Background
Previous studies have demonstrated that dysfunctional regulatory T cells (Tregs) may be associated with Graves’ disease (GD). In this study, we evaluated four serum Treg‐associated miRNAs (miR‐210, miR‐182, miR‐155, and miR‐146a) expressions and assessed the potential of serum miRNAs as biomarkers of GD.
Methods
Foxp3 and serum miRNAs expressions both in GD patients and healthy controls were measured by RT‐PCR.
Results
Serum miR‐210 in GD patients was significantly higher than that of healthy controls (2.64‐fold, P<.001); in contrast, miR‐155 and miR‐146a were lower (P<.001 and P=.008). No significant difference was found in miR‐182. ROC curve analysis indicated that miR‐210, miR‐155, and miR‐146a with the area under ROC (AUC) of 0.803 (70.0% sensitivity and 83.1% specificity), 0.796 (76.3% sensitivity and 76.9% specificity), and 0.736 (68.8% sensitivity and 73.8% specificity), respectively, could differentiate GD patients from healthy controls. Combination of three miRNAs yielded an AUC of 0.976 (91.3% sensitivity and 93.8% specificity) with 92.41% diagnostic efficiency. In addition, serum miR‐210 and miR‐155 in GD were associated with the extent of goiter. Three miRNAs levels were different by gender. Besides, serum miR‐210 was positively correlated with free thyroxine (FT4) and thyrotrophin receptor antibody (TRAb) level.
Conclusion
The serum levels of miR‐210, miR‐155, and miR‐146a may be potential new markers for the diagnosis of GD and play important roles in GD pathogenesis.