MicroRNAs and pro-inflammatory cytokines as candidate biomarkers for recent-onset psychosis

Background Recent studies on the schizophrenia spectrum and other psychotic disorders showed that alternation of immune system components, particularly microRNAs (miRNAs) and pro-inflammatory compounds, plays a significant role in developing the illness. The study aimed to evaluate serum expression of the miRNA-26a, miRNA106a, and miRNA-125b as genetic factors and serum levels of IL-6, IL-1 ss, and TNF-a as pro-inflammatory factors in an IranianAzeri population. Methods Forty patients with recent-onset non-affective psychosis and 40 healthy people as a control group were involved. Expression levels of miRNAs and serum levels of the cytokines were measured using RT-qPCR and ELISA, respectively. T-test, receiver operating characteristics (ROC), and spearman correlation coefficient were carried out data analysis. yResults Findings showed higher levels of IL-6, IL-1 ss, TNF-a, miR-26a, and miR-106a in the plasma of the patients' group compared with the control. miRNA-26a showed a statistically significant higher level (p <.003) compared to the control group, with AUC = 0.84 (95% CI: 0.77 to 0.93, P <.001) and cut- off point = 0.17 in comparison to other miRNAs as mentioned above; in this regard, it might be a suggestive biomarker for schizophrenia in the early stage of the illness. Moreover, miRNAs' expression level was not substantially associated with the level of any measured cytokines above. Conclusions miR-26a might be a suggestive biomarker for schizophrenia in the early stage of the illness. Given that the relationship between other miRNAs and cytokines is not yet well understood; accordingly, there are encouragement and support for continued research in this fascinating field.

Automated summary

This study aimed to evaluate the serum expression of miR-26a, miR-106a, and miR-125b as genetic factors and serum levels of IL-6, IL-1β, and TNF-a as pro-inflammatory factors in an Iranian Azeri population. The results showed higher levels of IL-6, IL-1β, TNF-a, miR-26a, and miR-106a in the patient group compared to the control group, with miR-26a possibly being a suggestive biomarker for early-stage schizophrenia. The relationship between other miRNAs and cytokines is still not well understood, prompting further research in this fascinating field.