The Institute of Genetic Engineering and Biotechnology for Postgraduate Studies at the University of Baghdad discussed the Master’s thesis of student Amina Jalil Aziz, titled:
“The Relationship Between Gene Expression, miRNA-499 Genotypes, and Interleukin-17 Levels in the Serum of Rheumatoid Arthritis Patients in Baghdad Governorate,” under the supervision of Assistant Professor Dr. Sanaa Jasim Kadhem.
Objectives of the Study:
The study aimed to:
🔹 Evaluate single nucleotide polymorphisms (SNPs) in miRNA-499 (rs374644).
🔹 Assess gene expression levels of miRNA-499.
🔹 Measure IL-17 and ACCP levels in serum.
🔹 Evaluate additional parameters such as Rheumatoid Factor (RF), C-Reactive Protein (CRP), and Erythrocyte Sedimentation Rate (ESR).
Key Findings:
🔹 Rheumatoid arthritis (RA) can affect individuals of any age, regardless of smoking habits or family history.
🔹 IL-17 plays a crucial role in RA, with significantly higher levels found in RA patients compared to healthy individuals. It also shows a strong correlation with genotype variations and fold-change in expression, making it a potential diagnostic marker.
🔹 Anti-CCP, RF, ESR, and CRP levels were significantly higher in RA patients compared to the control group, serving as useful indicators of the disease.
🔹 Overexpression of miRNA-499 may play a key role in RA development and has a positive correlation with IL-17 levels.
Recommendations:
- Further studies on miRNA-499 gene sequencing to better understand its role in RA progression.
- Investigating the relationship between IL-17 and miRNA before and after treatment.
- Studying DNA methylation and conducting data analysis to enhance knowledge about RA development, gene expression analysis, and HLA gene genotyping linked to RA.
- Performing a comparative analysis of vitamin and mineral levels in RA patients and healthy controls to determine potential risk factors for developing rheumatoid arthritis.
