BACKGROUND

Rheumatoid arthritis (RA) is a relatively frequent autoimmune disorder with individual and socioeconomic burden, particularly if diagnosed late. Therefore, identifying novel biomarkers for RA that assist in early diagnosis and managing plan is essential. Long noncoding RNA nuclear paraspeckle assembly transcript 1 (NEAT1), micro-RNA 21 (miR-21) and interleukin 17 (IL17) have emerging roles in the pathogenesis of numerous inflammatory conditions. The present research aims to evaluate NEAT1, miR-21 and IL17 roles in RA manifestations and activity and the possibility of utilizing them as biomarkers or therapeutic targets for the disease. Therefore, expression levels of NEAT1, miR-21 and IL17 in sera of 100 RA cases, and 100 age and sex-matched healthy controls were compared. A subsequent analysis was conducted to examine the correlation of their levels to various RA manifestations and disease activity.

RESULTS

Both NEAT1 and IL17 were significantly up regulated, while miR-21 was significantly down regulated in cases compared to controls. NEAT1 demonstrated a significant positive correlation with tender and swollen joint counts and with the overall DAS-28 score. A significant negative correlation was noted between miR-21 and RA disease duration.

CONCLUSION

NEAT1, miR-21, and IL17 have differential levels in patients with RA where NEAT1 and IL17 have up regulation, while miR-21 has down regulation. NEAT1 has a significant correlation with RA disease activity. We recommend further research to determine if they could be useful as future biomarkers for RA.