Circulating miR-۲۱ Overexpression Correlates with PDCD۴ and IL-۱۰ in Systemic Lupus Erythematosus (SLE): A Promising Diagnostic and Prognostic Biomarker

Background:  Systemic Lupus Erythematosus (SLE) is a chronic autoimmune condition that affects multiple organs significantly impacts morbidity and mortality. The development of SLE is influenced by genetic predisposition and dysregulated immune response. Our objective was to investigate miR-۲۱, IL-۱۰, and PDCD۴ expression in SLE patient plasma and analyze their correlations and potential diagnostic and prognostic values. Methods: The study included ۱۰۰ healthy subjects, ۵۰ newly diagnosed (ND), and ۵۰ under-treatment (UT) SLE patients. The patients were observed for ۲۴ weeks to track relapses. miR-۲۱ and PDCD۴ gene expression levels were measured using real-time RT-PCR, and IL-۱۰ production was measured using ELISA. Results: miR-۲۱ and IL-۱۰ expression levels were significantly greater in SLE patients than in healthy subjects, with the highest levels observed in ND patients. PDCD۴ expression was also significantly greater in SLE patients than in subjects, with the highest levels observed in UT patients. ROC curve analyses and Cox-Mantel Log-rank tests indicated miR-۲۱, PDCD۴, and IL-۱۰ as proper diagnostic and prognostic biomarkers for SLE. The study also revealed a significant positive correlation between miR-۲۱ and PDCD۴ and IL-۱۰ levels in SLE patients. Conclusions: The studies suggest that dysregulation of miR-۲۱, PDCD۴, and IL-۱۰ in patients with SLE may contribute to disease development and provides new diagnostic and prognostic markers. Additionally, the observed correlation between miR-۲۱, PDCD۴, and IL-۱۰ levels in SLE patients signifies a potential interplay between these molecules.

Keywords:

Interleukin-۱۰ (IL-۱۰) , Microrna-۲۱ (miR-۲۱) , Programmed Cell Death ۴ Protein (PDCD۴) , Systemic Lupus Erythematosus (SLE).