Study the Relationship Between miR-let-7a gene Expression and IL-13 Levels in Children with Asthma in Baghdad Governorate

Abstract

Asthma is a globally significant non-communicable disease with major public health consequences for both children and adults, including high morbidity, and mortality in severe cases. Aims: This study aimed to explore how molecular changes in the miR-let-7a gene may affect children with asthma and to determine interleukin-13 (IL-13) levels and their relationship with asthma. Methods:  Blood samples were collected from 140 subjects (52 females and 88 males) aged 1–10 years with allergic asthma. The patients were separated into three groups: the first group consisted of those <1 year old, the second group included those aged 1–5 years, and the third group included those >5 years old. Patients were admitted to the Central Children’s Hospital, Al-Kadhimiya Children’s Hospital, Al-Alawiya Children’s Hospital, and Al-Zahraa Center for Asthma and Allergy in Baghdad over the period from November 2023 to February 2024. Results: The study revealed that the second age group had the highest asthma prevalence at 51.25%, followed by the third age group at 38.75%, while the first group demonstrated the lowest percentage at 10.00%.  The distribution of males and females among asthma patients was 65.00% and 35.00%, respectively, whereas among controls it was 58.33% and 41.67%, respectively. The results show significant differences in the expression levels of miR let-7a between the two groups. Specifically, patients exhibited significantly lower levels of Let-7a (0.14 ± 0.1094) compared to controls (1.25 ± 0.8710), with a p-value of 0.001. The IL-13 concentrations in patients were 63.72 ± 2.21, while the control group (60 individuals) had IL-13 concentrations of 50.12 ± 1.42. Conclusion: The results of the study indicate downregulation of the miR-let-7a gene, while high levels of interleukin-13 were observed in children who suffer from asthma.”