Correlation between circulating MicroRNA-142-5p expression and Hashimoto's thyroiditis diagnosis and autoimmunity symptoms prediction, pilot study

Abstract

PurposeTo assess the role of microRNA-142-5p (miR-142-5p) expression alongside serum anti-thyroperoxidase (anti-TPO) and anti-thyroglobulin (anti-TG) proteins in the autoimmune process of Hashimoto's thyroiditis (HT). MethodsEighty patients with HT and 80 subjects with age and sex compatibility as controls constitute the study participants in this case-control study. The miR-142-5p gene expression is measured in all the study populations by real-time PCR. We assessed the correlation between the miR-142-5p expression with serum anti-TPO and anti-TGA proteins (by enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA)), clinical manifestations, and laboratory findings. ResultsThere was a significant difference (p < 0.001) between the patients with HT and controls regarding the miR-142-5p expression levels (Mean ± SD, 110.85 ± 333.14 and 0.09 ± 0.05 respectively). It showed a high diagnostic value at the cutoff point, 0.24 with sensitivity, 97%, specificity, 100%, positive predictive value (PPV), 98%, negative predictive value (NPV), 100%, and accuracy, 99%. Univariate binary logistic regression analysis showed that miR-142 (p = 0.004), anti-TPO (p < 0.001) and anti-TG (p < 0.001) were statistically significant predictors of HT. MiR-142-5p expression was significant, with some of the symptoms suggesting hypothyroidism, autoimmunity, and hypertension. ConclusionsmiR-142-5p expression may be a helpful tool in the diagnosis of HT and autoimmunity symptoms prediction.