Related Experiment Video
Updated: Jul 17, 2025
Detection of MicroRNAs in Microglia by Real-time PCR in Normal CNS and During Neuroinflammation
Published on: July 23, 2012
MicroRNAs and pro-inflammatory cytokines as candidate biomarkers for recent-onset psychosis
Ali Reza Shafiee-Kandjani1, Negin Nezhadettehad1, Sara Farhang2,3
1Faculty of Medicine, Tabriz University of Medical Sciences, Tabriz, Iran.
Background:
Recent studies on the schizophrenia spectrum and other psychotic disorders showed that alternation of immune system components, particularly microRNAs (miRNAs) and pro-inflammatory compounds, plays a significant role in developing the illness. The study aimed to evaluate serum expression of the miRNA-26a, miRNA-106a, and miRNA-125b as genetic factors and serum levels of IL-6, IL-1β, and TNF-α as pro-inflammatory factors in an IranianAzeri population.
Methods:
Forty patients with recent-onset non-affective psychosis and 40 healthy people as a control group were involved. Expression levels of miRNAs and serum levels of the cytokines were measured using RT-qPCR and ELISA, respectively. T-test, receiver operating characteristics (ROC), and spearman correlation coefficient were carried out data analysis.
Results:
Findings showed higher levels of IL-6, IL-1β, TNF-α, miR-26a, and miR-106a in the plasma of the patients' group compared with the control. miRNA-26a showed a statistically significant higher level (p < .003) compared to the control group, with AUC = 0.84 (95% CI: 0.77 to 0.93, P < .001) and cut-off point = 0.17 in comparison to other miRNAs as mentioned above; in this regard, it might be a suggestive biomarker for schizophrenia in the early stage of the illness. Moreover, miRNAs' expression level was not substantially associated with the level of any measured cytokines above.
Conclusions:
miR-26a might be a suggestive biomarker for schizophrenia in the early stage of the illness. Given that the relationship between other miRNAs and cytokines is not yet well understood; accordingly, there are encouragement and support for continued research in this fascinating field.
Insights
MicroRNA-26a may serve as an early biomarker for schizophrenia, showing elevated levels in patients with recent-onset psychosis. Further research is encouraged to understand the complex interplay between microRNAs and pro-inflammatory cytokines in psychotic disorders.
Area of Science:
- Psychiatry
- Immunology
- Genetics
Background:
- Immune system alterations, including microRNAs (miRNAs) and pro-inflammatory cytokines, are implicated in schizophrenia spectrum disorders.
- Specific miRNAs (miRNA-26a, miRNA-106a, miRNA-125b) and cytokines (IL-6, IL-1β, TNF-α) were investigated in an Iranian Azeri population.
Purpose of the Study:
- To evaluate serum expression of selected miRNAs and pro-inflammatory cytokines in patients with recent-onset non-affective psychosis.
- To identify potential genetic and inflammatory biomarkers for early-stage schizophrenia.
Main Methods:
- Quantitative real-time PCR (RT-qPCR) for miRNA expression.
- Enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA) for cytokine levels.
- Statistical analysis including t-test, ROC analysis, and Spearman correlation.
Main Results:
- Patients exhibited significantly higher levels of IL-6, IL-1β, TNF-α, miR-26a, and miR-106a compared to healthy controls.
- miR-26a demonstrated a statistically significant elevation (p < .003) and high diagnostic accuracy (AUC = 0.84) for early-stage schizophrenia.
- No substantial association was found between the expression levels of the studied miRNAs and the measured cytokines.
Conclusions:
- miR-26a shows promise as a suggestive biomarker for early-stage schizophrenia.
- Further research is warranted to elucidate the relationship between other miRNAs and cytokines in psychotic disorders.
More Related Videos
08:29Biomarkers in an Animal Model for Revealing Neural, Hematologic, and Behavioral Correlates of PTSD
Published on: October 10, 2012
08:33Olfactory Neurons Obtained through Nasal Biopsy Combined with Laser-Capture Microdissection: A Potential Approach to Study Treatment Response in Mental Disorders
Published on: December 4, 2014
