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Associations of miRNA-146a and miRNA-223 with Rheumatoid Arthritis and Their Predictive Values

Haoshaqiang Zhang1, Hua Shang1,2, Zhigang Wang1

  • 1Department of Orthopedics Surgery, People's Hospital of Xinjiang Uygur Autonomous Region, Urumqi, People's Republic of China.

International Journal of General Medicine
|August 7, 2023
PubMed
Abstract

Insights

MicroRNA-146a (miRNA-146a) and microRNA-223 (miRNA-223) show higher expression in rheumatoid arthritis (RA) patients. Their combined analysis in synovial tissues or serums offers a significant predictive value for RA diagnosis.

Area of Science:

  • Biochemistry
  • Molecular Biology
  • Immunology

Background:

  • Rheumatoid arthritis (RA) is a chronic autoimmune disease characterized by joint inflammation.
  • MicroRNAs (miRNAs) are small non-coding RNAs that play crucial roles in gene regulation and have been implicated in various diseases, including RA.
  • Specific miRNAs, such as miRNA-146a and miRNA-223, are being investigated for their potential roles in RA pathogenesis and as diagnostic biomarkers.

Purpose of the Study:

  • To investigate the independent associations of miRNA-146a and miRNA-223 with rheumatoid arthritis (RA).
  • To evaluate the predictive value of miRNA-146a and miRNA-223, individually and in combination, for RA diagnosis.
  • To compare the expression levels of these miRNAs in synovial tissues and serum samples of RA patients and controls.

Main Methods:

  • A case-control study was conducted with 68 RA patients and 68 age- and sex-matched controls with traumatic knee conditions.
  • miRNA-146a and miRNA-223 expression levels were measured in synovial tissues and serum samples.
  • Binary logistic regression analysis was used to determine independent associations with RA.
  • Receiver operating characteristic (ROC) curve analysis was employed to assess predictive values, calculating the area under the curve (AUC).

Main Results:

  • Expression levels of miRNA-146a and miRNA-223 were significantly higher in both synovial tissues and serum of RA patients compared to controls.
  • Both miRNA-146a and miRNA-223 in synovial tissues and serum were independently associated with RA.
  • The combined AUC for predicting RA using both miRNAs in synovial tissues was 0.910, and in serum was 0.904.
  • The combination of these miRNAs demonstrated a statistically significant improvement in predictive value compared to individual miRNA predictions.

Conclusions:

  • MiRNA-146a and miRNA-223 are potential biomarkers for rheumatoid arthritis.
  • Both synovial tissue and serum levels of miRNA-146a and miRNA-223 can be used to predict RA.
  • The combined analysis of miRNA-146a and miRNA-223 significantly enhances their predictive power for RA.
Keywords:
MiRNA-146aMiRNA-223predictive valuesrheumatoid arthritisserumssynovial tissues

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