MicroRNA and endocrine ophthalmopathy, involvement in glucocorticoid response

Abstract

The accumulated clinical experience proves the existence of glucocorticoid-resistant forms of endocrine ophthalmopathy. It is assumed that epigenetic factors (miRNA) affect the pathogenesis of the disease and are involved in the formation of the glucocorticoid response. Purpose. To study the role of miRNA-146a and miRNA-155 in patients with clinical forms of endocrine ophthalmopathy and to assess their effect on the glucocorticoid response. Material and method: The study included 20 patients (40 orbits) with image intensifier tubes, treated with glucocorticoids (GC) with a negative result, mean age – 52.65 ± 12.6 years. The control group - 28 volunteers without autoimmune and tumor diseases, age 62.9 ± 7.54 years. The expression level of miRNA-155 and miRNA-146a was determined by real-time PCR. Results: The obtained data indicate an increase in the expression level of miRNA-146a and miRNA-155 in patients with clinical forms of endocrine ophthalmopathy at the stage of fibrosis (p <0.01). Conclusion: The obtained results of the functional activity of miRNA-146a and miRNA-155 confirm their participation in the pathogenesis of the development of edematous exophthalmos and endocrine myopathy by activating the fibroplastic process. Key words: endocrine ophthalmopathy, GC therapy, microRNA.