Correlation between miR-223 and IL-35 and their regulatory effect in children with allergic rhinitis

Area of Science:

• Immunology
• Molecular Biology
• Genetics

Background:

• The role of microRNAs (miRNAs) in immune responses, particularly in allergic rhinitis (AR), is not fully understood.
• Interleukin-35 (IL-35) is an immunosuppressive cytokine, but its specific involvement in AR pathogenesis requires further investigation.

Purpose of the Study:

• To investigate the correlation between serum miR-223 levels and IL-35 in children diagnosed with allergic rhinitis.
• To explore the relationship between miR-223, IL-35, and clinical indicators of AR severity, including eosinophil counts and Total Nasal Symptom Score (TNSS).

Main Methods:

• Serum samples were collected from 37 children with AR and 30 healthy controls.
• Quantitative analysis was performed to measure serum levels of miR-223 and IL-35.
• Correlations were assessed between miR-223, IL-35, eosinophil cationic protein (ECP), eosinophil counts, TNSS, and Th1/Th2 cytokines.

Main Results:

• Serum miR-223 levels were elevated, while IL-35 levels were decreased in children with AR compared to healthy controls.
• A significant inverse correlation was observed between IL-35 and eosinophil markers (ECP, eosinophils), whereas miR-223 showed a positive correlation.
• Both miR-223 and IL-35 levels correlated with clinical severity scores (TNSS) and Th1/Th2 cytokine profiles.

Conclusions:

• miR-223 and IL-35 exhibit altered expression patterns in allergic rhinitis, suggesting their involvement in the disease's immune activity.
• The findings highlight miR-223 and IL-35 as potential biomarkers and molecular targets for developing novel therapeutic strategies for AR.