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Significant Effect of Crocin on the Gene Expression of MicroRNA-21 and MicroRNA-155 in Patients with Osteoarthritis
Maryam Mohebbi1, Mahdi Atabaki2, Jalil Tavakkol-Afshari3
1Allergy Research Center, Mashhad University of Medical Sciences, Mashhad, Iran. maryammohebbi14@gmail.com.
Abstract:
Osteoarthritis (OA) is the most common form of arthritis associated with gradual joint destruction. The current treatment aims to alleviate pain and inflammation and improve the quality of life. Crocin is an active ingredient in saffron, with anti-inflammatory properties. MicroRNAs are small, non-coding RNAs that regulate gene expression. We aimed to evaluate the effect of crocin on the gene expression of microRNA-146a, microRNA-155, microRNA-223, and microRNA-21 in OA patients and compare it with a placebo. This study was approved and registered in the Iranian Registry of Clinical Trials (2015021910507N2) and ClinicalTrials.gov identifier: NCT03375814. Forty OA patients were randomly divided into two equal groups, receiving either crocin or placebo. Peripheral blood samples were collected before and four months after the intervention. The pain was assessed using the visual analog scale, and laboratory tests included C-reactive protein and erythrocyte sedimentation rate. The expression levels of microRNA-146a, microRNA-155, microRNA-223, and microRNA-21 genes were evaluated by SYBR Green real-time PCR. The results showed that the gene expression levels of microRNA-21 and microRNA-155 in patients receiving crocin were significantly decreased and increased, respectively. No significant changes were observed in microRNA-146a and microRNA-223 gene expression levels. In conclusion, crocin's anti-inflammatory role might be partly attributed to its effects on the gene expression of microRNA-21 and microRNA-155.
Insights
Crocin, found in saffron, impacts microRNA gene expression in osteoarthritis (OA) patients. It decreased microRNA-21 and increased microRNA-155, suggesting a role in OA
Area of Science:
- Biochemistry
- Molecular Biology
- Immunology
Background:
- Osteoarthritis (OA) is a prevalent degenerative joint disease characterized by progressive joint destruction.
- Current OA treatments focus on symptom management, including pain and inflammation relief.
- Crocin, a key saffron component, exhibits anti-inflammatory properties.
- MicroRNAs (miRNAs) are crucial regulators of gene expression.
Purpose of the Study:
- To investigate the effect of crocin on the expression of specific microRNAs (miRNA-146a, miRNA-155, miRNA-223, miRNA-21) in patients with osteoarthritis.
- To compare the impact of crocin with a placebo intervention on these microRNA levels.
Main Methods:
- A randomized, placebo-controlled trial involving 40 OA patients.
- Patients received either crocin or a placebo for four months.
- Peripheral blood samples were analyzed for microRNA gene expression using SYBR Green real-time PCR.
- Pain was assessed using the visual analog scale; C-reactive protein and erythrocyte sedimentation rate were measured.
Main Results:
- Crocin administration led to a significant decrease in microRNA-21 gene expression.
- A significant increase in microRNA-155 gene expression was observed in the crocin group.
- No significant changes in microRNA-146a and microRNA-223 gene expression levels were detected.
- Changes in pain scores and inflammatory markers were also assessed.
Conclusions:
- Crocin's anti-inflammatory effects in osteoarthritis may be partly mediated by modulating the gene expression of microRNA-21 and microRNA-155.
- These findings suggest a potential therapeutic role for crocin in managing osteoarthritis through miRNA regulation.
