Distinctive deregulation of miR-27a and miR-27b in relapsing remitting multiple sclerosis

Previous studies have proposed that microRNAs (miRNAs) expression might be responsible for immunological features associated with multiple sclerosis (MS) pathogenesis. We aimed to elucidate the alternation in miR-27a and miR-27b expression in relapsing-remitting multiple sclerosis (RRMS) patients compared to the healthy subjects.

In this study, the expression levels of miR-27a and miR-27b were evaluated in peripheral blood samples of 60 RRMS patients (30 recurrence patients and 30 patients two months after relapse) and 30 healthy subjects by quantitative real-time PCR.

The findings indicated that the expression of miR-27a was significantly decreased in recurring patients (P<0.0001) and two months after relapse patients (P<0.003) in comparison with healthy subjects. Moreover, miR-27b showed down regulation in recurring patients (P<0.001) and two months after relapse patients (P<0.002).

The results demonstrated an association between expression of miRNAs studied and RRMS disease during recurrence and two months after relapse. However, further research is warranted to confirm observed associations.