Evaluating changes in the expression of BCL-2 gene, lncRNA SRA, and miR-361-3p in unexplained recurrent pregnancy loss

Unexplained recurrent pregnancy loss (RPL) composed almost half of all diagnosed miscarriage cases. As the apoptosis pathway is involved in the pregnancy process the present investigation aimed to assess the differential expression of the BCL-2 gene, SRA lncRNA, miR-361-3p in unexplained RPL patients. In this study, RNA was isolated from 50 blood samples of people with a history of RPL, and 50 blood samples of people with healthy fertility. After cDNA synthesis from these samples, alterations in the expression levels of the above-mentioned genes were examined by Real-Time PCR. Our results showed that the expression of BCL-2 and lncRNA SRA was significantly higher in the blood samples of RPL patients than in controls, while the expression of miR-361-3p was significantly downregulated. Besides, there were significant correlations between the changes in the expression of lncRNA SRA and miR-361-3p with BCL-2, in positive and negative directions, respectively. Also, miR-361-3p presented as a good diagnostic marker with the highest AUC value to discriminate between RPL and the healthy control subjects. These results proposed that ncRNAs may have a significant role in the regulation of apoptosis relates genes expression in RPL.

Aberrant expression of BAX, MEG3, and miR-214-3P genes in recurrent pregnancy loss

AIMS

Recurrent pregnancy loss (RPL), with unknown causes, is one of the most common challenges facing pregnancy. Apoptotic signaling pathways are involved in the normal and abnormal pregnancy process. Despite the evidence pointing toward the aberrant expression of apoptotic and apoptotic-related genes in pregnancy complications, the involvement of these genes in RPL remains to be elucidated. This study aimed to investigate the expression levels of BAX, MEG3, and miR-214-3p (as a microRNA), and their associations in an Iranian population.

MATERIALS AND METHODS

Following the extraction of RNA from blood samples of RPL patients and controls, quantitative expression levels of BAX, MEG3, and miR-214-3p genes were analyzed by real-time RT-PCR.

RESULTS

The findings showed that the expression levels of BAX and miRNA-214-3p were significantly higher in the blood samples of RPL patients than in control samples. In contrast, the expression of MEG3 was significantly down-regulated in women RPL. Furthermore, altered expressions of MEG3 and miRNA-214-3p are associated with their target gene BAX, where the BAX expression is positively and negatively correlated with the expressions of has-miR-214-3P and MEG3, respectively. ROC curve evaluation demonstrated the highest specificity and diagnostic value for miR-214-3p expression in distinguishing RPL samples from the healthy controls.

CONCLUSIONS

These data indicated that the aberrant expression of BAX, MEG3, miRNA-214-3p genes in RPL patients could provide new insights into the biological characteristics and related pathways of differentially expressed genes, which could help as potential diagnostic biomarkers and a better understanding of the molecular mechanisms of RPL.

Incidence and clinical features of amyotrophic lateral sclerosis in Møre and Romsdal County, Norway

BACKGROUND

To determine the annual incidence rate and clinical features of amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS) in Møre and Romsdal County, Norway, in the 20-year period from 1988 to 2007.

METHODS

We recruited ALS patients retrospectively from the patient database of the two neurological departments in Møre and Romsdal County, Norway. The patients were identified by use of the international classification code for diseases. We recorded gender, age, municipality, symptoms, clinical signs, time from onset to diagnosis and death.

RESULTS

105 patients met the inclusion criteria. The crude annual incidence was 2.17 per 100,000 for the period 1988-2007. Gender-specific incidence for men was 2.32 per 100,000, and for women 2.03 per 100,000. Mean age at symptom onset was 66.8 ± 10.5 years. Mean interval from onset of symptoms to diagnosis was 13.5 ± 11.0 months, and mean survival time from diagnosis was 18.0 ± 22.0 months. Prevalence rate estimated on December 31, 2007 was 4.06 per 100,000.

CONCLUSION

The present study shows an annual incidence of ALS of similar magnitude to the previous studies from the Nordic countries during the past years. The short survival time corroborates prior studies, and is stable throughout the two studied decades.