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Association between active pulmonary tuberculosis and circulating microRNAs: a preliminary study from Turkey

Fatma Kalaycı Yüksek1,2, Cenk Kığ3, Gönenç Ortaköylü4

  • 1Department of Medical Microbiology, Faculty of Medicine, İstanbul University, İstanbul, Turkey

Turkish Journal of Medical Sciences
|April 16, 2021
PubMed
Abstract

Insights

MicroRNA-144 shows potential as a biomarker for active pulmonary tuberculosis (APT) in the Turkish population. This study highlights the importance of using multiple reference genes for accurate microRNA expression analysis in tuberculosis diagnostics.

Area of Science:

  • Biochemistry
  • Molecular Biology
  • Immunology

Background:

  • Tuberculosis remains a significant global public health challenge requiring novel diagnostic biomarkers.
  • MicroRNAs (miRNAs) play crucial roles in immune responses and disease progression, making them potential diagnostic indicators.
  • The diagnostic value of specific miRNAs in active pulmonary tuberculosis (APT) within the Turkish population has not been previously explored.

Purpose of the Study:

  • To investigate the potential diagnostic value of specific microRNAs in serum for active pulmonary tuberculosis (APT).
  • To assess the expression levels of candidate microRNAs in the Turkish population with APT compared to healthy controls.
  • To evaluate the utility of different reference genes for microRNA expression analysis in APT.

Main Methods:

  • Quantitative polymerase chain reaction (qPCR) was employed to measure serum microRNA expression levels.
  • Expression of selected microRNAs was compared between APT patients and healthy individuals.
  • Normalization was performed using two different reference genes, U6 and miR-93, to assess their impact on results.

Main Results:

  • Down-regulation of miR-144 was observed in APT patients irrespective of the normalization reference (U6 or miR-93).
  • Significant decreases in miR-125b and miR-146a expression were noted when normalized with miR-93, but not with U6.
  • Receiver operating characteristic analysis indicated that miR-144 is a potential biomarker for differentiating APT patients from controls.

Conclusions:

  • miR-144 demonstrates potential as a diagnostic biomarker for active pulmonary tuberculosis.
  • The choice of a single reference gene for microRNA expression analysis can be misleading.
  • Combined use of U6 and miR-93 is recommended for reliable normalization of serum microRNA expression data in tuberculosis research.
Keywords:
Circulating-microRNAsMycobacterium tuberculosisactive pulmonary tuberculosisbiomarker

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