Gender Difference of Serum Micro RNA-155 in Multiple Sclerosis Patients

Abstract

Background and ObjectivesMS is becoming more commonplace globally, and its socioeconomic impact on society is becoming more significant. MS affects females nearly three times more frequently than males; male and female hormonal and genetic variations majorly influence health and disease. MicroRNAs, in particular, are of great interest because they can have a wide-ranging impact on downstream signaling pathways; variations in miRNA expression between men and women can make the biological and physiological disparities between the sexes easier to understand.MethodsThe level of miR-155 in the serum of 30 multiple sclerosis patients (21 females and 9 males) was assessed by real-time PCR.ResultsSerum expression of miR-155 was significantly higher in male MS patients than in females; no significant difference was detected between patients on disease-modifying therapy (DMT) and naïve ones.ConclusionMiR-155 sex-dependent differences suggest potential gender-specific roles in neuroinflammation.