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Oleuropein as An Effective Suppressor of Inflammation and MicroRNA-146a Expression in Patients with Rheumatoid

Hanieh Mahi1, Zahra Yousefi2, Fatemeh Toufan1

  • 1Student Research Committee, School of Medicine, Shahroud University of Medical Sciences, Shahroud, Iran.

Cell Journal
|August 6, 2023
PubMed
Abstract

Insights

MicroRNA-146a shows high sensitivity and specificity for rheumatoid arthritis (RA) diagnosis. Oleuropein (OLEU) treatment reduced inflammation by regulating miRNA-146a and tumor necrosis factor-alpha (TNF-α) in RA patients.

Area of Science:

  • Immunology
  • Molecular Biology
  • Biochemistry

Background:

  • Rheumatoid arthritis (RA) is a chronic autoimmune disease characterized by joint inflammation and potential organ damage.
  • MicroRNA-146a (miRNA-146a) has been implicated in the pathogenesis of RA.
  • Oleuropein (OLEU), a natural compound, has demonstrated anti-inflammatory effects and the ability to modulate microRNA expression in various conditions.

Purpose of the Study:

  • To assess the diagnostic accuracy of miRNA-146a in rheumatoid arthritis.
  • To investigate the therapeutic potential of oleuropein (OLEU) in RA.
  • To determine the effects of OLEU on miRNA-146a and tumor necrosis factor-alpha (TNF-α) levels in RA patients.

Main Methods:

  • Peripheral blood mononuclear cells (PBMCs) from RA patients (n=45) and healthy controls (n=30) were analyzed.
  • PBMCs were treated with varying concentrations of OLEU.
  • Levels of TNF-α, anti-citrullinated protein, and miRNA-146a were quantified using ELISA and real-time PCR.
  • Receiver operating characteristic (ROC) curve analysis was employed to evaluate miRNA-146a's diagnostic performance.

Main Results:

  • miRNA-146a expression positively correlated with C-reactive protein (CRP) and rheumatoid factor (RF) in RA patients.
  • OLEU treatment led to decreased levels of TNF-α and miRNA-146a in PBMCs compared to untreated cells.
  • ROC analysis indicated 85% sensitivity and 100% specificity for miRNA-146a in diagnosing RA.

Conclusions:

  • miRNA-146a serves as a valuable biomarker for the diagnosis of rheumatoid arthritis, aiding in early detection.
  • Oleuropein (OLEU) demonstrates potential in suppressing RA-associated inflammation through miRNA-146a regulation.
Keywords:
Anti-citrullinated proteinOleuropeinRheumatoid ArthritisTumour Necrosis Factor-AlphamiRNA-146a

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