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MicroRNA‑1246 Gene Expression as a Biomarker in Patients with Systemic Lupus Erythematosus in Iraq
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FA Shihab *    , RM Abed |
| 1.Department of Biotechnology, College of Science, University of Baghdad, Baghdad, Iraq. , fatma.aamer1706b@sc.uobaghdad.edu.iq |
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Abstract: (21 Views) |
Background and Objective: MicroRNAs are non‑coding gene regulators that may serve as biomarkers for the diagnosis or prognosis of systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE). This study aimed to evaluate microRNA‑1246 gene expression using quantitative real‑time PCR (qRT‑PCR).
Methods: This cross‑sectional study was conducted on 100 women with systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE) and 100 healthy women serving as controls. Based on medication status, SLE patients were divided into two groups: the first group comprised 24 newly diagnosed patients who were not receiving any medication, while the second group included 76 patients who had been diagnosed with the disease for 6.23±0.58 years and were on active treatment. All patients were compared using laboratory tests including antinuclear antibodies (ANA), anti‑double‑stranded DNA antibodies (anti‑dsDNA), complement 3 (C3), complement 4 (C4), C‑reactive protein (CRP), erythrocyte sedimentation rate (ESR), hemoglobin, white blood cell count, and platelet count.
Findings: The mean age of women with SLE was 30.93±9.85 years, while that of the control group was 32.97±9.13 years. The mean body mass index (BMI) in SLE patients was 28.62±6.50 kg/m², which did not differ significantly from the control group (27.11±5.60 kg/m²; p=0.07). A positive family history was reported in 74% of SLE patients. The study results demonstrated a significant increase in MicroRNA‑1246 expression, with a mean fold change of 2.31 compared to the control group (1.00-fold). No correlation was found between MicroRNA‑1246 expression changes and any demographic or laboratory variables in the present study.
Conclusion: Based on the results of this research, microRNA‑1246 may be considered a biomarker for susceptibility to SLE. |
Article number: e58 |
| Keywords: Autoimmune Disease, Gene Expression, Microrna, Systemic Lupus Erythematosus, Biomarker. |
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Full-Text [PDF 860 kb]
(10 Downloads)
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Type of Study: Research |
Subject:
Genetics, Cell and Molecular Biology
Received: 2025/02/4 | Accepted: 2025/07/28 | Published: 2026/10/28
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