Analysis of the expression of mir-34a, mir-199a, mir-30c and mir-19a in peripheral blood CD4+T lymphocytes of relapsing-remitting multiple sclerosis patients.

Background: Multiple sclerosis is an immune-mediated inflammatory disease of central nervous system. MicroRNAs play important roles in autoimmune diseases such as MS.
Objectives: The aim was to evaluate the expression pattern of miR-34a, miR-199a, miR-30c and miR-19a in peripheral blood derived CD4+ T lymphocytes of both relapsing and remitting phases of MS.
Methods: Blood samples from 40 RRMS patients (20 in relapsing and 20 in remitting phase) and 20 healthy volunteers were taken. CD4+ T cells were isolated. The expression level of miR-34a, miR-199a, miR-30c and miR-19a, and the percentage of Th17 and Treg cells were measured. Expression of master transcription factors of Th17 and Treg cells and several targets of these miRNAs were also evaluated.
Results: Data indicated an increased expression of miR-34a, miR-30c and miR-19a in relapsing phase and decreased expression of miR-199a in remitting phase. ROC curve data add other prestigious information of miR-34a, miR-199a, miR-30c and miR-19a by defining relapsing and remitting phase and also healthy cases with high specificity and sensitivity at a proposed optimum cut-off point.
Conclusion: Collectively, we showed a correlation between the four miRNAs with different phases of MS and their possible involvement in differentiation pathways of Th17 cells, as the most important players in MS.
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