Regulatory function of HSA-miR-186-5p on interleukin-2 expression in lumbar degenerative disc disease: a case-control...

Lumbar degenerative disc disease (LDDD) is characterized by persistent inflammation and extracellular matrix degradation. Emerging as main controllers in its pathogenesis are microRNAs (miRNAs) and proinflammatory cytokines. Through the JAK/STAT signalling pathway, HSA-miR-186-5p has been linked to modulating cytokine expression, including interleukin-2 (IL-2). The aim is to find the expression levels of IL-2 and HSA-miR-186-5p in LDDDpatients and investigate their possible correlation with disease degree. 110 LDDD patients and 17 healthy controls wereincluded. ELISA measured serum IL-2 concentrations, and RT-qPCRestimated miR-186-5p levels. The Oswestry Disability Index (ODI) guidedpatients into five subgroups (G1-G5). One-way ANOVA and correlationanalysis were applied in statistical comparisons. LDDD patients had notably higher IL-2 levels than controls (p <0.001). According to the subgroup analysis, the IL-2 concentration peaked inG2 and G3 and gradually dropped toward G5. By contrast, miR-186-5pexpression was noticeably lowered in the LDDD group (p < 0.001), with G1and G5 having the lowest levels found. Across groups, an inverse trend in IL-2 and miR-186-5p expression was noted. Results imply a dysregulated interaction between HSA-miR-186-5p and IL-2 in LDDD. Particularly in early and moderate stages ofdisease, miR-186-5p downregulation could help to explain increased IL-2-mediated inflammation. These biomarkers could provide information ondisease activity and present targets for new treatments.