Distinctive deregulation of miR-27a and miR-27b in relapsing remitting multiple sclerosis

Introduction: Previous studies have proposed that microRNAs (miRNAs) expression might be responsible for immunological features associated with multiple sclerosis (MS) pathogenesis. We aimed to elucidate the alternation in miR-27a and miR-27b expression in relapsing-remitting multiple sclerosis (RRMS) patients compared to the healthy subjects. Materials and methods: In this study, the expression levels of miR-27a and miR-27b were evaluated in peripheral blood samples of 60 RRMS patients (30 recurrence patients and 30 patients two months after relapse) and 30 healthy subjects by quantitative real-time PCR. Results: The findings indicated that the expression of miR-27a was significantly decreased in recurring patients (P<0.0001) and two months after relapse patients (P<0.003) in comparison with healthy subjects. Moreover, miR-27b showed down regulation in recurring patients (P<0.001) and two months after relapse patients (P<0.002). Conclusion: The results demonstrated an association between expression of miRNAs studied and RRMS disease during recurrence and two months after relapse. However, further research is warranted to confirm observed associations.