Serum exomiR content in perimenopausal women with hot flashes-effects of hormone replacement therapy

Objective: Hormone replacement therapy (HRT) is the most effective treatment for hot flushes, which is the most common symptom of the climacteric. This study aims to explored whether estrogen can relieve the hot flushes of menopause by regulating the secretion of exosomal miRNA. Methods For perimenopausal women with obvious symptoms of hot flashes, miRNAs in plasma exosomes were extracted and sequenced before and after HRT, miRNA expression profiles were analyzed, and target gene prediction and functional analysis of miRNAs with large differences in expression were performed. Results The symptoms of hot flashes improved significantly after HRT. 22 significantly differential expressed exosomal miRNAs were screened after HRT, of which 14 were down-regulated and 3 up-regulated, and 5 were newly annotated differential miRNAs. Target gene prediction and functional analysis of miRNA also suggest that it may have a certain relationship with vasomotor symptoms. Conclusion The types and quantity of miRNA in plasma after HRT improves the symptoms of hot flashes are different from those before treatment. More specific ways of action still need to be experimentally verified.