Comparing the expression of MicroRNA in the serum of blood donors with HBV& HCV positive test compared to healthy subjects in Bushehr Transfusion Center

Introduction: MicroRNAs are non-coding RNAs of approximately 22 nucleotides that regulateexpression by binding to the target gene of the mRNA. Changes in the expression of microRNAs inviral-related diseases, including hepatitis, have recently been studied. The aim of the present studywas to compare the expression of MicroRNA-501-5p in serum of blood donors with the result ofHCV or HBV positive ELISA test in Bushehr Blood Transfusion Center.Materials Methods: This case-control study was performed on four groups including 40 healthydonors, 33 HBV positive donors, 20 donors with ELISA positive and confirmation negative testresults for HCV(HVCe+) and group of 20 donors with both ELISA and confirmation positive testresults for HCV(HCVec+). cDNA synthesis was done according to the manufacturer instructions.Micro-RNAs’ expression was evaluated using qRT-PCR.Results: According to the findings of our study, the mean expression of microRNA-501-5pincreased in HCVec subjects and this difference was significant (P 0.001). Also, the meanexpression in HBV subjects was increased and there was significant difference (P 0.011). Mean expression of this variable was increased in HCVe subjects, but this difference was notsignificant (P 0.832)Conclusion: Our findings showed that the average expression of microRNA-501-5p could be usedas an appropriate indicator for screening and diagnosis of these diseases. Hence, studying microRNAs’ profiles in larger population who suffer from HCV and HBV is strongly recommended