Long non-coding RNA MEG3 and its genetic variant rs941576 are associated with rheumatoid arthritis pathogenesis in Egyptian patients
Alaa S. Wahba, Maha Ibrahim, Noha M. Mesbah, Samy M. Saleh, Dina M. Abo‐Elmatty, Eman T. Mehanna
Abstract
BACKGROUND: Rheumatoid arthritis (RA) is a joint destructive disorder. This study aimed to assess lncRNA MEG3 expression and its variant rs941576 in Egyptian patients with RA. SUBJECTS AND METHODS: 100 RA patients and 100 healthy individuals were enrolled in the study. Quantitative PCR was used for expression analysis and allelic discrimination technology for genotyping. RESULTS: = .0003). AA genotype showed a significant decrease in lncRNA MEG3 expression and BAX and increase in HIF-1α and VEGF. CONCLUSIONS: Serum lncRNA MEG3 expression showed negative association with increased susceptibility to RA. MEG3 gene rs941576 (A/G) polymorphism was associated with increased severity of RA in the current population.