Clinical significance of miR-146a-5p and miR-192-5p expression in relation to disease activity and immunobiochemical markers in systemic lupus erythematosus
摘要
Systemic lupus erythematosus is a chronic autoimmune illness that affects multiple organs. MicroRNAs have emerged as post-transcriptional regulators in autoimmunity.
AimThe purpose of this study was to determine the relationship between circulating miRNA-146a-5p and miRNA-192-5p expression and disease activity, biochemical and immunological markers.
MethodsComplete blood count, liver and renal function tests, complement levels, and antinuclear antibodies, anti–double-stranded DNA, and anti-smith antibodies were all analyzed in 100 SLE patients and 50 healthy controls. The relative expression levels of miRNA-146a-5p and miRNA-192-5p were measured by quantitative real-time polymerase chain reaction. The disease activity was measured using Systemic Lupus Erythematosus Disease Activity Index, was assessed at the time of sample collection.
ResultsSLE patients had lower hemoglobin (9.74 ± 1.26 g/dL vs. 12.15 ± 1.30; p < 0.001), white blood cells (4.51 ± 1.10 × 10³/µL vs. 7.41 ± 1.68; p < 0.001), and platelets (169.0 ± 56.9 × 10³/µL vs. 268.2 ± 67.4; p < 0.001). Serum C3 and C4 levels were reduced (p < 0.001), but creatinine was significantly increased (p < 0.05). miRNA-146a-5p showed significant downregulation (0.0865 ± 0.02 vs. 1.00; p < 0.001) and inverse correlation with SLEDAI (p < 0.001) and C3 (p < 0.001). In contrast, miRNA-192-5p expression was significantly different (2.13 ± 0.41 vs. 1.00; p < 0.001) and positively linked with serum creatinine (p < 0.001) and anti-dsDNA titers (r = 0.49, p < 0.01). Receiver operating characteristic analysis yielded Area under the curve values of 0.299 for miRNA-146a-5p and 0.561 for miRNA-192-5p.
ConclusionAltered expressions of miRNA-146a-5p and miRNA-192-5p are linked to SLE disease activity and immunological dysfunction.