Background: MicroRNAs (miRNAs) contribute to the development and progression of systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE) by affecting a wide range of targeted genes and facilitating the development of lupus nephritis (LN). The present study aimed to analyze the serum expression of miR-181a and miR-223 in SLE patients and to assess whether they could serve as novel biomarkers for SLE diagnosis and to distinguish LN. Methods: The study included 70 control subjects and 116 patients with SLE (67 non-LN and 49 LN groups). Circulating miR-181a and miR-223 expression levels were analyzed among the Egyptian population using a real-time polymerase chain reaction. Results: Up-regulation of miR-181a was detected among SLE patients compared to healthy controls and higher values were reported among the LN group compared to the non-LN group. Down-regulation of miR-223 was reported among SLE patients compared to controls and lower values were reported among the LN group compared to the non-LN group. The higher miR-181a expression and the lower miR-223 expression were associated with higher stages of LN. SLE disease activity index, proteinuria and serum creatinine were independently correlated with miR-181a and miR-223 among SLE patients by linear regression analysis. Receiver-operating characteristic curve analysis revealed that combined miR-181a and miR-223 expression increased the sensitivity and specificity for the diagnosis of SLE and further distinguished LN from non-LN patients. Conclusions: miR-181a and miR-223 could play a role in evaluating SLE disease progression and prognosis. Combined miR-181a and miR-223 expression analysis could serve as novel serum-based biomarkers in the diagnosis of SLE and predicting LN among Egyptians.

Epiphyseal osteochondritis is a localized disorder in childhood. Vascular insufficiency is thought to be the most significant etiologic factor. This study had been carried on Primary and Preparatory school children in Zagazig City and surrounding villages in Sharkia Governorate, Egypt. Total number of studied children were 16,060, 7,380 males, 8,680 females. The mean age was 11.41 ± 1.99. Our results showed that the prevalence of osteochondritis was 21:10,000. Distribution of Sever's and Osgood-Shlatter diseases were significantly high compared with other osteochondritis. Regarding the sex distribution, osteochondritis was frequent in males. Our results showed that there was history of trauma especially in Sever's and Osgood-Schlatter diseases.