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Analysis of inflammation-related microRNA expression in patients with ankylosing spondylitis
Huiling Tan1, Ruyu Ren1, Junlong Zhang1
1Department of Laboratory Medicine, West China Hospital, Sichuan University, Chengdu, 610041, China.
Abstract:
Ankylosing spondylitis (AS) is a complex genetic disease characterized by axial skeletal inflammation. Available scientific evidence suggests that a relationship may exist between miRNA expression levels and the pathogenesis of AS. This study investigated the clinical diagnostic value of miR-146a, miR-15a, miR-20a, miR-125a-3p, miR-125a-5p, miR-125b-5p, miR-148a, miR-149a, miR-499, and miR-155a in AS. A total of 44 AS patients and 56 healthy controls (HCs) were included in the study. MiRNA expression levels were detected using fluorescence quantitative PCR (qPCR). Results showed that the expression levels of miR-146a, miR-125a-3p, miR-125a-5p, miR-125b-5p, and miR-155a decreased, whereas miR-499a expression increased significantly in AS patients compared to that in the controls. Logistic regression analysis with receiver operating characteristic (ROC) curves showed that combined miR-146a/miR-125a-5p/miR-125b-5p/miR-499a/miR-155a (area under curve [AUC] = 0.824, 95% confidence interval [CI] = 0.727-0.921) had high sensitivity and specificity for AS diagnosis. C-reactive protein (CRP) levels were positively correlated with the expression of miR-125a-5p (rs = 0.438, p = 0.005) and miR-155a (rs = 0.414, p = 0.006), which indicates that miR-125a-5p and miR-155a can perhaps aggravate AS-induced inflammation. Our findings suggest the association of miR-125a-5p and miR-155a with disease activity in AS patients. Furthermore, miR-146a, miR-125a-5p, miR-125b-5p, miR-499a, and miR-155a could have potential diagnostic value in AS.
Insights
This study found specific microRNA (miRNA) expression patterns in ankylosing spondylitis (AS) patients. A combination of five miRNAs shows promise for diagnosing AS and may indicate disease activity.
Area of Science:
- Biochemistry
- Genetics
- Immunology
Background:
- Ankylosing spondylitis (AS) is a genetic inflammatory disease affecting the axial skeleton.
- MicroRNAs (miRNAs) are implicated in the pathogenesis of AS, but their diagnostic utility is unclear.
Purpose of the Study:
- To investigate the clinical diagnostic value of specific miRNAs in AS patients.
- To explore the relationship between miRNA expression and disease activity in AS.
Main Methods:
- Quantitative PCR (qPCR) was used to measure miRNA expression in 44 AS patients and 56 healthy controls.
- Logistic regression and ROC curve analysis were employed to assess diagnostic potential.
- Correlation analysis was performed between miRNA levels and C-reactive protein (CRP).
Main Results:
- Significant differences in miRNA expression were observed: miR-146a, miR-125a-3p, miR-125a-5p, miR-125b-5p, and miR-155a were downregulated, while miR-499a was upregulated in AS patients.
- A combined panel of miR-146a/miR-125a-5p/miR-125b-5p/miR-499a/miR-155a demonstrated high diagnostic accuracy (AUC = 0.824).
- miR-125a-5p and miR-155a expression correlated positively with CRP levels, suggesting a role in AS inflammation.
Conclusions:
- Specific miRNAs, including miR-146a, miR-125a-5p, miR-125b-5p, miR-499a, and miR-155a, show potential as diagnostic biomarkers for AS.
- miR-125a-5p and miR-155a may be associated with disease activity and inflammation in AS patients.
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