Analysis of MicroRNA-18a Expression in Multiple Sclerosis Patients

In multiple sclerosis (MS), the immune system acts against myelin lesions of the central nervous system, destroying neuronal fibers resulting in signal transmission disturbances in the nervous system. MicroRNAs play important roles in the post-transcriptional regulation of gene expression and in the regulation of disease activity and its response to treatment. The goal of this study was to determine the role of miR-18a-5p by comparing its expression in MS patients and healthy subjects. Methods: RNA was isolated from blood samples of 32 MS patients and 32 healthy individuals, and miR- 18a-5p expression was determined by real-time polymerase chain reaction (real-time PCR). Results: miR-18a-5p expression was significantly less in MS patients than in healthy subjects. Conclusions: The reduction of miR-18a-5p expression may be via pathway signaling. Altered signaling plays an important role in MS pathogenesis and the miR-18a-5p expression profile in blood cells can be described as a prognostic biomarker and identifier of high-risk individuals in MS.