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MicroRNA-146a Signature in Psoriasis: A Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis
Pei-Yun Ho1, Yu-Chen Huang2,3,4
1Department of Dermatology, Wan Fang Hospital, Wenshan District, Taipei Medical University, 111, Hsing-Long Road Sec. 3, Taipei City, 116, Taiwan, ROC.
Background:
Psoriasis is a chronic, inflammatory, T-cell-mediated disease with a multifactorial pathogenesis. MicroRNA (miRNA) alteration in psoriasis has been identified within the last few years. In particular, miR-146a levels were altered. However, previous studies have equivocal or even contradictory findings.
Objective:
The current study aimed to perform a systematic review and meta-analysis to evaluate the miRNA expression profile in different tissues in patients with psoriasis. Further, the correlation between miR-146a levels and psoriasis severity as well as the specific expression patterns of the miR-146a profile in patients with psoriasis after treatment were evaluated.
Methods:
To retrieve studies investigating the correlation between miRNA and psoriasis, a comprehensive search of databases including PubMed, Cochrane Library, and Embase was performed from inception to 30 June 2023. Relevant journals and references of the included studies were also reviewed. A meta-analysis was conducted using the comprehensive meta-analysis version 3.
Results:
The correlation between the miR-146a expression levels and psoriasis susceptibility in 14 studies was assessed. Results showed that the miR-146a expression level was upregulated in psoriasis samples [P = 0.001, standardized mean difference (SMD) = 1.489, 95% confidence interval (CI) = 0.618-2.360]. In a subgroup analysis based on sample type, the correlation between the peripheral blood mononuclear cell, blood, and tissue miR-146a expression level and psoriasis was significant (SMD = 1.293, 95% CI 0.310-2.276, P = 0.01; SMD = 2.526, 95% CI 1.710-3.342, P = 0.000; SMD = 3.153, 95% CI 1.432-4.874, P = 0.00, respectively). A positive correlation was observed between the miR-146a expression levels and Psoriasis Area and Severity Index (PASI) score. However, the result was not statistically significant (correlation coefficient = 0.29, 95% CI - 0.038 to 0.575, P = 0.081). Further, the miR-146a levels decreased after treatment (SMD = - 1.592, 95% CI - 2.067 to - 1.117, P = 0.000, I2 = 74.104).
Conclusions:
The miR-146a expression level is positively correlated with and can contribute to the pathobiology of psoriasis.
Insights
MicroRNA-146a (miR-146a) levels are significantly elevated in psoriasis patients, suggesting a role in disease development. Treatment led to a decrease in miR-146a expression, indicating its potential as a therapeutic marker.
Area of Science:
- Dermatology and immunology
- Molecular biology and genetics
Background:
- Psoriasis is a chronic, inflammatory, T-cell-mediated skin disease with complex origins.
- Alterations in microRNA (miRNA) expression, particularly miR-146a, have been observed in psoriasis, but findings are inconsistent.
Conclusions:
- Elevated miR-146a expression is positively correlated with psoriasis.
- miR-146a may play a role in the pathobiology of psoriasis and could serve as a biomarker.
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