Cell Free miRNAs (146a and 26a) Expression in Plasma and Saliva as Potential Biomarkers in Newly Diagnosed Rheumatoid Arthritis Patients

Mayyadah H. Rashid, Raja H. Al-Jubouri

Abstract: Rheumatoid arthritis is a common systemic autoimmune disease of uncertain etiology, characterized by chronic inflammation of the synovial tissues and progressive articular damage. Up to date, the most critical issue in rheumatoid arthritis is the need for reliable biomarkers for early diagnosis and monitoring individual responsiveness to therapy. Extensive researches highlight micro RNAs expression as promising disease predictors in future. In the current work, we measured and compared the expression of three selected microRNAs, in plasma and saliva of newly diagnosed RA patients and controls. Real time polymerase chain reaction analysis was reviled that miRNAs (146a and 26a) were differentially expressed in RA patients vs. healthy controls, making them as potential biomarkers in RA diagnosis.

Keywords: rheumatoid arthritis, miRNA, plasma, saliva