ABSTRACT:Objective To explore the differential expression of microRNAs (miRNAs)in steroid-induced osteonecrosis (ON).Methods Bone tissues were selected from patients with steroid-induced ON between the necrotic zone of femoral heads and its femoral neck to analyze the miRNA expression profile using the microarray. The most differentially expressed miR-125a-3p and miR-1 7-5p in microarray analysis were further confirmed by real-time quantitative PCR.Results According to the microarray screening,8 miRNAs were upregulated and 3 miRNAs were downregulated in the necrotic zone of femoral heads samples (Fold>2,P <0.05 ).Results of real-time PCR revealed that miR-125a-3p was upregulated and miR-1 7-5p was downregulated in the necrotic zone of femoral heads samples,which were in agreement with the microarray data.Conclusion MiRNA’s differential expression profile of human steroid-induced ON samples was obtained.Among the differentially expressed miRNAs, miR-125a-3p and miR-1 7-5p are the most apparently differentially expressed miRNAs,which may be related to the pathogenesis and development of steroid-induced ON.