Hexavalent chromium [Cr (Ⅵ)] has extensive applications in industries, and long-term occupational exposure to Cr (Ⅵ) may lead to lung
carcinoma and other
cancers. While
microRNA (
miRNA) can take part in
carcinogenesis, little is known about its expression profile in the population with Cr (Ⅵ) exposure. Thus, this study aimed to explore
miRNA expression profiles in Cr (Ⅵ) exposed workers and to identify the potential
biological function of differentially expressed
miRNAs. A total of 45 significant differentially expressed
miRNAs were identified by the
miRNA array. The results of validation showed that miR-19a-3p, miR-19b-3p, and miR-142-3p were downregulated and miR-590-3p and miR-941 were upregulated in the exposure group. Multivariate analysis demonstrated that age, exposure duration and urinary
chromium level were associated with one or more
miRNAs expression. Target gene analysis indicated that these
miRNAs might participate in the regulation of DNA damage-related signaling pathways. Taken together, Cr (Ⅵ) exposure can result in differential expression of
miRNAs in occupational workers, and the expression of these
miRNAs is correlated with the level and duration of Cr (Ⅵ) exposure, and the differentially expressed
miRNAs may participate in DNA damage response.