A 14-Day Plant-Based Dietary Intervention Modulates the Plasma Levels of Rheumatoid Arthritis-Associated MicroRNAs: A...

Area of Science:

• Nutritional Immunology
• Molecular Biology
• Rheumatology

Background:

• MicroRNAs (miRNAs) are implicated in rheumatoid arthritis (RA) pathogenesis.
• Diet influences gene expression and inflammation, suggesting plant-based diets may modulate RA activity.
• Bioinformatic approaches can guide the study of dietary interventions on disease-related miRNAs.

Purpose of the Study:

• To investigate the effect of a 14-day plant-based diet on circulating miRNAs in RA patients.
• To validate bioinformatically identified miRNAs associated with RA pathogenesis.
• To assess changes in clinical and biochemical markers of RA activity.

Main Methods:

• Differential expression analysis of miRNA dataset (GSE124373) and literature review identified candidate miRNAs.
• Twenty-three RA patients underwent a 14-day plant-based diet.
• Clinical scores (DAS28-CRP), biochemical markers, and plasma miRNA levels (RT-qPCR) were measured pre- and post-intervention.

Main Results:

• The intervention led to significant reductions in DAS28-CRP, C-reactive protein, glucose, and lipid levels.
• Three specific miRNAs (miR-26a-5p, miR-125a-5p, miR-155-5p) were significantly downregulated post-diet.
• Bioinformatic analysis confirmed these miRNAs target immune-inflammatory pathways relevant to RA.

Conclusions:

• A short-term plant-based diet may modulate circulating miRNAs in RA patients.
• The dietary intervention improved clinical and biochemical parameters associated with RA.
• Dietary strategies warrant further investigation as complementary treatments for rheumatoid arthritis.