MiR-146a expression profiles in osteoarthritis in different tissue sources: a meta-analysis of observational studies

Background MiR-146a has been widely studied in the pathogenesis of osteoarthritis (OA); however, the results are still controversial. Objective This meta-analysis analyzes the expression profile of miR-146a in various tissues of OA patients. Methods Public databases were searched for appropriate studies published up to September 1, 2021. A case-control study comparing the OA population and a non-OA healthy population was included. Results 26 articles were included in analysis. The results showed that the expression level of miR-146a in peripheral blood mononuclear cells (PBMCs) was significantly higher in OA patients than in controls (SMD: 1.23; 95% CI 0.08-2.37; p = 0.035) but not in plasma (SMD: 1.09; 95% CI - 0.06, 2.24; p = 0.064). The expression level of miR-146a in cartilage was also significantly higher in OA patients than in controls (SMD: 6.39; 95% CI 0.36, 12.4; p = 0.038) but not in chondrocytes (SMD: - 0.71; 95% CI - 4.15, 2.73; p = 0.687). The miR-146a level was significantly lower in synoviocytes in the OA population than in control patients (SMD: - 0.97; 95% CI - 1.68, - 0.26; p = 0.008). In synovial tissue, synovial fluid, and regulatory T cells, there was no significant difference. Conclusion The expression level of miR-146a in cartilage tissue and PBMCs was significantly higher in OA patients than in non-OA healthy controls. Due to the limitations of this study, more research is needed to confirm these results in the future. Trial registration: retrospectively registered.

Automated summary

This meta-analysis examines the expression profile of miR-146a in various tissues of osteoarthritis (OA) patients. The results show that the expression level of miR-146a in cartilage tissue and peripheral blood mononuclear cells (PBMCs) is significantly higher in OA patients compared to non-OA healthy controls. However, there is no significant difference in miR-146a levels in plasma, chondrocytes, synovial tissue, synovial fluid, and regulatory T cells between OA patients and controls.