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September 10, 2025Open Access

Circulating miRNA Profile in Inflammatory Bowel Disease Patients with Stress, Anxiety, and Depression

Key Points

Five miRNAs exhibited significant differences across groups, highlighting their potential role in monitoring IBD.
Among the 179 miRNAs assessed, four were associated with IBD and over 20 with recurrent depressive disorder.
The study utilized qRT-PCR to analyze plasma levels across four distinct patient groups, demonstrating complex interactions.
Identifying these specific miRNA patterns may enable better management of IBD patients experiencing stress and anxiety.

Abstract

High rates of depression and anxiety have been reported among patients with inflammatory bowel disease (IBD). The bidirectional relationship between these two conditions, with each affecting the progression of the other, leads to a reduced quality of life. The aim of this study was to identify a miRNA-based pattern that may either be unique to IBD or associated with this complex phenotype. The levels of 179 miRNAs were assessed using qRT-PCR in the plasma of individuals primarily diagnosed with recurrent depressive disorder (SAD), IBD patients (IBD), IBD patients showing symptoms of stress, anxiety, and depression (IBD + SAD), and a control group. Four miRNAs were found to be specifically associated with IBD and more than 20 miRNAs with SAD. Notably, the levels of five miRNAs (miR-223-3p, miR-1260a, miR-320d, miR-423-5p, and miR-486-5p) differed in all the comparisons. miR-342-3p and miR-125a-5p were identified as possible biomarkers able to discriminate between IBD and IBD + SAD. The identification of this pattern of miRNA specific to IBD + SAD could be useful for monitoring disease activity and progression in IBD patients struggling with psychiatric symptoms, which can negatively impact adherence to follow-up care.

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