The role of microRNAs (MiR-125a and MiR-146a), RANTES, and IFN-γin systemic lupus erythematosus

Abstract

Systemic lupus erythematosus is a heterogeneous autoimmune disease associated with a high rate of morbidity and mortality. Identifying new SLE biomarkers might be a useful tool to facilitate early and precise diagnosis of the disease, identify the risk of organ involvement and decide the most appropriate treatment. To identify the role of microRNAs (miR-125a, and miR-146a) and their target cytokines (RANTES, and IFN-γ) in the immune-pathogenesis of SLE. This case-control study was conducted during the period from December 2018 to November 2019 which included 35 SLE patients who were among patients attending the Rheumatology Clinic, and Rheumatology Ward in Baghdad Teaching Hospital, and Private Nursing Home Hospital in Baghdad Medical City. In addition, we were included 35 healthy individuals as controls. The serum levels of miR-125a and miR-146a were determined by the two-step reverse transcription-polymerase chain reaction (RT-PCR), while the serum levels of the cytokines RANTES and IFN-γ were detected by the ELISA technique in 35 SLE patients and 35 healthy controls. The levels of miR-125a and miR-146a were significantly down-regulated in SLE patients in comparison to controls (p<0.001, p=0.005 respectively). Serum miR-146a was inversely associated with proteinuria (p=0.018) and the SLE Disease Activity Index (p=0.008). This study also revealed an increased serum level of RANTES (p=0.03), and IFN-γ (p=0.049) in SLE patients compared to controls. The results of the current study suggested that serum miR-125a and miR-146a and the cytokines (RANTES, and IFN-γ) may participate in the immune-pathogenesis of SLE.