MicroRNA 155 Expression and Treatment Response in Toxoplasma gondii-Infected Psoriasis Patients

Abstract

Introduction: Toxoplasma infection is highly prevalent among patients with different autoimmune diseases, including psoriasis patients. Pyrimethamine is an antiparasitic medication that has a variable treatment response in Toxoplasma-infected patients. This study investigates the demographic, biochemical, and genetic factors influencing the response to pyrimethamine treatment in Toxoplasma gondii-infected psoriasis patients. Methods: We conducted a comprehensive analysis of 73 patients diagnosed with toxoplasmosis. Demographic characteristics, biochemical lab results, and the serum levels of TNF-α detected by ELISA, and MicroRNA-155 expression were analyzed using real-time PCR with the 2ΔΔCt method. Results: Total cholesterol and bilirubin levels were higher in patients with good responses compared to those in the poor response group, while other biochemical parameters did not exhibit any statistically significant differences. Neither MicroRNA-155 expression nor serum TNF-α levels were found to be significantly associated with treatment response. Univariate and multivariate logistic regression analyses were conducted to assess predictors of treatment response to pyrimethamine. Conclusion: Biochemical markers play a role in determining the response to pyrimethamine treatment; however, other factors may also contribute. Future research should focus on larger longitudinal studies to validate these findings and explore additional biomarkers.