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Updated: Jan 22, 2026
Author Spotlight: Evaluating Traditional Chinese Therapy for Ankylosing Spondylitis in Mice
Published on: October 27, 2023
MiR-451 suppresses inflammatory responses in ankylosing spondylitis by targeting macrophage migration inhibitory
Min-Chan Park1, Oh Chan Kwon2, Sang-Won Lee2
1Division of Rheumatology, Department of Internal Medicine, Yonsei University College of Medicine, Seoul, South Korea. mcpark@yuhs.ac.
Objectives:
To investigate the associations of miR-451 and macrophage migration inhibitory factor (MIF) with disease activity, radiographic progression, and cytokine levels of ankylosing spondylitis (AS).
Methods:
Peripheral blood mononuclear cells (PBMCs) were isolated and cultured from 43 AS patients, 11 peripheral spondyloarthritis (pSpA) patients, and 31 healthy controls. ASDAS-CRP and mSASSS were assessed at the time of blood sampling. Expression levels of miR-451 and MIF were determined using quantitative real-time PCR, and the supernatant concentrations of MIF and cytokines were measured using ELISA. After transfection of miR-451 synthetic mimic or FAM-labelled negative control mimic to AS PBMCs, MIF and cytokine levels were determined using quantitative real-time PCR or ELISA.
Results:
Level of miR-451 expression was lower in AS PBMCs than in pSpA and control PBMCs, while MIF expression was significantly increased in AS PBMCs compared with those in pSpA and control PBMCs. MIF, TNF-α, and IL-6 concentrations in cell supernatants of AS PBMCs were significantly higher than those of pSpA and control PBMCs. miR-451 expression level did not show significant correlation with clinical parameters, but MIF expression level was elevated in PBMCs from AS patients with high mSASSS (12 or more). Treatment of AS PBMCs with the miR-451 synthetic miRNA mimic significantly reduced mRNA expression levels and cell supernatant concentrations of MIF, TNF-α, and IL-6.
Conclusions:
The MIF level was elevated in AS patients with greater radiographic damage and overexpression of miR-451 suppressed the MIF and inflammatory cytokine levels. These findings suggest miR-451/MIF may be a novel therapeutic target in the treatment of AS.
Insights
MicroRNA-451 (miR-451) levels were lower and macrophage migration inhibitory factor (MIF) levels higher in ankylosing spondylitis (AS) patients. Increasing miR-451 suppressed MIF and inflammation, suggesting a therapeutic target for AS.
Area of Science:
- Immunology
- Genetics
- Rheumatology
Background:
- Ankylosing spondylitis (AS) is a chronic inflammatory disease.
- Biomarkers for AS disease activity and progression are needed.
- The roles of microRNA-451 (miR-451) and macrophage migration inhibitory factor (MIF) in AS are not fully understood.
Purpose of the Study:
- To investigate the associations of miR-451 and MIF with disease activity, radiographic progression, and cytokine levels in AS.
- To explore the potential of miR-451 as a therapeutic target in AS.
Main Methods:
- Peripheral blood mononuclear cells (PBMCs) were isolated from AS patients, peripheral spondyloarthritis (pSpA) patients, and healthy controls.
- Expression levels of miR-451 and MIF were quantified using qRT-PCR.
- Cytokine concentrations (TNF-α, IL-6) and MIF levels in supernatants were measured by ELISA.
- AS PBMCs were transfected with miR-451 mimic to assess its effect on MIF and cytokine levels.
Main Results:
- miR-451 expression was lower, while MIF expression was significantly higher in AS PBMCs compared to controls.
- MIF, TNF-α, and IL-6 levels were elevated in AS PBMCs.
- Elevated MIF correlated with higher radiographic damage (mSASSS ≥ 12).
- miR-451 mimic transfection reduced MIF, TNF-α, and IL-6 mRNA and protein levels.
Conclusions:
- MIF is elevated in AS patients with significant radiographic damage.
- Overexpression of miR-451 suppresses MIF and inflammatory cytokine production in AS.
- The miR-451/MIF axis represents a potential novel therapeutic target for AS treatment.
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