Abstract
ObjectivesTo investigate the expression of miRNAs-146a and −499 and their polymorphisms in Egyptian patients with RA and to evaluate their relationship to clinical manifestations and disease activity.MethodsFifty-two RA patients and 56 matched controls were studied. Disease activity score-28 was assessed. MicroRNAs expression and polymorphisms were assayed by polymerase chain reaction (PCR).ResultsPatients mean age was 39.5±10.8 years and the disease duration of 7±5.1 years. The DAS28 was 3.1±1.7; 23 were in remission, 5 had mild disease activity, 18 moderate and 6 severe. There was a 15.5±27.2 fold increase in miRNA-146a and 3.3±6.1 in miR-499. The fold change of miRNA-146a was significantly higher in those without joint deformities (n=18) (28.1±42.6) compared to those with(8.8±8.4;p=0.01). Both miRNA-146a and −499 fold change were significantly decreased in those with a positive ANA (n=7)(2.5±2.1 and 0.07±0.08) compared to those with a negative test (18.1±29.6 and 3.8±6.5;p=0.002 and p=0.001 respectively). The fold changes tended to be higher in those in remission compared to active patients. However, miRNA-499 in those with severe disease activity tended to be higher. There was no significant correlation of the fold change of the miRNAs with the clinical manifestations or medications received. Only ANA positivity significantly inversely correlated with the fold increase in mi-RNA-146a(r=−0.42,p=0.003). The fold change in miRNA-146a significantly correlated with miRNA-499(r=0.56,p<0.0001).ConclusionsBoth miRNAs-146a and-499 are highly expressed in RA patients and can be considered as diagnostic markers. Increased expression of miRNA-146a expression is protective in those with negative ANA and both in those without joint deformities.Disclosure of InterestNone declared