The Expression of miRNAs in Sudanese Patients with Systemic Lupus Erythematosus in Khartoum State

Abstract

Background: MicroRNAs (miRs) are noncoding gene regulators that may have a role as diagnostic or prognostic biomarkers in systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE). Aim: To measure the blood levels of miR-146a, miR-126 and miR-30a in Sudanese SLE patients and to investigate their potential role in disease pathogenesis and utility as biomarkers for SLE. Material and Methods: A total of 48 SLE patients and 20 matched healthy individuals were enrolled in this study. SLE disease activity index (SLEDAI) was assessed. The blood levels of miR-146a, miR-126 and miR-30a were determined by Real-time polymerase chain reaction (PCR) in all participants. Γ-INF and IL-2 were analyzed by ELISA, and CD markers were used in flow cytometry. Results: The mean age of the patients was 31.5 ± 8.5 years with disease duration > 5 years. In SLE patients, the mean blood level fold changes of miR-146a (0.33 ± 0.277; P 0.305) compared to controls. Down regulation of miR-146a increase expression of γ-INF (P MiR-126 at a cut-off value 1.209 and miR-146a at cut-off value of 0.9233 which can discriminate between SLE patients significantly associated with SLE disease. Conversely, miR-30a was insignificantly associated with SLE disease (P value > 0.05) as no differences between the SLE patients and healthy control. Conclusion: Circulating miR-146a and miR-126 could be a potential noninvasive biomarker in SLE. This study provides an overview of the current state of research on the role of miRNAs in the immune pathogenesis and regulation of SLE. Further studies are needed in miRNAs profiling expressions of SLE diseases.