Small non-coding RNAs are microRNAs (miRNAs) that can play a role in controlling various immune functions. MicroRNA-146a (miRNA-146a) is regarded as an essential element in posttranscriptional gene expression regulator, indicating a possible function in autoimmune diseases. Aim: The aim of the research was to evaluate the expression of miR-146a and Interleukin-17 serum levels as potential markers for rheumatoid arthritis (RA) diagnosis and to investigate its association with the activity of the disease. Methods: This research comprised 60 subjects divided into 30 RA patients and 30 healthy individuals. The rate of erythrocyte sedimentation rate (ESR), anti-cyclic-citrullinated peptide (anti-CCP) antibodies rheumatoid factor (RF), Creactive protein (CRP) and serum IL-17 level were estimated. Using reverse transcriptase real time polymerase chain reaction quantitative, the relative quantification of miR-146a expression was determined. Results: There are highly pronounced statistical variations was observed between patients and healthy controls, with relative expression of miR-146a, (ESR), CRP, IL-17 and (anti-CC). There are also extremely important statistical differences (p < 0.001) between the various patient subgroups with respect to miR-146a relative expression. IL-17 level in the RA group was higher than in the control group. Positive associations were noticed between the levels of IL-17, ESR, CRP, (anti-CCP) and miR-146a. Conclusion: This study showed that even the expression of miR-146a was highly significant in RA patients, the level of expression was associated with the activity of the disease. Also, the increase in serum IL-17 in patients with RA compared with healthy controls played an important role in the diagnosis of the inflammatory and destructive characteristics of RA.

The prevalence of diabetes mellitus (DM) is increasing in many countries. A lower prevalence of DM type 2 and other glucose metabolism disorders was observed in populations consuming larger amounts of n-3 polyunsaturated fatty acids, existing mainly in fish. Docosahexaenoic acid (DHA) is an important signaling molecule required for the central nervous system continuous maintenance of brain functioning. The aim of this research is to highlight the role of DHA in controlling glycemic measures and modulating the oxidant/antioxidant status and levels of neurotransmitters in brains of diabetic rats. Diabetes was induced with a single s.c. injection of streptozotocin (STZ) (6.0 mg/0.5 ml/100 g body weight). Experimental male Wister rats (n=40) were randomly divided into four groups: control group, DHA, STZ-diabetic, and STZ + DHA. All rats were decapitated after 30 days to evaluate glucose and insulin levels, brain oxidative stress and also to estimate monoamines levels. DHA administration significantly improved fasting blood glucose and insulin levels compared to the DHA+STZ group and decreased 8-hydroxy-2'-deoxyguanosine level in their urine. In addition, DHA treatment to STZ-treated rats showed a decrease in malondialdehyde content and advanced oxidation protein product and significantly increased glutathione content in brains of DHA + STZ-treated rats, and decreased the level of monoamines in rat's brain. To conclude: DHA modulated the elevated oxidative stress and neurotransmitters levels, and also acetylcholinesterase activity in diabetic rat brain via enhancing insulin level in serum