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Diagnostic implications of MicroRNAs; 155, 146 a, and 203 lesional expression in alopecia areata: A preliminary
Amany Ibrahim Mustafa1,2, Asmaa Mohamed Al-Refaie1, Ola Samir El-Shimi3
1Department of Dermatology, Venereology and Andrology, Faculty of Medicine, Benha University, Benha, Egypt.
Background:
Alopecia areata (AA) is an immune mediated disorder that attacks hair follicles with unknown pathophysiology. MicroRNAs (miRNAs) are small noncoding RNA molecules, and their aberrant expression or function has been involved in different autoimmune conditions.
Objectives:
We aimed at exploring the association between some miRNAs lesional expression and AA pathogenesis by measurement of miRNAs-155, 146a, and 203 expression levels in the lesional skin from patchy AA patients and to evaluate their relation with the studied parameters.
Subjects And Methods:
Skin expression levels of miRNAs-155, 146a, and 203 were evaluated in 50 patients with patchy AA and 25 healthy controls using reverse transcriptase-quantitative PCR (RT-qPCR). The activity and severity of alopecia were assessed according to AA Investigational Assessment Guidelines criteria.
Results:
Studied patients showed significant up-regulation of miRNAs-203, 146a, and 155 lesional tissue expression levels when compared to control group (p < 0.05 each). Only miRNA-146a skin expression level was significantly higher in patients with multiple lesions (p < 0.001). However, patients with active AA had significantly higher tissue expression levels of the investigated miRNAs than those with inactive disease (P 0.001, 0.009, and 0.001, respectively).
Conclusions:
Investigated miRNAs seem to be role players in AA pathogenesis and may be considered potential indicators of disease activity. However, more research is needed to clarify their accurate role and clinical importance.
Insights
MicroRNAs (miRNAs) are implicated in alopecia areata (AA) pathogenesis. Elevated lesional expression of miRNAs-155, 146a, and 203 correlates with active disease, suggesting their potential as biomarkers for AA activity.
Area of Science:
- Dermatology
- Immunology
- Molecular Biology
Background:
- Alopecia areata (AA) is an immune-mediated hair follicle disorder with unknown pathophysiology.
- MicroRNAs (miRNAs) are small noncoding RNAs linked to autoimmune conditions.
Purpose of the Study:
- To investigate the association between lesional expression of specific miRNAs and AA pathogenesis.
- To measure the expression levels of miRNAs-155, 146a, and 203 in patchy AA patients.
- To evaluate the relationship between these miRNAs and AA disease parameters.
Main Methods:
- Quantitative reverse transcription PCR (RT-qPCR) was used to measure skin expression levels of miRNAs-155, 146a, and 203.
- The study included 50 patients with patchy AA and 25 healthy controls.
- Alopecia activity and severity were assessed using established guidelines.
Main Results:
- Patients with patchy AA showed significantly higher lesional expression of miRNAs-203, 146a, and 155 compared to controls (p < 0.05).
- Higher miRNA-146a expression was associated with multiple lesions (p < 0.001).
- Active AA patients exhibited significantly elevated expression of all three miRNAs compared to inactive cases (p < 0.001).
Conclusions:
- The investigated miRNAs (155, 146a, 203) appear to play a role in the pathogenesis of alopecia areata.
- These miRNAs may serve as potential indicators of AA disease activity.
- Further research is necessary to elucidate their precise role and clinical significance.
