A Decade’s Review of miRNA: A Center of Transcriptional Regulation of Drugmetabolizing Enzymes and Transporters under Hypoxia

Background: Hypoxia has a negative effect on the cardiovascular system, nervous system, and metabolism, which contributes to potential changes in drug absorption, distribution, metabolism, and excretion (ADME). However, hypoxia can also alter the expression of microRNA (miRNA), thereby regulating drug-metabolizing enzymes, transporters, and ADME genes, such as hypoxia-inducible factor, inflammatory cytokine, nuclear receptor, etc. Therefore, it is crucial to study the role of miRNA in the regulation of drug-metabolizing enzymes and transporters under hypoxia. Methods: A systematic review of published studies was carried out to investigate the role of miRNA in the regulation of drug-metabolizing enzymes and transporters under hypoxia. Data and information on expression changes in miRNA, drug-metabolizing enzymes, and transporters under hypoxia were analyzed and summarized. Results: Hypoxia can up or down-regulate the expression of miRNA. The effect of hypoxia on Cytochrome P450 (CYP450) is still a subject of debate. The widespread belief is that hypoxia decreased the activity and expression of CYP1A1, CYP1A2, CYP2E1, and CYP3A1 and increased those of CYP3A6 and CYP2D1 in rats. Hypoxia increased the expression of a multidrug resistance-associated protein, breast cancer resistance protein, peptide transporter, organic cation transporter, and organic anion transporter. miRNA negatively regulated the expression of drugmetabolizing enzymes and transporters. Conclusion: The findings of this review indicated that miRNA plays a key role in the expression changes of drugmetabolizing enzymes and transporters under hypoxia.