Aberrant Expression of Immune-related MicroRNAs in Pediatric Patients with Asthma

MicroRNAs (miRNAs) have been implicated as regulatory molecules that could play a considerable role in the pathogenesis of different diseases including asthma. This work aims at exploring the role of miR-146a and miR- 106b in the pathogenesis of asthma and their association with asthma severity, IgE, and inflammatory cytokines in asthmatic children. Thirty asthmatic children and twenty age-matched healthy children aged 4-17 years old were enrolled. Expression of plasma miR-146a and miR-106b was measured using quantitative real-time PCR. Plasma levels of interleukin-5 (IL-5) and interleukin-13 (IL-13) were assessed using ELISA. Lung functions were measured by Spirometry. MiR-146a and miR-106b were significantly over-expressed in asthmatic children compared to healthy children. A significant positive correlation between total IgE and both miR-146a and miR-106b was found while no significant correlation could be detected between these miRNAs and asthma severity in asthmatic children. Plasma levels of IL-5 and IL-13 were non-significantly higher in asthmatic children compared to healthy children, and there was no significant correlation between them and both miR-146a and miR-106b expressions in the asthmatic children. The aberrant expression of immune-related miRNAs (miR-146a and miR-106b) and inflammatory cytokines (IL-5 and IL-13) among asthmatic children suggest their probable role in asthma pathogenesis.