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The expression and prognostic value of miR-146a and miR-155 in Turkish patients with multiple sclerosis
Furkan Saridas1, Havva Tezcan Unlu2, Gulsah Cecener2
1Department of Neurology, Faculty of Medicine, Bursa Uludag University, Bursa, Turkey.
Abstract:
Multiple sclerosis (MS) is an inflammatory, autoimmune demyelinating, and neurodegenerative disorder of the central nervous system. Interactions between environmental factors, predisposition genes, and determining genes appear to be involved in its etiology. Epigenetic mechanisms such as microRNA-mediated gene regulation can determine the susceptibility and severity of autoimmune diseases. Therefore, to determine the role of miR-146a and miR-155 in MS and its developmental stages, the expression levels in the serum of MS and clinically isolated syndrome (CIS) patients were compared with those of healthy controls. In the present study, the expression levels of miR-146a and miR-155 were assessed using quantitative Real-Time PCR in blood samples of 15 CIS patients and 61 relapsing-remitting multiple sclerosis (RRMS) patients alongside 32 healthy patients as controls. Furthermore, any associations with the clinicopathologic variables of the patients were also evaluated. Dysregulations were found only in the miR-146a and miR-155 expressions in the RRMS-Control group. When the RRMS patients were evaluated in terms of the characteristics of sex, annual attack rate, age of diagnosis, duration of follow-up, and immunomodulatory treatments used, no significant differences were observed. However, significant dysregulations were identified in miRNA expression in the vitamin D level, EDSS values, and the number of attacks. ROC curve analysis showed that miR-146a and miR-155 were significant in the RRMS-Control group for the area under the curve (AUC). It is possible that miR-146a may be associated with vitamin D deficiency and disease disability, while miR-155 may be associated with the number of attacks.
Insights
MicroRNAs miR-146a and miR-155 show altered expression in relapsing-remitting multiple sclerosis (RRMS) patients, potentially linking them to disease severity and vitamin D levels.
Area of Science:
- Neuroimmunology
- Genetics and Epigenetics
Background:
- Multiple sclerosis (MS) is a central nervous system disorder influenced by genetic and environmental factors.
- Epigenetic mechanisms, including microRNA (miRNA) regulation, are implicated in autoimmune disease susceptibility and severity.
- Specific miRNAs like miR-146a and miR-155 may play a role in MS pathogenesis.
Purpose of the Study:
- To investigate the expression levels of miR-146a and miR-155 in patients with clinically isolated syndrome (CIS) and relapsing-remitting multiple sclerosis (RRMS).
- To compare miRNA expression between MS patients and healthy controls.
- To evaluate associations between miRNA expression and clinical variables in MS patients.
Main Methods:
- Quantitative Real-Time PCR was used to measure serum levels of miR-146a and miR-155.
- Blood samples were collected from 15 CIS patients, 61 RRMS patients, and 32 healthy controls.
- Statistical analyses, including ROC curve analysis, were performed to assess expression levels and clinical correlations.
Main Results:
- Significant dysregulation of miR-146a and miR-155 expression was observed in RRMS patients compared to controls.
- No significant differences in miRNA expression were found based on sex, attack rate, age of diagnosis, follow-up duration, or immunomodulatory treatments.
- Dysregulated miRNA expression correlated significantly with vitamin D levels, Expanded Disability Status Scale (EDSS) scores, and the number of disease attacks.
Conclusions:
- miR-146a and miR-155 are dysregulated in RRMS and may serve as potential biomarkers.
- miR-146a may be linked to vitamin D deficiency and MS-related disability.
- miR-155 may be associated with disease activity, indicated by the number of attacks.
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