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Updated: Oct 22, 2025
Use of Capillary Electrophoresis Immunoassay to Search for Potential Biomarkers of Amyotrophic Lateral Sclerosis in Human Platelets
Published on: February 10, 2020
Assessment of diagnostic potential of some circulating microRNAs in Amyotrophic Lateral Sclerosis Patients, an
Radwa Soliman1, Nahla O Mousa2, Hebatallah R Rashed1
1Neuromuscular Unit, Neurology and Psychiatry Department, Faculty of Medicine Ain Shams University, Cairo 11566, Egypt.
Objective:
Numerous studies have been carried out to identify the role of microRNA (miRNA) as potential biomarkers for many diseases including amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS). The aim of this study was to explore the circulating levels of some miRNAs in cohort of Egyptian ALS patients in an attempt to correlate the selected miRNA profiles with disease progression.
Methods:
Thirty ALS patients and 20 age and sex matched healthy controls were enrolled. Circulating miRNA levels were determined in venous blood samples, collected on EDTA, from all the study subjects. The selection of miRNA species (miR-206, miR-142-3p, miR-143-3p, miR-181a-5p, miR-106b-3p, miR-4516 and Let7f-5p) was based on their involvement in the pathophysiology of ALS and was further confirmed by data mining of specific miRNA databases (miRBase and miRDB).
Results:
As compared to the control group, significant consistent upregulation was found in the levels of miR-206, miR-143-3p and to a lesser extent in miR-142-3p. An elevation trend, although not significant, was also found in the levels of miR-181a-5p, miR-106b-3p, and miR-4516. Interestingly, we found that the levels of miR-142-3p were elevated in familial cases, while that of miR-4516 were significantly increased in sporadic cases. Furthermore, the levels of Let7f-5p, although were generally lowered in ALS patients but were also decreased in familial cases as well as in spinal onset ALS as compared to bulbar onset.
Conclusion:
This is the first study investigating miRNA profiles in Egyptian ALS patients. We found that some miRNAs are significantly altered in ALS patients, and some may be used to distinguish familial and sporadic cases and bulbar and spinal onset. Larger study is needed, in which we will conduct a correlation of miRNA levels against variations in disease onset, progression as well as systemic inflammatory responses and the extent of neuromuscular involvement in Egyptian ALS patients in an attempt to identify environmental/occupational risk factors.
Insights
This study found altered microRNA (miRNA) levels in Egyptian amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS) patients, with specific miRNAs potentially distinguishing disease subtypes. Further research is needed to explore their role as biomarkers.
Area of Science:
- Biochemistry
- Genetics
- Neuroscience
Background:
- MicroRNAs (miRNAs) are increasingly recognized as potential biomarkers for various diseases.
- Amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS) is a progressive neurodegenerative disorder with unmet diagnostic and prognostic needs.
- Understanding circulating miRNA profiles may offer insights into ALS pathophysiology and patient stratification.
Purpose of the Study:
- To investigate circulating miRNA levels in a cohort of Egyptian ALS patients.
- To explore potential correlations between specific miRNA profiles and ALS disease progression.
- To identify miRNAs that may serve as biomarkers for distinguishing ALS subtypes.
Main Methods:
- Thirty ALS patients and 20 healthy controls were enrolled.
- Circulating miRNA levels were quantified in blood samples using specific assays.
- Seven selected miRNAs (miR-206, miR-142-3p, miR-143-3p, miR-181a-5p, miR-106b-3p, miR-4516, and Let7f-5p) were analyzed based on their known involvement in ALS.
Main Results:
- Significant upregulation of miR-206, miR-143-3p, and miR-142-3p was observed in ALS patients compared to controls.
- Trends of elevation were noted for miR-181a-5p, miR-106b-3p, and miR-4516.
- Distinct miRNA patterns were found in familial versus sporadic ALS cases and in spinal versus bulbar onset ALS.
Conclusions:
- This study provides the first investigation of miRNA profiles in Egyptian ALS patients.
- Specific circulating miRNAs are significantly altered in ALS and may help differentiate disease subtypes.
- Larger studies are warranted to correlate miRNA levels with disease progression and identify risk factors.
