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MicroRNAs (miRNAs) are endogenous, non-coding, single-stranded, tiny RNAs with 21-23 nucleotides that regulate several biological functions through binding to target mRNAs and modulating gene expression at post-transcriptional levels. Recent studies have described crucial roles for miRNAs in pathophysiology of numerous human cancers. They can act as an oncogene and promote cancer or as a tumor suppressor and alleviate the disease. Recently discovered microRNA-154 (miR-154) has been proposed to be involved in multiple physiological and pathological processes including cancer. With this aspect, aberrant expression of miR-154 has been demonstrated in variety of human malignancies, suggesting an important role for miR-154 in tumorigenesis. To be specific, it is considered as a tumor suppressor miRNA and exerts its beneficial effects by targeting several genes. This review systematically summarizes the recent advances done on the role of miR-154 in different cancers and discusses its potential prognostic, diagnostic and therapeutic values.

Background The persistent the inflammatory condition in multiple sclerosis (MS) may due to the aberrant regulation of the elimination of the pathogenic autoreactive lymphocytes through apoptosis. Survivin, encoded by the BIRC5 gene, has been indicated to be involved in the regulation of apoptosis. This survey intended to investigate the genetic and microRNA mediated regulation of survivin in relapsing-remitting MS (RRMS) disease. Results It was observed that the C allele (OR = 1.38, 95% CI = 1.05–1.348, P = 0.022) and CC genotype (OR = 1.84, 95% CI = 1.06–3.19; P = 0.029) in the rs9904341 polymorphism increased the disease risk. Furthermore, miR-34a was significantly downregulated (Fold change = 0.41, P = 0.001) in the PBMCs from RRMS subjects. Survivin mRNA expression in PBMCs and serum survivin level were increased in RRMS patients in comparison to the controls. Downregulation of miR-34a was negatively correlated with increased survivin level. Conclusion Although the genetic polymorphism of BIRC5 gene was associated with the disease risk, miR-34a was suggested to be involved in the regulation of survivin in the RRMS patients.

Breast, ovarian and uterine cancers are the most common neoplasms among women. Several mechanisms may be involved in oncogenesis and these include environmental and genetic factors. Bacteria may affect the development of some cancers, with bacterial components, their products and metabolites interacting with susceptible tissues. Commensalism and dysbiosis are important potential mechanisms involved in oncogenesis, and an effective strategy for diagnosis and treatment is required. The purpose of this review was to analyze the complex associations between these cancers in women, and the microbiota, specifically bacterial microbes. However, several cancers have an increased prevalence among individuals with HIV and HPV so the relationship between viral infections and malignancies in women is also referred to. We described how different phylum of bacteria, particularly in the gut, mammary tissue and vaginal microbiome may be involved in carcinogenesis; and we discuss the potential pathways involved: (I), that lead to cell proliferation, (II), immune system perturbation, (III), cell metabolic changes (e.g., hormonal factors), and (IV), DNA damage. Studies investigating the differences between the composition of the bacterial microbiota of healthy women compared to that present in various conditions, and the clinical trials are summarized for the few studies that have addressed the microbiota and related conditions, are also reviewed.