The importance of micro-RNA 224-3p in pathogenesis of NonSegmental Vitiligo

Abstract

Background Vitiligo is a skin and less common hair disease characterized by a decline in melanocyte function with a prevalence of 0.5–1% in most populations. Micro-RNAs (miRNAs) are single-stranded, noncoding, short RNA molecules, they act as regulators of gene expression and play critical roles in many biological processes such as differentiation, development, and metabolism of the human-body cells. Aim This case–control study aimed at detection of the expression of miRNA-224-3p in lesional skin of vitiligo patients as compared with normal-control persons to detect the possible role of miRNA-224-3p in the pathogenesis of vitiligo. Patients and methods This study included 30 patients with vitiligo and 30 healthy controls. About 4-mm punch skin biopsy was taken from patients (vitiligo lesion) and controls and it was kept in lysis solution for the stability of the studied parameters and was kept frozen at −80°C till analysis of miRNA-224-3p by quantitative reverse-transcription-PCR. Results The level of miRNA-224-3p in lesional skin of vitiligo was significantly higher as compared with normal-control persons. Conclusion MiRNA-224-3p may play an important role in pathogenesis of vitiligo, so it can be used as a biomarker to evaluate its progression and effect of therapeutic interventions.