Serum miR-21 expression correlates with radiographic progression but also low bone mineral density in patients with ankylosing spondylitis: a cross-sectional study

Abstract

Increased expressions of miR-21 have been detected in ankylosing spondylitis (AS) patients. The current study was performed to examine the serum miR-21 expression with radiographic severity in AS patients, which was determined based on the modified New York (NY) criteria for sacroiliac joints assessment and modified Stoke Ankylosing Spondylitis Spinal Score (mSASSS) system for spine involvement. Bone mineral density at lumbar 1–4 and femoral neck were examined by dual-energy absorptiometry (DXA). Serum miR-21 expressions were determined by quantitative real-time PCR, and receiver operating characteristic curve analysis was performed to identify the diagnostic value of miR-21 expression levels regarding the NY criteria. Elevated levels of serum miR-21 expressions were detected in AS patients compared with healthy controls. AS patients with modified NY grade 4 showed significantly higher miR-21 expression than grade 3 and grade 2. AS patients with spinal syndesmophytes had significantly higher serum miR-21 expressions than non-syndesmophyte patients. Increased miR-21 expressions were significantly related to the disease radiographic severity. In addition, serum miR-21 expressions were negatively associated with lumbar 1–4 and femoral neck bone mineral density. In summary, serum miR-21 expressions were related to structural damage and radiological progression in AS, indicating that miR-21 may act as a switch between inflammation and new bone information and regulate different signal ways between lesioned enthesis and trabecular bone.

Long non‐coding RNA growth arrest‐specific 5 and its targets, microRNA‐21 and microRNA‐140, are potential biomarkers of allergic rhinitis

“… 16 In the present study, lnc‐GAS5 expression was found to be elevated, while the expression of its targets, miR‐21 and miR‐140, was decreased in AR patients compared to controls, which is partly in line with previous studies. 9 , 15 , 16 Furthermore, lnc‐GAS5 expression was negatively associated with miR‐21 and miR‐140 expression. There are some potential explanations for these findings.…”

“…Meanwhile, miR‐140 expression is downregulated in synovial fibrous tissues in RA 15 . Furthermore, upregulated miR‐21 expression has been detected in patients with ankylosing spondylitis (AS) compared to healthy controls 16 . In the present study, lnc‐GAS5 expression was found to be elevated, while the expression of its targets, miR‐21 and miR‐140, was decreased in AR patients compared to controls, which is partly in line with previous studies 9,15,16 .…”

miR-21 may Act as a Potential Mediator Between Inflammation and Abnormal Bone Formation in Ankylosing Spondylitis Based on TNF-α Concentration-Dependent Manner Through the JAK2/STAT3 Pathway

“…19 Our research group has previously discovered a positive relationship between expressions of serum miR-21 and lower bone mineral density as well as radiographic progression in patients with AS. 20 Taken together, we hypothesize that miR-21 functions as the mediator between inflammation and abnormal bone formation. Thus, this series of investigations are carried out to explore whether miR-21 contributes to new bone formation mediated by TNF-a.…”

“…19 Our research group has previously discovered a positive relationship between expressions of serum miR-21 and lower bone mineral density as well as radiographic progression in patients with AS. 20…”

Exploring the Extracellular Vesicle MicroRNA Expression Repertoire in Patients with Rheumatoid Arthritis and Ankylosing Spondylitis Treated with TNF Inhibitors

“…In contrast, Huang et al reported greater miR-21 expression in whole blood of patients with AS compared to controls [ 91 ]. Recently, Zou et al showed that upregulation of miR-21 was associated with radiographic severity of AS [ 92 ]. The studies regarding RA reported decreased miR-21 level in PBMCs, CD4+ T cells [ 93 ], and plasma [ 94 ].…”