Analysis of serum microRNAs and rs2910164 GC single-nucleotide polymorphism of miRNA-146a in COVID-19 patients. Issue 4 (4th July 2022)

• Record Type: Journal Article
• Authors: Pinacchio, Claudia; Scordio, Mirko; Santinelli, Letizia; Frasca, Federica; Sorrentino, Leonardo; Bitossi, Camilla; Oliveto, Giuseppe; Viscido, Agnese; Ceci, Flavio Maria; Celani, Luigi; Ceccarelli, Giancarlo; Antonelli, Guido; Mastroianni, Claudio Maria; d'Ettorre, Gabriella; Scagnolari, Carolina
• Is Part Of: Journal of immunoassay & immunochemistry. Volume 43:Issue 4(2022)
• Page Start: 347
• Page End: 364
• Publication Date: 2022-07-04
• Subjects: COVID-19 -- miRNA-122a -- miRNA-146a and miRNA-205 -- SARS-CoV-2 -- inflammation -- IFN response -- ISG -- IFI27 -- miRNA-146a rs2910164 SNP; Immunoassay -- Periodicals; Immunochemistry -- Periodicals; Immunoassay -- periodicals; Immunochemistry -- periodicals; 571.96405
• DOI: 10.1080/15321819.2022.2035394
• Languages: English
• ISSNs: 1532-1819

Abstract

ABSTRACT: Alteration of micro-RNAs (miRNAs) expression, including miRNA-122a, −146a and −205 family members, can have profound effects on inflammatory and IFN pathways (miRNA-146a), known as hallmarks of COVID-19. SARS-CoV-2-infected patients were recruited at Policlinico Umberto I Hospital of Sapienza University of Rome (Italy). MiRNA‐122a, ‐146a, ‐205 and IFI27 (Interferon Alpha Inducible Protein 27) levels were screened in SARS-CoV-2 patients (n = 14) and healthy controls (n = 10) by real‐time RT‐PCR assays. Then, miRNA-146a rs2910164 GC single-nucleotide polymorphism (SNP) was genotyped in a larger group of COVID-19 patients (n = 129), and its relationship with severe disease [Intensive Care Unit (ICU) support or survival/death] was assessed. SARS-CoV-2-positive patients had increased PCR, D-Dimer and Fibrinogen levels compared to healthy controls (p < .05 for all measurements). MiRNA-122a and -146a serum levels were upregulated in COVID-19 patients (miRNA-122a: p = .002; miRNA-146a: p < .001). Decreased IFI27 levels were observed in COVID-19 patients with higher miRNA-146a levels (p = .047). Moreover, miRNA-146a rs2910164 C/G genotypes distributions were similar in COVID-19 patients and in validated European healthy subjects (n = 37, 214). MiRNA-146a SNP was not associated with severe COVID-19 outcome (ICU or death). MiRNA-122a and -146a levels were elevated in SARS-CoV-2 infected patients, with miRNA-146a upregulation possibly contributing to IFN pathways dysregulation (e.g., reduced IFI27 levels) observed in severe COVID-19, although there is no evidence for the involvement of rs2910164 SNP.