregulated circRNAs in the microarray analysis. Hsa_circ_0006859 in exosome was upregulated in osteoporosis patients compared with healthy controls. Hsa_circ_0006859 could differentiate osteopenia or osteoporosis patients from healthy controls with high sensitivity and specificity. Conclusion: Exosomal hsa_circ_0006859 is a potential biomarker for postmenopausal osteoporosis. The circRNA expression profiles of exosomes isolated from osteoporosis patients (N=3) and healthy controls (N=3) were examined by circRNA microarray.