Related Experiment Video
Updated: Nov 7, 2025
Isolation of Small Noncoding RNAs from Human Serum
Published on: June 19, 2014
Serum Levels of miR-146a in Patients with Psoriasis
Bárbara Leal1,2, Cláudia Carvalho1,2, Ana Marta Ferreira1,2
1UMIB, Instituto de Ciências Biomédicas Abel Salazar [ICBAS], Universidade do Porto, Rua Jorge Viterbo Ferreira, 228, 4050-313, Porto, Portugal.
Background:
Psoriasis is an immune-mediated disease with interactions between genetic and environmental factors. An increasing number of studies are demonstrating the importance of microRNAs (miRNAs) in the pathogenesis of psoriasis. miR-146a, a dominant negative regulator of inflammation, has been consistently reported as overexpressed in the skin and peripheral blood mononuclear cells (PBMCs) of patients with psoriasis. Expression and/or function of this miRNA is highly influenced by genetic variations, some of which have already been associated with susceptibility to psoriasis.
Objective:
We sought to study the importance of miR-146a in patients with moderate-to-severe psoriasis and to understand the impact of rs57095329 and rs2910164 polymorphisms in a psoriatic Portuguese population.
Methods:
miR-146a circulating levels were quantified using molecular biology techniques in 99 patients with moderate-to-severe psoriasis (35 female, 64 male; age 47.4 ± 10.9 years) and 78 healthy individuals (52 female, 26 male; age 42.4 ± 10.1 years). miRNA expression was correlated with clinicopathological features as well as with genetic data such as the presence of human leukocyte antigen (HLA)-C*0602 allele and two miR-146a polymorphisms (rs2910164 and rs57095329).
Results:
miR-146a serum levels were 3.7-fold higher in patients with psoriasis than in controls (p < 0.0001, area under the curve [AUC] 0.75; 95% confidence interval [CI] 0.66-0.83). Of note, miR-146a circulating levels positively correlated with Psoriasis Area and Severity Index (p < 0.05) and body surface area (p < 0.05) indexes. No variations in miR-146a levels were observed with rs2910164 and rs57095329 genotypes.
Conclusion:
Circulating miR-146a levels were upregulated in patients with psoriasis, especially in those with active disease. To the best of our knowledge, this is the largest study with a homogenous psoriasis population, and our data could shed light on the pathogenesis of psoriasis, paving the way for new avenues for disease treatment.
Insights
Circulating miR-146a levels are significantly higher in psoriasis patients, correlating with disease severity. This finding offers potential new insights into psoriasis pathogenesis and treatment.
Area of Science:
- Immunodermatology
- Molecular Biology
- Genetics
Background:
- Psoriasis is an immune-mediated disease influenced by genetic and environmental factors.
- MicroRNAs (miRNAs), particularly miR-146a, play a crucial role in psoriasis pathogenesis.
- miR-146a is a key regulator of inflammation and is often overexpressed in psoriasis.
Purpose of the Study:
- To investigate the significance of miR-146a in moderate-to-severe psoriasis.
- To analyze the impact of specific miR-146a polymorphisms (rs57095329 and rs2910164) in a Portuguese psoriatic population.
Main Methods:
- Quantified circulating miR-146a levels in 99 psoriasis patients and 78 healthy controls using molecular biology techniques.
- Correlated miRNA expression with clinicopathological features and genetic markers, including HLA-C*0602 and miR-146a polymorphisms.
Main Results:
- Serum miR-146a levels were 3.7-fold higher in psoriasis patients compared to controls (p < 0.0001).
- Circulating miR-146a levels positively correlated with Psoriasis Area and Severity Index and body surface area.
- No significant association was found between miR-146a levels and the studied rs2910164 and rs57095329 genotypes.
Conclusions:
- Circulating miR-146a is upregulated in psoriasis patients, particularly those with active disease.
- This study represents one of the largest homogenous cohorts, providing valuable insights into psoriasis pathogenesis.
- Elevated miR-146a may represent a potential biomarker and therapeutic target for psoriasis.
