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Nasal Carriage of enterotoxigenic Staphylococcus aureus and microRNA 146a expression profile in rheumatoid arthritis
Hanaa M El Maghraby1, Amira M El-Mosely1, Samah M Alian2
1Department of Medical Microbiology and Immunology, Faculty of Medicine, Zagazig University, Zagazig, Egypt.
Abstract:
Rheumatoid arthritis (RA) is a chronic autoimmune disease of multifactorial etiology which is linked to interactions between host and environmental factors. Previous studies showed that nasal carriage of the enterotoxigenic Staphylococcus aureus and increased expression of micro RNA-146a (miRNA-146a) may have a role in RA pathogenesis and severity. The objectives of this study were to evaluate the prevalence of nasal colonization by the enterotoxigenic S. aureus in RA patients and to correlate serum levels of staphylococcal enterotoxin and miRNA-146a relative expression in all the study participants with disease severity in RA patients. In this case-control study, after S. aureus isolation from nasal swabs of all participants, the prevalence of nasal colonization by enterotoxigenic S. aureus was assessed by the enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA). Also, serum staphylococcal enterotoxin level was measured by ELISA. The quantitative reverse transcription polymerase chain reaction was used to assess serum miRNA-146a relative expression level. Assessment of RA disease activity was achieved according to the Disease Activity Score in 28 joints (DAS 28). Enterotoxigenic nasal S. aureus carriage rate was significantly higher in RA patients than control subjects (p < 0.001). RA patients showed a significantly higher mean value of serum levels of staphylococcal enterotoxin and miRNA-146a relative expression when compared to controls (p < 0.001 for both) and the highest mean value of both were found in RA patients with high disease activity (p < 0.001). There was a significant positive correlation between the relative expression level of miRNA-146a and serum level of staphylococcal enterotoxin in RA patients. In conclusion, staphylococcal enterotoxins and miRNA-146a could have a significant role in RA pathogenesis and both correlate with disease activity.
Insights
Nasal Staphylococcus aureus and elevated micro RNA-146a (miRNA-146a) are more prevalent in rheumatoid arthritis (RA) patients. Both factors correlate with increased RA disease activity, suggesting a role in pathogenesis.
Area of Science:
- Immunology
- Microbiology
- Genetics
Background:
- Rheumatoid arthritis (RA) is a chronic autoimmune disease influenced by genetic and environmental factors.
- Previous research suggests a potential link between nasal Staphylococcus aureus carriage, micro RNA-146a (miRNA-146a) expression, and RA pathogenesis.
- Understanding these associations may offer insights into disease mechanisms and severity.
Purpose of the Study:
- To determine the prevalence of nasal colonization by enterotoxigenic Staphylococcus aureus in RA patients.
- To assess serum levels of staphylococcal enterotoxin and miRNA-146a relative expression.
- To correlate these markers with rheumatoid arthritis disease severity.
Main Methods:
- A case-control study design was employed.
- Nasal swabs were analyzed for Staphylococcus aureus colonization using enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA).
- Serum staphylococcal enterotoxin levels were measured by ELISA, and miRNA-146a relative expression was quantified using quantitative reverse transcription polymerase chain reaction (qRT-PCR). Disease activity was assessed using the Disease Activity Score in 28 joints (DAS28).
Main Results:
- Enterotoxigenic Staphylococcus aureus nasal carriage was significantly higher in RA patients compared to controls (p < 0.001).
- RA patients exhibited significantly higher mean serum levels of staphylococcal enterotoxin and miRNA-146a expression than controls (p < 0.001 for both).
- The highest levels of both markers were observed in RA patients with high disease activity (p < 0.001), with a significant positive correlation between miRNA-146a and staphylococcal enterotoxin levels in RA patients.
Conclusions:
- Staphylococcal enterotoxins and miRNA-146a play a significant role in rheumatoid arthritis pathogenesis.
- Elevated levels of these markers are associated with increased rheumatoid arthritis disease activity.
- These findings suggest potential therapeutic targets for managing RA.
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