Expression levels of miR-146a-5p, miR-155-5p and the pro-inflammatory cytokine IL-8 in pregnant women with anti-phospholipid syndrome

Background: Anti-phospholipid syndrome (APS) is systemic autoimmune disorder defined as presence of anti-phospholipid antibodies with multiple obstetric complications. miR-146a-5P and miR-155-5P regulate APS and its associated inflammatory cytokines. Purpose: Our aim is to study expression levels of miR-146a-5p, miR-155-5p and pro-inflammatory cytokine interleukin-8 (IL-8) among pregnant females having APS. Research design: It is a case-control study. Data Collection and Analysis: Case group consisted of 50 pregnant women having APS. Control group consisted of 50 healthy pregnant women. Expression levels of miR-146a-5p and miR-155-5p were determined by quantitative reverse transcription polymerase chain reaction method (qPCR). IL-8 levels were determined using enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA). Results: miR-146a-5p (mean ± SD), p value (confidence interval (CI)) among APS group versus Control group = (0.95 ± 0.7) versus (0.27 ± 0.4); 0.01 (0.44-0.90). miR-146a-5p had area under curve (AUC) of 0.813, sensitivity 66% & specificity 86%. miR-155-5p (mean ± SD); p value (CI) among APS group versus Control group = (0.57 ± 1.0) versus (0.48 ± 0.7); 0.60 (-0.25-0.43). miR-155-5p had (AUC) of 0.582, sensitivity 92% & specificity 40%. (mean ± SD); P value (CI) of IL-8 in APS group versus control group = (6.11 ± 1.2) versus (5.19 ± 0.5); CI(-0.36- 0.52), p < .001. Conclusion: miR-146a-5p significantly higher among APS group. IL-8 significantly more predominates among APS group. Alterations in miRNA expression are involved in thrombosis associated pregnancy complications.