E-Book

E-Book 3rd Congress

  • A Systematic Review of MicroRNA Expression in Rheumatoid Arthritis and Related Autoimmune Diseases
  • Shadi Nazari Fard,1 Hadis Rahimi,2 Fatemeh Ahmadpour,3,*
    1. Department of Biochemistry and Genetics, School of Medicine, Lorestan University of Medical Sciences, Khorramabad, Iran
    2. Department of Biochemistry and Genetics, School of Medicine, Lorestan University of Medical Sciences, Khorramabad, Iran
    3. Department of Biochemistry and Genetics, School of Medicine, Lorestan University of Medical Sciences, Khorramabad, Iran


  • Introduction: Rheumatoid arthritis (RA), a complex autoimmune disease, involves dysregulation of the immune system. MicroRNAs (miRNAs) have emerged as crucial regulators of gene expression and potential biomarkers for autoimmune diseases. This systematic review aims to provide a comprehensive overview of miRNA expression profiles in various autoimmune diseases, with a focus on RA. The review analyzes studies investigating miRNA expression in different immune cell types, emphasizing CD4+ T cells, CD8+ T cells, and B cells, in patients with RA. Autoimmune diseases, including RA, involve dysregulation of the immune system. MiRNAs, small non-coding RNA molecules, play a pivotal role in post-transcriptional gene regulation and have been implicated in the pathogenesis of autoimmune disorders. This section introduces the significance of understanding miRNA expression patterns in autoimmune diseases
  • Methods: A systematic search of major databases (PubMed, Scopus, etc.) was conducted to identify studies investigating miRNA expression in RA and related autoimmune diseases. Inclusion and exclusion criteria were applied to select relevant studies. Data extraction focused on the types of immune cells analyzed, patient populations, and key findings.
  • Results: MicroRNA Expression in CD4+ T Cells: This section reviews studies that have explored miRNA expression profiles in CD4+ T cells from RA patients, including miR-146a, miR-363, and miR-498. It summarizes consistent findings, discrepancies between studies, and potential implications for RA pathogenesis. MicroRNA Expression in CD8+ T Cells: A detailed analysis of miRNA expression in CD8+ T cells in the context of RA and autoimmune diseases, incorporating miR-155 and its functionally linked gene, suppressor gene of cytokine signaling 1 (SOCS1). This section discusses the functional relevance of identified miRNAs and their association with disease severity. MicroRNA Expression in B Cells: Focusing on the role of miRNAs in B cells, this section reviews studies investigating miRNA expression in CD19+ B cells from RA patients, including miR-21-5p, miR-223-3p, miR-486-3p, and miR-23a-3p. It discusses how dysregulated miRNAs may contribute to aberrant B cell function and autoantibody production. cross-Cutting Themes and Future Directions: A synthesis of common miRNA signatures across different immune cell types, highlighting potential therapeutic targets and biomarkers, including STAT3, PRDM1, and PTEN. This section also discusses gaps in current research and proposes avenues for future investigations.
  • Conclusion: Summarizes key findings from the systematic review, emphasizing the importance of understanding miRNA dysregulation in RA and related autoimmune diseases. Concludes with implications for future research and the potential clinical utility of miRNAs as diagnostic or therapeutic targets.
  • Keywords: Rheumatoid arthritis, MicroRNAs, Autoimmune Diseases.