Abstract:
This study aimed to determine the pathogenetic role of microRNA-122 and microRNA-221 expression in patients with rheumatoid arthritis (RA) and associated liver diseases, serving as potential scrum biomarkers. A total of 148 RA patients were divided into three subgroups: RA with chronic viral hepatitis (CHB/C), RA with non-alcoholic fatty liver disease (NAFLD), and RA without liver disease. MicroRNA expression levels were measured using real-time reverse transcription polymerase chain reaction (PCR). Results showed significantly lower miRNA-122 levels in patients with RA and chronic hepatitis compared to other groups, while miRNA-221 levels were higher in these patients. In the RA-NAFLD group, miRNA-221 expression was also elevated, and its levels were strongly correlated with fibrosis stages. Additionally, miRNA-122 expression was significantly associated with liver enzyme levels (ALT and AST). These findings suggest that miRNA-122 and miRNA-221 arc promising biomarkers for diagnosing RA and liver pathologies, potentially aiding in early detection and treatment planning.
