MicroRNA-296-5p Expression in COVID-19 Patients and its Relationship with Inflammatory Cytokines

Abstract

Objectives: The cytokine storm, triggered by the activation of certain pro-inflammatory genes in the second phase of COVID-19, is associated with severe acute respiratory disorder. Evidence suggests that microRNAs (miR) and cytokine levels can play pivotal roles in host cell antiviral defense mechanisms. This study aimed to investigate the changes in IFN-γ inducible protein 10 (IP-10) and miR-296-5p expression, as well as their relationship with some inflammatory cytokines and biochemical variables in COVID-19 patients. Methods: This retrospective single-center study was conducted on 30 COVID-19 patients and 30 controls. The expression of miR-296-5p and IP-10 genes in peripheral blood mononuclear cells (PBMCs) was evaluated using real-time PCR. Serum levels of IL-6, TNF-α, and CRP were measured by ELISA. Results: Higher expression levels of miR-296-5p and IP-10 genes were observed in COVID-19 patients compared to controls (P=0.001). Furthermore, IP-10, IL-6, and TNF-α levels were significantly higher (PP<0.01) in COVID-19 patients than in controls. The results also showed positive correlations between miR-296-5p expression and serum levels of IL-6, CRP, and TNF-α in patients with COVID-19. ROC curve analysis of miR[1]296-5p in COVID-19 patients showed an area under the curve of 0.830, 95% CI (0.658-0.815), P<0.001, with an optimal cut-off point of 0.32965. Conclusion: Our results suggest a regulatory role for miR-296-5p in cytokine secretion in COVID-19. The results indicate that the expression of miR-296-5p and IP-10 genes in PBMCs might serve as convenient novel biomarkers for the prognosis of COVID-19.