Dysregulation of microRNA146a-5p expression in systemic lupus erythematosus females: Diagnostic potential and association with ocular manifestations

Background: Micro-ribonucleic acids (miRNA) are key regulators for the expression of related target genes and their aberrant expression has a substantial role across many pathways within autoimmunity. Aim of the work: To evaluate the expression of miRNA-146a-5p in systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE) patients and to assess its relation to the disease activity and various disease parameters with specific focus on the ocular manifestations. Patients and methods: 42 female SLE patients and 39 matched healthy individuals were enrolled in this study. The serum level of miRNA146a-5p was evaluated by a quantitative real-time polymerase chain reaction (PCR) (Taqman technology). Results: The mean age of the patients was 29 ± 9.1 years. The serum level of miRNA146a-5p was significantly higher in SLE cases (3.21 ± 4.47 fold change) compared to the controls (1.54 ± 1.66 fold change) (p = 0.001). A significant negative association was found between the serum level of miRNA146a-5p and C4 level (p = 0.018). Expression levels of miRNA146a-5p were significantly decreased in patients with photosensitivity (p = 0.006). Regarding ocular manifestations, a lower level of miRNA146a-5p was detected in patients suffering from dry eyes, cataract, keratitis and drusen compared to patients without and a higher level was found in those suffering from retinopathy. Serum miRNA146a-5p at a cut off value of 1.36 could discriminate patients from controls (95%CI: 0.61–0.84; p = 0.001) at a sensitivity of 69% and specificity of 64.1%. Conclusion: These findings suggest that miR-146a-5p could be a potential diagnostic biomarker in SLE and may implicate a functional role in the pathophysiology of the ocular manifestations in the disease.