Decreased expression of miR-20a and miR-92a in the serum from sulfur mustard-exposed patients during the chronic phase of resulting illness

Abstract

Context: Sulfur mustard (SM), with extensive nucleophilic and alkylating properties, was employed during the Iran–Iraq war by Iraqi forces. The most critical complications attributed to SM are related to dangerous pulmonary disorders collectively known as “mustard lung”. The symptoms gradually emerge over a long period, becoming chronic, and are dependent on time and the amount of exposed SM. Because of the unknown and complex nature of the disease, no differential diagnostic method or absolute treatment strategy has been formally developed.Objective: The aim of our study was to determine the expression pattern of the microRNAs (miRNAs) miR-92a and miR-20a in the serum of patients with mustard lung along with that of normal individuals. miRNAs have been shown to possess stable persistence in biofluids like plasma and serum and are considered non-aggressive biomarkers helpful for diagnosis and treatment of many diseases.Materials and methods: A highly sensitive approach called stem-loop real-time quantitative polymerase chain reaction was employed to study the expression of miRNAs. Results: The expression of miR-92a and miR-20a was significantly down-regulated in the serum of patients with mustard lung compared to the control group.Discussion: Down-regulation of miR-92a and miR-20a may be due to chronic epigenetic alterations after SM exposure, which finally leads to changes in vital cellular processes such as differentiation, proliferation and so forth.Conclusion: Our findings may provide a differential diagnostic method that is effective for diagnosing lung diseases caused by SM exposure. Additionally, these miRNAs may be regarded as probable targets for treatment of lung injuries.