Study The Role of miRNA-499 Gene Expression in Susceptibility of Rheumatoid Arthritis in a Sample of Patients from Baghdad Government

Abstract

Rheumatoid arthritis (RA)is an inflammatory autoimmune disease that progressively deteriorates the joints.miRNA-499 is associated with an increased risk of autoimmune disease and may influence susceptibility of rheumatoid arthritis .MicroRNA-499 targets IL-17 and is a critical component in RA progression. Aim. To investigate the gene expression of miRNA-499 in the susceptibility of Iraqi patients with Rheumatoid arthritis.  Methods. The study involved two groups: one hundred RA patients identified clinically and confirmed by rheumatologists and laboratory testing and fifty healthy individuals form the control group. This study was carried out at the Institute of Genetic Engineering and Biotechnology. The time frame for this study has been extended from November 2023 to September 2024.  Results. The expression level of miRNA-499 was found to be significantly higher in rheumatoid arthritis patients than in the control group. The mean expression value in RA patients reached 6.276 ± 1.42, whereas the control individuals exhibited a mean expression level of 1.00 ± 0.00.This significant difference indicates a strong association between miRNA-499 expression and RA. Conclusion. The high gene expression levels of microRNA-499 could be Promising options for biomarker in diagnosis and treatment applications of RA.