Functional polymorphisms in pre-miR146a and pre-miR499 are associated with systemic lupus erythematosus but not with rheumatoid arthritis or Graves' disease in Mexican patients

Association between Susceptibility to Systemic Lupus Erythematous and Polymorphisms in miR-146a and miR-499: A Meta-Analysis

INTRODUCTION

This study aimed to determine whether miR-146a and miR-499 polymorphisms are associated with susceptibility to systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE).

METHODS

We searched the MEDLINE, EMBASE, and Cochrane databases. We performed a meta-analysis on the association of miR-146a rs2910164, rs2431697, rs57095329, and miR-499 rs3746444 polymorphisms with susceptibility to SLE.

RESULTS

Twenty-one studies from 17 reports, with 18,910 patients and 29,622 controls, were included in the meta-analysis. Meta-analysis revealed no association between SLE and the rs2910164 C allele (odds ratio [OR] = 0.999, 95% confidence interval [CI] = 0.816-1.222, p = 0.990). Stratification by ethnicity indicated no association between the miR-146a C allele and SLE in Arab or Latin American populations. The meta-analysis revealed an association between SLE and the miR-499 rs374644 CC + CT genotype in the overall group (OR = 1.313, 95% CI = 1.015-1.698, p = 0.038). Furthermore, meta-analysis revealed a significant association between SLE and the miR-146a rs2431697 C allele in the overall group (OR = 0.746, 95% CI = 0.697-0.798, p = 0.038). The miR-146a rs2431697 C allele is protective against SLE risk. Stratification by ethnicity indicated an association between the miR-146a rs2431697 C allele and SLE in Asian and European, but not Arab populations. The meta-analysis showed an association between the miR-146a rs57095329 G allele and SLE in Asian, but not Arab populations.

DISCUSSION/CONCLUSION

This meta-analysis suggests that the miR-146a rs2431697 polymorphism is a protective factor against the risk of SLE, and that the miR-146a rs57095329 and miR-499 rs3746444 polymorphisms are associated with susceptibility to SLE. However, miR-146a rs2910164 was not associated with susceptibility to SLE.

Potential Impact of Polymorphisms in Toll-like Receptors 2, 3, 4, 7, 9, miR-146a, miR-155, and miR-196a Genes on Osteoarthritis Susceptibility

Osteoarthritis (OA) is a progressive inflammatory disease of synovial joints and a leading cause of disability among adults. Inflammation-related genes, including genes for Toll-like receptors (TLRs), are tightly controlled by several microRNAs that, in addition to their pivotal role in the epigenetic regulation of target genes, are ligands for TLR activation and downstream signaling. Thus, we evaluated the association between OA risk and genetic variants in TLR2, TLR3, TLR4, TLR7, TLR9, and microRNAs that regulate TLRs signaling miR146a, miR155, and miR196a2. Our study group consisted of 95 surgically treated OA patients and a control group of 104 healthy individuals. Genetic polymorphisms were determined using TaqMan real-time PCR assays (Applied Biosystems). Adjusted logistic regression analysis demonstrated that polymorphisms in TLR4 rs4986790 (OR = 2.964, p = 0.006), TLR4 rs4986791 (OR = 8.766, p = 0.00001), and TLR7 rs385389 (OR = 1.579, p = 0.012) increased OA risk, while miR-196a2 rs11614913 (OR = 0.619, p = 0.034) was significantly associated with decreased OA risk. Our findings indicate that polymorphisms in the TLR4 and TLR7 genes might increase OA risk and suggest a novel association of miR-196a2 polymorphism with decreased OA susceptibility. The modulation of TLRs and miRNAs and their cross-talk might be an attractive target for a personalized approach to OA management.

Analysis of MIR27A (rs11671784) Variant Association with Systemic Lupus Erythematous

Multiple microRNAs (miRs) are associated with systemic autoimmune disease susceptibility/phenotype, including systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE). With this work, we aimed to unravel the association of the miR-27a gene (MIR27A) rs11671784G/A variant with SLE risk/severity. One-hundred sixty-three adult patients with SLE and matched controls were included. A TaqMan allelic discrimination assay was applied for MIR27A genotyping. Logistic regression models were run to test the association with SLE susceptibility/risk. Genotyping of 326 participants revealed that the heterozygote form was the most common genotype among the study cohort, accounting for 72% of the population (n = 234), while A/A and G/G represented 15% (n = 49) and 13% (n = 43), respectively. Similarly, the most prevalent genotype among cases was the A/G genotype, which was present in approximately 93.3% of cases (n = 152). In contrast, only eight and three patients had A/A and G/G genotypes, respectively. The MIR27A rs11671784 variant conferred protection against the development of SLE in several genetic models, including heterozygous (G/A vs. A/A; OR = 0.10, 95% CI = 0.05-0.23), dominant (G/A + G/G vs. AA; OR = 0.15, 95% CI = 0.07-0.34), and overdominant (G/A vs. A/A + G/G; OR = 0.07, 95% CI = 0.04-0.14) models. However, the G/G genotype was associated with increased SLE risk in the recessive model (G/G vs. A/A+ G/G; OR = 17.34, 95% CI = 5.24-57.38). Furthermore, the variant showed significant associations with musculoskeletal and mucocutaneous manifestations in the patient cohort (p = 0.035 and 0.009, respectively) and platelet and white blood cell counts (p = 0.034 and 0.049, respectively). In conclusion, the MIR27A rs11671784 variant showed a potentially significant association with SLE susceptibility/risk in the studied population. Larger-scale studies on multiethnic populations are recommended to verify the results.

MIR149 rs2292832 and MIR499 rs3746444 Genetic Variants Associated with the Risk of Rheumatoid Arthritis

INTRODUCTION

MicroRNAs (miRNAs) are small non-coding RNAs that play a key role in post-transcriptional modulation of individual genes' expression. Several miRNA variants from different populations are known to be associated with an increased risk of rheumatoid arthritis (RA).

AIM

This study was undertaken with the aim to investigate the association of single nucleotide variants; namely, rs2292832, rs3746444, rs11614913, rs1044165, and rs767649 of MIR149, MIR499, MIR196, MIR223, and MIR155, respectively, with RA in the Pakistani population.

METHODS

A case-control study was performed by recruiting and genotyping a total of 600 individuals (300 cases and 300 controls) for these five variants using a TaqMan single-nucleotide polymorphism (SNP) genotyping assay. The resultant genotypic data was statistically analyzed through a chi-squared test for its association with RA under different inheritance models.

RESULTS

We found a significant association of rs2292832 with RA at genotypic (co-dominant (p < 0.0001), dominant (CC vs. TT + CT: OR 2.063 (1.437-2.962); p = 0.0001), recessive (TT vs. CT + CC: OR 0.376 (0.259-0.548); p < 0.0001)), and allelic (allele C) levels ((OR 0.506 (0.402-0637); p < 0.0001)). Similarly, the rs3746444 showed a significant association with RA under co-dominant (p = 0.0001), dominant (GG vs. AA + AG: OR 5.246 (3.414-8.061); p < 0.0001), recessive (AA vs. GG + AG: OR 0.653 (0.466-0.916); p = 0.014), and additive models (G vs. A; OR 0.779 (0.620-0.978); p = 0.03). However, we did not observe any significant association of rs11614913, rs1044165, or rs767649 with RA in our subjects.

CONCLUSION

To our knowledge, this was the first study that investigated and found an association between functional polymorphisms in miRNAs and RA in the Pakistani population.

miRNAs insights into rheumatoid arthritis: Favorable and detrimental aspects of key performers

Rheumatoid arthritis (RA) is a severe autoimmune inflammation that mostly affects the joints. It's a multifactorial disease. Its clinical picture depends on genetic and epigenetic factors such as miRNAs. The miRNAs are small noncoding molecules that are able to negatively or positively modulate their target gene expression. In RA, miRNAs are linked to its pathogenesis. They disrupt immunity balance by controlling granulocytes, triggering the release of several proinflammatory cytokines such as interleukin-6 and tumor necrosis factor-α, finally leading to synovium hyperplasia and inflammation. Besides, they also may trigger activation of some pathways as nuclear factor kappa-β disrupts the balance between osteoclast and osteoblast activity, leading to increased bone destruction. Moreover, miRNAs are also applied with efficiency in RA diagnosis and prognosis. Besides the significant association between miRNAs and RA response to treatment, they are also applied as a choice for treatment based on their effects on the immune system and inflammatory cytokines. Hence, the review aims to present an updated overview of miRNAs, their biogenesis, implications in RA pathogenesis, and finally, the role of miRNAs in RA treatment.

Follow-up of clinical activity and accumulated organic damage in a cohort of patients with systemic lupus erythematosus from the Yucatán Peninsula, Mexico (1995-2016)

INTRODUCTION

Systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE) is an autoimmune with variable severity, common in Hispanic and African-American individuals.

OBJECTIVE

To know the clinical activity and the accumulated damage, as well as the prevalence and incidence, in a dynamic cohort of patients with SLE from the Yucatan Peninsula (1995-2016).

PATIENTS AND METHODS

A cohort of 200 patients with SLE, medical service beneficiaries of the ISSSTE Regional Hospital of Mérida, Yucatán, was analysed for 22 years. Disease activity and accumulated damage were evaluated using the MEX-SLEDAI scale and the SLICC-ACR-DI, respectively, and its correlation with clinical and demographic variables.

RESULTS

185 female and 15 male patients were analysed. Average accumulated damage and activity indices during follow-up were 4.63 and 1.10, respectively. The activity index was significantly lower in females compared to males (4.36 vs 7.43), and the accumulated damage did not present a difference by sex. The manifestations associated with greater activity were the mucocutaneous and articular ones, and the organs with the greatest accumulated damage were the musculoskeletal, neurological and gonadal. A relationship between the indices was found with the evolution time, remissions/reactivations, and persistent activity. Mortality was related to persistent activity due to systemic vascular complications and kidney and liver failure. The annual incidence and prevalence of SLE calculated was 2.86% and 48.43% in Yucatán Peninsula.

CONCLUSIONS

The patients presented persistent activity, with mild to moderate reactivations, and accumulated damage more aggressive in men. The clinical activity decreases and increases the accumulated damage at a longer evolution time, with less kidney disease and greater survival, which suggests a more benign course in the population of the Yucatan Peninsula.

Association between genetic variants of microRNA-21 and microRNA-155 and systemic lupus erythematosus: A case-control study from a Chinese population

Background

Systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE) is a common autoimmune disease, and its pathogenesis remains unclear. The alteration of genetic materials is believed to play a role in SLE development. This study evaluated the association between the genetic variants of microRNA‐21 (miR‐21) and microRNA‐155 (miR‐155) and SLE.

Methods

The SNaPshot genotyping method was used to detect the genotypes of selected SNPs in patients and controls. The expression of miR‐21 and miR‐155 was analyzed using reverse transcription‐quantitative polymerase chain reaction (RT‐qPCR). The functional annotation and the biological effects of SNPs were assessed by HaploReg V4.1 and Regulome DB V2.0 software. The Hardy–Weinberg equilibrium test was used to gather statistics, and odds ratios (ORs) and 95% confidence intervals (CIs) were evaluated by logistic regression.

Results

The distribution difference of TA genotype in rs767649 was observed (TA vs. T/T: OR = 0.68, 95%CI, 0.48–0.95, p = 0.026). There was a significant difference in the T/A + A/A (T/A + A/A vs. T/T: OR = 0.68, 95%CI, 0.49–0.94, p = 0.020). A significant difference in T allele distribution was found in the depressed complement of SLE (T vs. A: OR = 0.67, 95%CI, 0.47–0.95, p = 0.026). There were significant differences in genetic variants of rs13137 between the positive and the negative SSB antibodies (Anti‐SSB) (T vs. A: OR = 0.67, 95%CI, 0.47–0.95, p = 0.026; T/A + T/T vs. AA: OR = 2.23, 1.18–4.49, p = 0.013). The expression levels of miR‐21 and miR‐155 were significantly higher in patients than in controls (p < 0.001).

Conclusions

This study provides novel insight that genetic variants of rs767649 and rs13137 are associated with susceptibility to SLE.

mir-146a genetic polymorphisms in systemic lupus erythematosus patients: Correlation with disease manifestations

This study aimed to investigate the genetic polymorphisms of miR-146a SNPs (rs2910164, rs57095329, and rs2431697) in systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE) patients and their association with clinical manifestations. The implication of SNPs on miR-146a expression level was also evaluated. SLE patients (113) and healthy controls (104) were registered in this study. The miR-146a SNPs were genotyped by polymerase chain reaction/restriction fragment length polymorphism (PCR-RFLP). Quantitative real-time PCR was used to measure the miR-146a expression in peripheral blood mononuclear cells (PBMCs). Our results showed that the genotype frequency of miR-146a SNPs didn't deviate significantly from the Hardy–Weinberg equilibrium (HWE). The AG genotype and G allele of miR-146a (rs57095329 A/G) might be considered a risk factor for the disease (OR = 2.27; CI: 0.78–6.57 and OR: 2.35; CI: 0.79–6.92 for AG genotype and G allele, respectively). Although, no statistical significance in the distribution of miR-146a SNPs (rs2910164, rs57095329, and rs2431697) was found, indicating the lack of association between the three SNPs and SLE susceptibility. Significantly, the higher frequency of the AA genotype of miR-146a (rs57095329) was associated with pancytopenia (P < 0.05), while the CT genotype of miR-146a (rs2431697) was associated (P < 0.05) with the antiphospholipid syndrome (APS). SLE patients had significantly higher levels of miR-146a compared to controls (P < 0.05). Elevation of miR-146a was independent of any SNP genotypes. In conclusion, this pilot study shows no association between miR-146a SNPs in our population group and susceptibility to lupus. Studies concerning other miRNAs in larger sample sizes are essential for a better understanding of their role in susceptibility to SLE disease.

•

This study is concerned with genetic polymorphisms of miR-146a in Lupus patients.

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The AG genotype and G allele of miR-146a (rs57095329 A/G) might be considered a risk factor.

•

No significance in the distribution of miR-146a SNPs (rs2910164, rs57095329, and rs2431697).

•

miR-146a level was significantly elevated in SLE irrespective to any SNP genotypes.

•

AA genotype of rs57095329 was associated with pancytopenia while the CT genotype of rs2431697 was associated with the APS.

Association between miRNA-499 gene polymorphism and autoimmune diseases: A meta-analysis

Introduction

The association between miRNA-499 rs3746444 and a variety of autoimmune diseases has been reported. However, these results were contradictory and just focused on one or two autoimmune diseases. The present study aims to examine the possible association between rs3746444 polymorphism and the risk of autoimmune diseases.

Methods

The studies that evaluated the association between miRNA-499 gene polymorphism and autoimmune diseases were retrieved. Five different genetic models were used to evaluate the association. The random-effects model was used to pool the effect sizes. Odds ratios (ORs) and 95% confidence intervals (CIs) were calculated to estimate the associations. Stratification analyses were performed by ethnicity and type of autoimmune diseases. False-positive report probability (FPRP) was performed for determining noteworthy associations.

Results

Seventeen articles (twenty studies) involving 4,376 cases and 4,991 controls were identified and included in our meta-analysis. The pooled ORs of all eligible case-control studies indicated a significant association between miRNA-499 gene polymorphism and autoimmune diseases: (T vs. C: OR = 0.877; 95% CI: 0.774, 0.993; P = 0.039). Stratified analysis indicated a significant association across both Caucasian (TT vs. TC+CC: OR = 0.779; 95% CI: 0.622, 0.976; P = 0.030) and Asian (T vs. C: OR = 0.895; 95% CI: 0.808, 0.992; P = 0.035) populations. There was also a significant association in Behcet’s disease, rheumatoid arthritis, systemic lupus erythematosus, and ulcerative colitis populations.

Conclusions

Our meta-analysis suggested that the miRNA-499 rs3746444 polymorphism was associated with an elevated risk of autoimmune diseases in the overall analysis as well as Caucasian and Asian populations.

MicroRNA-Mediated Epigenetic Regulation of Rheumatoid Arthritis Susceptibility and Pathogenesis

MicroRNAs (miRNAs) play crucial roles in regulating the transcriptome and development of rheumatoid arthritis (RA). Currently, a comprehensive map illustrating how miRNAs regulate transcripts, pathways, immune system differentiation, and their interactions with terminal cells such as fibroblast-like synoviocytes (FLS), immune-cells, osteoblasts, and osteoclasts are still laking. In this review, we summarize the roles of miRNAs in the susceptibility, pathogenesis, diagnosis, therapeutic intervention, and prognosis of RA. Numerous miRNAs are abnormally expressed in cells involved in RA and regulate target genes and pathways, including NF-κB, Fas-FasL, JAK-STAT, and mTOR pathways. We outline how functional genetic variants of miR-499 and miR-146a partly explain susceptibility to RA. By regulating gene expression, miRNAs affect T cell differentiation into diverse cell types, including Th17 and Treg cells, thus constituting promising gene therapy targets to modulate the immune system in RA. We summarize the diagnostic and prognostic potential of blood-circulating and cell-free miRNAs, highlighting the opportunity to combine these miRNAs with antibodies to cyclic citrullinated peptide (ACCP) to allow accurate diagnosis and prognosis, particularly for seronegative patients. Furthermore, we review the evidence implicating miRNAs as promising biomarkers of efficiency and response of, and resistance to, disease-modifying anti-rheumatic drugs and immunotherapy. Finally, we discuss the autotherapeutic effect of miRNA intervention as a step toward the development of miRNA-based anti-RA drugs. Collectively, the current evidence supports miRNAs as interesting targets to better understand the pathogenetic mechanisms of RA and design more efficient therapeutic interventions.

Fas and microRNAs Variations as a Possible Risk for Behçet Disease

BACKGROUND

Behçet disease (BD) belongs to a disease family that has a transparent borderline between autoinflammatory and autoimmune disorders. Fas and some miRNAs have revealed to display remarkable roles in both autoimmune and autoinflammatory processes, and they can play important roles in defective apoptosis in BD. We investigated the association of the susceptibility of BD with Fas, miRNA variations, and their both single and combined presence in a Turkish population as a case-control study.

METHODS

The distributions of FAS-670 A>G rs1800682, mir146a rs2910164, and mir196a rs11614913 polymorphisms are analyzed with the polymerase chain reaction-restriction fragment length polymorphism method in 115 BD patients and 220 controls in 6-month period.

RESULTS

Statistical analysis indicates that in the case of Fas-670 A/G rs1800682, AA genotype and A allele have a protective role in BD (p = 0.0004 and p = 0.0009, respectively). The dominant model (AA + AG/GG) also displays a protective effect on BD unlike the recessive model (p = 0.03). In addition, both homozygous genotype (CC) of rs2910164 of mir-146a (p = 0.04) and the dominant model (CC + CG vs. GG) have protective effects on BD unlike the recessive model (p < 0.0001). Both mir-196a2 rs1800682 polymorphism and combined genotype analysis of rs1800682-rs2910164 and rs1800682-rs11614913 gave no statistically significant differences within the groups for genotypes and either of the alleles (p > 0.05).

CONCLUSIONS

These findings indicate that both Fas rs1800682 and mir-146a rs2910164 variants might be important factors participating in the protection against BD in the Turkish population.

Association Analysis Between the Functional Single Nucleotide Variants in miR-146a, miR-196a-2, miR-499a, and miR-612 With Acute Lymphoblastic Leukemia

Background

Acute lymphoblastic leukemia (ALL) is characterized by an abnormal proliferation of immature lymphocytes, in whose development involves both environmental and genetic factors. It is well known that single nucleotide polymorphisms (SNPs) in coding and noncoding genes contribute to the susceptibility to ALL. This study aims to determine whether SNPs in miR-146a, miR-196a-2, miR-499a, and miR-612 genes are associated with the risk to ALL in pediatric Mexican population.

Methods

A multicenter case-control study was carried out including patients with de novo diagnosis of ALL and healthy subjects as control group. The DNA samples were obtained from saliva and peripheral blood, and the genotyping of rs2910164, rs12803915, rs11614913, and rs3746444 was performed using the 5′exonuclease technique. Gene-gene interaction was evaluated by the multifactor dimensionality reduction (MDR) software.

Results

miR-499a rs3746444 showed significant differences among cases and controls. The rs3746444G allele was found as a risk factor to ALL (OR, 1.6 [95% CI, 1.05–2.5]; p = 0.028). The homozygous GG genotype of rs3746444 confers higher risk to ALL than the AA genotype (OR, 5.3 [95% CI, 1.23–23.4]; p = 0.01). Moreover, GG genotype highly increases the risk to ALL in male group (OR, 17.6 [95% CI, 1.04–298.9]; p = 0.00393). In addition, an association in a gender-dependent manner among SNPs located in miR-146a and miR-196a-2 genes and ALL susceptibility was found.

Conclusion

Our findings suggest that SNP located in miR-499a, miR-146a, and miR-196a-2 genes confer risk to ALL in Mexican children. Experimental analysis to decipher the role of these SNPs in human hematopoiesis could improve our understanding of the molecular mechanism underlying the development of ALL.

Meta-Analysis of miRNA Variants Associated with Susceptibility to Autoimmune Disease

Purpose

Various studies have shown an association between miRNA polymorphisms and susceptibility to autoimmune disease (AD); however, the results are inconclusive. To evaluate whether miRNA polymorphisms account for a significant risk of AD, a total of 87 articles, including 39431 patients and 56708 controls, were identified to estimate their association with 12 AD subtypes.

Methods

Several electronic databases were searched to analyze population-based studies on the relationship between miRNA variants and AD risk. Fixed effects or random effect models were used in the meta-analysis for the risk assessment.

Results

In our meta-analysis, miR-146a rs2910164/rs57095329 conferred a marginally elevated risk for AD (allele model, OR = 1.08, 95% CI: 1.01-1.15, P = 0.019; allele model, OR = 1.09, 95 CI: 1.05-1.15, P < 0.001, respectively). Furthermore, miR-196a2 rs11614913 was also associated with AD risk (allele model, OR = 0.92, 95% CI: 0.88-0.97, P = 0.001) as well as miR-499 rs3746444 (allele model, OR = 1.16, 95% CI: 1.03-1.29, P = 0.011). In addition, associations were observed between miR-149 rs2292832/miR-27a rs895819 and AD susceptibility in the overall population (allele model, OR = 1.15, 95% CI: 1.06-1.24, P < 0.001; allele model, OR = 1.11, 95% CI:1.01-1.22, P = 0.043, respectively).

Conclusions

Evidence from our systematic review suggests that miR-146a, miR-196a2, miR-499, miR-149, and miR-27a polymorphisms are associated with susceptibility to AD.

Association of miR-499 Polymorphism and Its Regulatory Networks with Hashimoto Thyroiditis Susceptibility: A Population-Based Case-Control Study

Hashimoto thyroiditis (HT) is a common autoimmune disorder with a strong genetic background. Several genetic factors have been suggested, yet numerous genetic contributors remain to be fully understood in HT pathogenesis. MicroRNAs (miRs) are gene expression regulators critically involved in biological processes, of which polymorphisms can alter their function, leading to pathologic conditions, including autoimmune diseases. We examined whether miR-499 rs3746444 polymorphism is associated with susceptibility to HT in an Iranian subpopulation. Furthermore, we investigated the potential interacting regulatory network of the miR-499. This case-control study included 150 HT patients and 152 healthy subjects. Genotyping of rs3746444 was performed by the PCR-RFLP method. Also, target genomic sites of the polymorphism were predicted using bioinformatics. Our results showed that miR-499 rs3746444 was positively associated with HT risk in heterozygous (OR = 3.32, 95%CI = 2.00–5.53, p < 0.001, CT vs. TT), homozygous (OR = 2.81, 95%CI = 1.30–6.10, p = 0.014, CC vs. TT), dominant (OR = 3.22, 95%CI = 1.97–5.25, p < 0.001, CT + CC vs. TT), overdominant (OR = 2.57, 95%CI = 1.62–4.09, p < 0.001, CC + TT vs. CT), and allelic (OR = 1.92, 95%CI = 1.37–2.69, p < 0.001, C vs. T) models. Mapping predicted target genes of miR-499 on tissue-specific-, co-expression-, and miR-TF networks indicated that main hub-driver nodes are implicated in regulating immune system functions, including immunorecognition and complement activity. We demonstrated that miR-499 rs3746444 is linked to HT susceptibility in our population. However, predicted regulatory networks revealed that this polymorphism is contributing to the regulation of immune system pathways.

Meta-analysis of association of microRNAs genetic variants with susceptibility to rheumatoid arthritis and systemic lupus erythematosus

BACKGROUND

An increasing body of studies has investigated that genetic polymorphisms in microRNA (miRNA) may be related to susceptibility to rheumatoid arthritis (RA) and systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE). However, some results remain controversial. Thus, a meta-analysis was embarked on assessing whether some miRNA polymorphisms are associated with the risk of RA and SLE.

METHODS

Relevant studies were acquired on PubMed, Web of Science, Cochrane Library, CNKI, and Embase electronic databases from inception to December 2019. The strength of the association of miRNA polymorphisms with the risk of RA and SLE was assessed by odds ratios (ORs) and 95% confidence intervals (CIs).

RESULTS

Eligible 20 articles (36 studies) involving 5 miRNAs were enrolled in the meta-analysis. For RA, the polled result showed that there was no significant relationship between miR-146a rs2910164 and RA, but subgroup analysis based on ethnicity demonstrated that CC genotype may be a genetic protect factor for RA in Caucasians (CC vs CG+GG, OR = 0.825, 95% CI: 0.684-0.996, Pz = .045, Ph = .166). Besides, statistical significance of miR-499 rs3746444 (T/C) with susceptibility to RA was observed as well in the overall population, and the association was only significant in Caucasians but not Asians. For SLE, the associations of miR-146a rs2431697 T allele/T-carrier with increased risk of SLE were observed.

CONCLUSIONS

Our results highlight that miR-499 rs3746444 may contribute to RA susceptibility, particularly in Caucasians. In addition, CC genotype in miR-146a rs2910164 may act as a protector of RA in Caucasians. For SLE, miR-146a rs2431697 (C/T) is most likely to the increased the risk of SLE. These findings do not support the genetic association between miR-196a2 rs11614913 and RA/SLE susceptibility, as well as the association of miR-146a rs2910164, miR-146a rs57095329, miR-499 rs3746444 with SLE.

Association of CD40 Gene Polymorphisms With Systemic Lupus Erythematosus and Rheumatoid Arthritis in a Chinese Han Population

Systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE) and rheumatoid arthritis (RA) are complex autoimmune diseases. CD40 participates in inflammatory response, and promotes fibroblast proliferation, leading to occurrence and progression of SLE, RA. This study explores CD40 gene polymorphisms in SLE and RA patients from a Chinese Han population. Two hundred SLE patients, 340 RA patients, and 900 healthy controls were enrolled. Genomic DNA was extracted from peripheral blood, and six polymorphisms of CD40 gene (rs3765456, rs1569723, rs73115010, rs13040307, rs1883832, and rs4810485) were detected by KASP method. Frequencies of rs1569723 genotypes AA, AC, AA+AC were significantly higher in RA patients as compared to those in healthy controls (P = 0.049, P = 0.024, P = 0.022). Frequencies of genotypes CT, CC+CT of rs1883832, and GT, GG+GT of rs4810485 were significantly higher in RA patients as compared to those in healthy controls (P = 0.012, P = 0.018, P = 0.009, P = 0.015). RA patients carrying rs13040307 C allele and rs73115010 T allele showed increased number of swollen joints. Moreover, frequency of allele T of rs13040307 was lower in SLE patients with positive anti-dsDNA and hematuria as compared to that in patients without these parameters (P = 0.038, P = 0.045). There were increased frequencies of genotype TT, allele T for rs13040307 and lower frequencies of genotype TT, allele T for rs73115010 in lupus patients with myositis (all P<0.05). Interestingly, frequencies of rs1569723 A allele, rs4810485 T allele were higher in SLE patients with myositis, and frequencies of rs3765456 A allele, rs1883832 T allele were lower in SLE patients with myositis (All P<0.05). In conclusion, CD40 gene polymorphisms may associate with susceptibility to SLE and RA.

Are functional variants of the microRNA-146a gene associated with primary knee OA? Evidence in Mexican mestizo population

MicroRNA-146a (miR-146a) is an inflammatory response regulator whose expression is deregulated in osteoarthritis (OA); variations in the miR-146a gene could affect OA risk. This study aimed to analyze the association between two functional variants of the miR-146a gene and primary knee OA in Mexican mestizo population. Methods and Results. A case-control study was conducted with cases defined as individuals aged ≥ 40 years with primary knee OA grade ≥ 2, according to the Kellgren-Lawrence system. Controls were volunteers with no primary knee OA with radiographic grade < 2. TaqMan allelic discrimination assays genotyped the rs2910164 and rs57095329. Allelic and genotypic frequencies, as well as the Hardy-Weinberg equilibrium (HWE), were calculated. The genetic association was tested under codominant, dominant, and recessive models. Non-conditional logistic regressions were carried out to estimate the association magnitude. We included 310 cases and 379 controls. Despite rs2910164 being in HWE, there was no association under codominant, dominant, and recessive models. In women with OA grade 2, the codominant model found a trend between the CC genotype and increased risk [OR (95% CI)  1.6 (0.7-3.5)]; the same trend was found in OA grade 4 in the codominant and recessive models [1.8 (0.6-5.4) and 2.0 (0.7-5.9)]. Conversely, in men with OA grade 4, the CC genotype tended to be associated with a lower risk in the codominant and recessive models [0.6 (0.1-6.0) and 0.5 (0.1-5.1)]. Conclusion. Our results show that miR-146a gene variants are not significantly associated with primary knee OA in Mexican mestizos.

Altered expression of miR-142, miR-155, miR-499a and of their putative common target MDM2 in systemic lupus erythematosus

Aim: To evaluate genetic and expression variability of three miRNAs potentially involved in systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE) and to identify any miRNA's target gene. Materials & methods: Gene polymorphisms and expression levels of three miRNAs have been evaluated in a cohort of SLE patients and controls. Results: miR-142 and miR-499a were significantly down-expressed in patients (p = 0.005 and p = 0.02, respectively). A trend for down-expression of miR-155 was also observed (p = 0.07). The lower expression of miR-142 was associated with the rs2632516 polymorphism variant allele (p = 0.002). Predictive analyses identified a target gene common to the three miRNAs, MDM2, whose higher expression was seen in patients compared with controls (p = 0.03). Conclusion: The three miRNAs and MDM2 might be involved in SLE.

Polymorphisms of Pre-miR-499 rs3746444 T/C and Pre-miR-146a rs2910164 C/G in the Autoimmune Diseases of Rheumatoid Arthritis and Systemic Lupus Erythematosus in the West of Iran

BACKGROUND

The present research is a case-control study to analyze the influence of pre-miRNA-146a rs2910164 and pre-miRNA-499 rs3746444 polymorphisms as candidate susceptibility factors for both rheumatoid arthritis (RA) and systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE).

METHODS

Polymorphism in miR146 and miR499 using ARMS-PCR was genotyped on 139 autoimmune disease (AD) patients (89 RA and 50 SLE) referred to Educational Hospitals of Khorramabad, Lorestan Province, west of Iran in 2018-2019 and 237 healthy control subjects.

RESULTS

A significant increase in the likelihood of carrying the GC vs. GG of pre-miR146-rs2910164 and T vs C allele of pre-miR499- rs3746444 in patients with RA was found. On the contrary, patients with RA were less likely to carry the TC + CC vs TT genotype and the C vs T allele of pre-miR499- rs374644. In females with the GC vs GG and GC+ CC vs GG genotypes, a significant association was found with the increased risk of RA. Interestingly, the genotypic combination of TC of the pre-miR499-rs374644 with GG of pre-miR146-rs2910164 more strongly decreased the risk of RA. In patients with SLE, no notable associations were found between both pre-miRNA-146a rs2910164 and pre-miRNA-499 rs3746444 with risk of disease.

CONCLUSION

Genetic polymorphisms of miR146 rs2910164 is associated with RA susceptibility especially in females. Interestingly, there is a potential in miR499 to reduce the risk with the protective effect of gene-gene interactions on miR146 in RA disease.

MicroRNAs in rheumatoid arthritis: From pathogenesis to clinical impact

Over the last decade, many epigenetic mechanisms that contribute in the pathogenesis of autoimmune disorders have been revealed. MicroRNAs (miRNAs) are small, non-coding, RNA molecules that bind to messenger RNAs and disrupt the transcription of target genes. Rheumatoid arthritis (RA) is a chronic systemic autoimmune disease in which a plethora of epigenetic changes take place. Current research on RA epigenetics has focused mainly on miRNAs. Genetic variance of some miRNA genes, especially miR-499, might predispose an individual to RA development. Additionally, altered expression of many miRNAs has been discovered in several cells, tissues and body fluids in patients with RA. MiRNAs expression also differs depending on disease's stage and activity. Serum miR-22 and miR-103a might predict RA development in susceptible individuals (pre-RA), while serum miR-16, miR-24, miR-125a and miR-223 levels are altered in early RA (disease duration <12 months) patients compared to established RA or healthy individuals. Moreover, serum miR-223 levels have been associated with RA activity and disease relapse. What is more, serum levels of several miRNAs, including miR-125b and miR-223, could be used to predict response to RA treatment. Finally, miRNA analogs or antagonists have been used as therapeutic regimens in experimental arthritis models and have demonstrated promising results. In conclusion, the research on the miRNA alterations in RA sheds light to several aspects of RA pathogenesis, introduces new biomarkers for RA diagnosis and treatment response prediction and offers the opportunity to discover new, targeted drugs for patients with RA.

Association of microRNAs genes polymorphisms with arthritis: a systematic review and meta-analysis

Objective: To investigate whether microRNAs genes’ polymorphisms are associated with arthritis. Methods: The PubMed, Cochrane Library et al. were systematically searched to identify case–control studies, systematic reviews and meta-analyses. A meta-analysis was performed to calculate odds ratios (ORs), and confidence intervals (CIs) at 95% using fixed-effect model or random-effects model. Results: Twenty-two case–control studies involving 10489 participants fulfilled the inclusion criteria. MiR-146a rs2910164 (G/C) was not significantly associated with the risk of rheumatoid arthritis (RA) in any model. Significant associations were found between miR-146a rs2910164 (G/C) and the risk of psoriatic arthritis (PsA) in the heterozygous model and the dominant model. The heterozygous model showed a significant association between the miR-146a rs2910164 (G/C) polymorphism and ankylosing spondylitis (AS). And there was no significant association of miR-146a rs2910164 (G/C) with risk of juvenile rheumatoid arthritis (JRA) at any model. Additionally, there was a significant association of miR-499 rs3746444 (T/C) with risk of RA at two genetic models, and with a moderate heterogeneity. When subgroup analysis by ethnicity, significant associations were almost found between miR-499 rs3746444 (T/C) and the risk of RA in any model in Caucasian populations, and there is no heterogeneity. Conclusions: The association of miR-146a rs2910164 (G/C) with RA was not found. And there was a significant association between miR-146a rs2910164(G/C) and PsA or AS. MiR-499 rs3746444 (T/C) was associated with RA in Caucasian populations. These findings did not support the genetic association between miR-146a rs2910164 (G/C) and JRA susceptibility, as well as the association of miR-196a-2 rs11614913 (C/T), miR-146a rs2431697, miR-146a rs57095329, miR-149 rs22928323 with arthritis.

Association of rs2910164 Polymorphism in miRNA-146 and rs3746444 Polymorphism in miRNA-499 with Inflammatory Arthritis: A Meta-Analysis

Objectives

The purpose of this study was to explore the association of miRNA-146 and miRNA-499 polymorphisms with inflammatory arthritis.

Methods

A systematic search of studies on the association of miRNA-146 and miRNA-499 polymorphisms with inflammatory arthritis susceptibility was conducted in PubMed, Web of science, Elsevier ScienceDirect, and Cochrane Library. Eventually, 18 published studies were included. The strength of association between miRNA-146/499 polymorphisms and inflammatory arthritis susceptibility was assessed by odds ratios (ORs) with its 95% confidence intervals (CIs).

Results

A total of 18 case-control studies, consisting of 3385 inflammatory arthritis patients and 4584 controls, were included in the meta-analysis. This meta-analysis showed significant association between miRNA-499 rs3746444 polymorphism and inflammatory arthritis susceptibility in overall population (C vs T, OR: 1.422, 95% CI= 1.159-1.745, P=0.001). Similar results were found in subgroup analysis by region. But we did not find association between miRNA-146 rs2910164 polymorphism and inflammatory arthritis susceptibility in overall population (C vs T, OR: 1.061, 95% CI= 0.933-1.207, P=0.365).

Conclusions

The present study indicates that miRNA-499 rs3746444 polymorphism is associated with inflammatory arthritis susceptibility. However, there is lack of association between miRNA-146 rs2910164 polymorphism and inflammatory arthritis susceptibility. But, we also find miRNA-146 rs2910164 and miRNA-499 rs3746444 polymorphism are associated with inflammatory arthritis in Middle East. Therefore, more large-scale studies are warranted to replicate our findings.