Circulating miR‐181a and miR‐223 expression with the potential value of biomarkers for the diagnosis of systemic lupus erythematosus and predicting lupus nephritis. (10th March 2021)

• Record Type: Journal Article
• Authors: Abdul‐Maksoud, Rehab S.; Rashad, Nearmeen M.; Elsayed, Walid S. H.; Ali, Manal A.; Kamal, Nafesa M.; Zidan, Haidy E.
• Is Part Of: Journal of gene medicine. Volume 23:Number 5(2021)
• Page Start: n/a
• Page End: n/a
• Publication Date: 2021-03-10
• Subjects: lupus nephritis -- miR‐181a -- miR‐223 -- SLE; Genetic transformation -- Periodicals; Gene Transfer -- Periodicals; Gene Therapy -- Periodicals; 616.042
• DOI: 10.1002/jgm.3326
• Languages: English
• ISSNs: 1099-498X

Abstract

Abstract: Background: MicroRNAs (miRNAs) contribute to the development and progression of systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE) by affecting a wide range of targeted genes and facilitating the development of lupus nephritis (LN). The present study aimed to analyze the serum expression of miR‐181a and miR‐223 in SLE patients and to assess whether they could serve as novel biomarkers for SLE diagnosis and to distinguish LN. Methods: The study included 70 control subjects and 116 patients with SLE (67 non‐LN and 49 LN groups). Circulating miR‐181a and miR‐223 expression levels were analyzed among the Egyptian population using a real‐time polymerase chain reaction. Results: Up‐regulation of miR‐181a was detected among SLE patients compared to healthy controls and higher values were reported among the LN group compared to the non‐LN group. Down‐regulation of miR‐223 was reported among SLE patients compared to controls and lower values were reported among the LN group compared to the non‐LN group. The higher miR‐181a expression and the lower miR‐223 expression were associated with higher stages of LN. SLE disease activity index, proteinuria and serum creatinine were independently correlated with miR‐181a and miR‐223 among SLE patients by linear regression analysis. Receiver‐operating characteristic curve analysis revealed that combined miR‐181a and miR‐223 expression increased the sensitivity and specificity for the diagnosis of SLE and further distinguished LN from non‐LN patients. Conclusions: miR‐181a and miR‐223 could play a role in evaluating SLE disease progression and prognosis. Combined miR‐181a and miR‐223 expression analysis could serve as novel serum‐based biomarkers in the diagnosis of SLE and predicting LN among Egyptians. Abstract : Significant up‐regulation of miR‐181a and down‐regulation of miR‐223 in SLE patients was reported. The difference in miRNA expression was more prominent among the LN group. miR‐181a and miR‐223 might play a role SLE disease progression. Combined analysis of miR‐181a and miR‐223 could serve as novel serum‐based biomarkers for the diagnosis of SLE with the ability to predict LN patients among the Egyptian population.