Circulating microRNA expression underlying the association of opioid use with low bone mineral density.

ABSTRACT: Opioid drugs, prescribed for pain management or opioid use disorder, have been associated with decreased BMD and increased fracture risk. Changes in circulating microRNA (miRNA) levels have been observed in opioid-treated patients, and miRNAs are crucial regulators of bone metabolism, but the effects of circulating miRNAs on BMD in the context of opioid use remains unexplored. This study aims to identify circulating miRNAs differentially expressed with opioid use that may explain opioid use effects on BMD. We conducted a cross-sectional analysis of 5692 participants from the Framingham Heart Study Offspring and Third Generation cohorts for which 412 miRNA profiles were obtained via qRT-PCR. BMD measurements were obtained using DXA for most participants, among whom opioid use was reported i

SUBMITTER: Nayema Z 

PROVIDER: S-EPMC12766910 | biostudies-literature | 2026 Jan

REPOSITORIES: biostudies-literature