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Role of MicroRNA-155 as a Potential Biomarker for Allergic Rhinitis in Children
Noha M Hammad1, Fedaa Nabil1, Eman M Elbehedy1
1Medical Microbiology and Immunology Department, Faculty of Medicine, Zagazig University, Zagazig, Egypt.
Background:
Allergic rhinitis (AR) is an inflammatory state categorized by a disturbance of immunoregulatory mechanisms. MicroRNA-155 (miRNA-155) has an essential role in regulating gene expression and can mediate the allergic TH2 process.
Objective:
In this study, we aimed to evaluate the role of miR-155 as a biomarker in AR and correlate its level with the total nasal symptom score (TNSS) and the levels of serum interleukin-4 (IL-4).
Methods:
This study included 90 children: 45 with pollen-induced AR and 45 healthy controls. Serum miR-155 expression levels were measured using quantitative real-time PCR. Human IL-4 ELIZA kits were used for the semiquantitative detection of the serum levels of IL-4. Receiver operating characteristic (ROC) curves were used to determine the best cutoff values for the studied parameters for the diagnosis of AR.
Results:
The demographic characteristics of the two groups were matched with respect to age and sex. The AR case group included 23 (51.1%) males and 22 (48.9%) females, while the control group included 24 (53.3%) males and 21 (46.7%) females. The miR-155 level was increased in the serum of children with pollen-induced AR compared with controls (mean difference = 2.8, p < 0.001). A significant positive correlation between the serum expression level of miR-155 and TNSS in children with AR was detected (r = 0.494, p < 0.001). However, no significant correlation was identified between the expression of miR-155 and that of IL-4. At a cutoff value of 1.09, the sensitivity of miR-155 as a biomarker for AR was 100%, and the specificity was 71.1%.
Conclusion:
MiR-155 expression levels were elevated in the serum of AR children. Therefore, miR-155 could be used as a biomarker in AR diagnosis.
Insights
MicroRNA-155 (miRNA-155) levels are elevated in children with allergic rhinitis (AR). This finding suggests miRNA-155 can serve as a diagnostic biomarker for AR, correlating with symptom severity.
Area of Science:
- Immunology
- Genetics
- Biochemistry
Background:
- Allergic rhinitis (AR) involves immunoregulatory disturbances.
- MicroRNA-155 (miRNA-155) plays a key role in allergic TH2 responses and gene regulation.
Purpose of the Study:
- To investigate miRNA-155 as a potential biomarker for AR.
- To correlate serum miRNA-155 levels with total nasal symptom score (TNSS) and serum interleukin-4 (IL-4).
Main Methods:
- Quantitative real-time PCR for serum miRNA-155 expression.
- ELISA for serum IL-4 levels.
- ROC curve analysis for diagnostic accuracy.
Main Results:
- Serum miRNA-155 levels were significantly higher in children with AR compared to controls (p < 0.001).
- A positive correlation was found between serum miRNA-155 and TNSS (r = 0.494, p < 0.001).
- miRNA-155 demonstrated 100% sensitivity and 71.1% specificity for AR diagnosis at a cutoff of 1.09.
Conclusions:
- Elevated serum miRNA-155 levels are characteristic of allergic rhinitis in children.
- miRNA-155 shows promise as a valuable diagnostic biomarker for AR.
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