The expression analyses of RMRP, DDX5, and RORC in RRMS patients treated with different drugs versus naive patients and healthy controls

Although T helper 17 (Th17) lymphocytes protect mucosal barriers against infections, they have been implicated in the development of multiple sclerosis (MS). RORC and DDX5 can regulate Th17 differentiation and the development of MS. Since RMRP, as a long non-coding RNA (lncRNA), can mediate the RORC-DDX5 complex, this lncRNA can be involved in developing MS. This study investigated the expression levels of RORC, DDX5, and RMRP in treatment-naive relapsing-remitting multiple sclerosis (RRMS) patients, healthy controls, and RRMS patients treated with IFN beta-1 alpha or fingolimod, or dimethyl fumarate (DMF), or glatiramer acetate (GA). There was substantial up-regulation in the expression of RORC, DDX5, and RMRP in treatment-naive RRMS patients compared to healthy controls. Among the comparisons of their expressions in the different groups of treated patients with treatment-naive patients, only the down-regulation of the RMRP expression level was significant in IFN beta-1 alpha-treated patients. Also, these changes were more pronounced in female patient groups. Our analyses have highlighted the high diagnostic value of RORC, DDX5, and RMRP in treatment-naive RRMS patients. Furthermore, RMRP has demonstrated moderate positive correlations with the expression of DDX5 and RORC in treated RRMS patients.

Automated summary

Th17 lymphocytes play a role in protecting mucosal barriers against infections while potentially contributing to the development of MS. Long non-coding RNA may be involved in this process, with significant up-regulation seen in treatment-naive RRMS patients. RMRP has shown a moderate positive correlation with the expression of DDX5 and RORC in treated RRMS patients.