Differential expression profiles and functional analysis of circular RNAs in children with fulminant myocarditis

Aim: To assess differential expression profiles of circular RNAs (circRNAs) and explore their possible functions in children with fulminant myocarditis. Materials & methods: circRNA microarray experiments were carried out for determining differential expression profiles of circRNAs in three children with fulminant myocarditis and three healthy volunteers. Functional analysis and circRNA-miRNA-mRNA interaction network building were conducted to study biological functions. Results: This work identified 2281 upregulated and 892 downregulated circRNAs. Further assessment confirmed hsa_circ_0071542 upregulation (2.5-fold) in fulminant myocarditis. Functional analysis demonstrated the differentially expressed circRNAs mainly contributed to inflammation and immunity. Conclusion: circRNAs might have substantial roles in pediatric fulminant myocarditis, and hsa_circ_0071542 could serve as a promising biomarker.