Diagnostic significance of circulating miRNAs in systemic lupus erythematosus

Abstract

BackgroundIn recent years, many studies focused on the association between the microRNAs (miR-NAs) and the risk of systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE), especially miRNA-21 (miR-21). We aimed to investigate the role of circulating miRNAs, especially the miR-21, as a biomarker in detecting SLE. MethodsWe searched PubMed, EMBASE, the Cochrane Central Register of Controlled Trials, and China National Knowledge Infrastructure through Mar 3th, 2019. We performed this metaanalysis in a fixed/random-effect model using Meta-disc 1.4 and STATA 15.1. ResultsA total of 17 relevant studies were eligible to analyze pooled accuracy. The overall performance of total mixed miRNAs (TmiRs) detection was: pooled sensitivity, 0.71 (95% confidence interval [CI], 0.69 to 0.72); pooled specificity, 0.81 (95%CI, 0.79 to 0.83); and area under the summary receiver operating characteristic curves value (SROC), 0.8797. The miR-21 detection was: pooled sensitivity, 0.68 (95%CI, 0.62 to 0.74); pooled specificity, 0.77 (95%CI, 0.69 to 0.84); and SROC, 0.8281. The meta-regression analysis showed that the type of samples was the sources of heterogeneity. The subgroup analysis suggested that detection in plasma group had the largest AUC of SROC in all the subgroups: pooled sensitivity, 0.8 (95%CI, 0.78 to 0.82); pooled specificity, 0.83 (95%CI, 0.8 to 0.86); and SROC, 0.9068. ConclusionsOur meta-analysis demonstrated that circulating miRNAs might be potential novel biomarkers for detecting SLE, especially miR-21. Moreover, plasma is recommended as the clinical specimen for diagnostic detection.

Identification and Contribution of Inflammation-Induced Novel MicroRNA in the Pathogenesis of Systemic Lupus Erythematosus

“…Further, we showed that protein level of IL-12 and IL-21 are positively correlated with miR21, miR25, miR186 expression levels. Our data for miR21 agreed with other investigators who have found similar increased expression level in SLE patients ( 13 , 58 , 63 – 69 ). Previously it was shown that miR21 contributes to DNA hypo-methylation in lupus CD4 + T cells by targeting DNA methyltransferase 1 ( 13 ).…”

An miRNA fingerprint using neural-enriched extracellular vesicles from blood plasma: towards a biomarker for amyotrophic lateral sclerosis/motor neuron disease

“…Since miRNA are post-transcriptional regulators of gene expression, mediated via suppression of the translation of mRNAs or degradation of target mRNAs, they transmit executable instructions. They have been identified as potential biomarkers in many fields including cancer [ 25 ], AD [ 26 ], systemic lupus erythematosus [ 27 ], traumatic brain injury [ 28 ], cardiovascular disease [ 29 ], PD [ 30 ], multiple sclerosis [ 31 ] and diabetes [ 32 ]. Since miRNA are found as cargo within EVs and the lipid membrane surrounding EVs protects the miRNA from enzymatic degradation, there is good rationale for examining miRNA extracted from isolated EVs.…”

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

“…Another and negatively correlated with IL-2 levels. 44,45 One study also found that miR-21 was elevated in the peripheral blood mononuclear cells in lupus patients, 46 and expression of miR-155 could be a potential biomarker of SLE diagnosis and disease activity prediction. 47 For treatment, there were some attempts to use microRNA as a means of therapeutic targeting for SLE.…”

“…Another study tested the levels of miR‐31, miR‐21, and IL‐2 concentrations in the plasma of SLE patients. They found that miR‐21 was upregulated and negatively correlated with IL‐2 levels 44,45 . One study also found that miR‐21 was elevated in the peripheral blood mononuclear cells in lupus patients, 46 and expression of miR‐155 could be a potential biomarker of SLE diagnosis and disease activity prediction 47 …”