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Upregulated miR-146a Expression in Peripheral Blood Relates to Th17 and Treg Imbalance in Elder Rheumatoid Arthritis

Menglan Liu1, Tianli Ren2, Zhi Lin1

  • 1Department of Geriatrics, Wuxi No. 2 People's Hospital Affiliated to Nanjing Medical University, Wuxi, China.

Lifestyle Genomics
|June 28, 2022
PubMed
Abstract

Insights

MicroRNA-146a (miR-146a) levels are elevated in rheumatoid arthritis (RA) patients, correlating with disease severity and immune cell balance. This suggests miR-146a could serve as a diagnostic marker for RA progression in elderly individuals.

Area of Science:

  • Immunology
  • Molecular Biology
  • Rheumatology

Background:

  • Rheumatoid arthritis (RA) is characterized by increased microRNA-146a (miR-146a) expression in peripheral blood and synovial tissue.
  • miR-146a is implicated in the pathological processes of RA, necessitating further investigation into its role.
  • The study focuses on elderly RA patients, exploring miR-146a's potential as a diagnostic marker and its relationship with T helper 17 (Th17) and regulatory T (Treg) cells.

Purpose of the Study:

  • To investigate the potential of miR-146a as a diagnostic marker in elderly rheumatoid arthritis patients.
  • To analyze the correlation between miR-146a expression and the balance of Th17 and Treg cells in RA.
  • To examine the relationship between miR-146a levels and disease severity, immune cell populations, and cytokine profiles in RA.

Main Methods:

  • Blood samples were collected from 38 active RA patients, 38 inactive RA patients, and 40 healthy controls.
  • RNA expression levels of miR-146a were quantified using peripheral blood samples.
  • Proportions of Th17 and Treg cells, their transcription factors (RORc and FOXP3), and cytokine secretion (pro- and anti-inflammatory) were analyzed. Correlations with miR-146a were assessed.

Main Results:

  • miR-146a expression was significantly higher in both inactive and active RA groups compared to healthy controls, with the highest levels in the active RA group.
  • miR-146a expression positively correlated with RA severity, Th17 cell ratio, RORc expression, and IL-17 levels.
  • Conversely, miR-146a expression negatively correlated with Treg cell ratio, FOXP3 expression, and TGF-β1 secretion.

Conclusions:

  • miR-146a exhibits potential as a disease progression marker in the peripheral blood of elderly RA patients.
  • The findings highlight miR-146a's association with immune dysregulation, specifically the Th17/Treg balance, in RA pathogenesis.
  • miR-146a may serve as a valuable biomarker for monitoring RA activity and progression.
Keywords:
Peripheral blood mononuclear cellRheumatoid arthritisTh17TregmiR-146a

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