Long non-coding RNAs (lncRNAs) are emerging as critical epigenetic regulators within the gene–environment interaction networks and have been implicated in the progression of rheumatoid arthritis (RA). In the present study, we employed high-throughput RNA sequencing to elucidate the differential expression profiles of lncRNAs in peripheral blood mononuclear cells (PBMCs) from a discovery cohort (3 RA patients vs. 3 healthy controls). Following comprehensive sequencing analysis, 8 lncRNAs were identified as potential biomarkers for RA. Through reverse transcription quantitative polymerase chain reaction (RT-qPCR) validation, we confirmed that LINC01881 (p < 0.01) and MIR3142HG (p < 0.01) exhibited expression patterns consistent with our sequencing results. Both showed moderate diagnostic performance (AUC = 0.713 and 0.723, respectively), and their combination improved diagnostic efficacy (AUC = 0.786). LINC01881 expression was negatively correlated with CRP and ESR, while MIR3142HG correlated positively with platelet count. Bioinformatic analysis suggested that LINC01881 may influence the PI3K-Akt pathway through interactions with PTEN-targeting miRNAs, and MIR3142HG may be involved in hematopoietic and platelet-related processes. In summary, MIR3142HG and LINC01881 are potential diagnostic biomarkers for RA. LINC01881 may act as a compensatory regulator of inflammation via PI3K-Akt signaling, while MIR3142HG may influence platelet biology. Further functional studies are warranted to confirm these mechanisms and explore their clinical utility in multi-marker diagnostic panels.
Ankylosing spondylitis (AS) is a chronic inflammatory disorder that imposes a significant economic burden through high healthcare costs. Prior studies have explored AS-related expenditures, but a comprehensive analysis of cost-related factors is lacking. This study aims to fill this gap.
We analyzed data from 6149 AS patients (2018–2024) at two tertiary hospitals in Guangxi, China, and classified them as surgical or non-surgical; inpatients were categorized by catastrophic health expenditures (CHE; > 50% of household income). Descriptive statistics and the Kruskal–Wallis test were used to assess patient characteristics and cost differences, whereas propensity score matching and multivariable logistic regression were used to identify independent CHE predictors.
A total of 6149 AS patients were included. Surgical patients were older and incurred significantly higher inpatient costs (USD 9457.21 vs. USD 1177.10 for non-surgical patients). General medical service costs, imaging examination costs, Western medicine costs, and medical supply costs are risk factors affecting CHE in hospitalized patients.
AS imposes a substantial economic burden, particularly on surgical patients. Key cost drivers, including general medical services, imaging, pharmaceuticals, and medical supplies, markedly increase the risk of catastrophic expenditures. Implementing policy reforms to enhance insurance coverage, alongside clinical cost-control strategies such as rational imaging use, adoption of generic medicines, and optimized management of medical supplies, is essential to alleviate financial strain and improve the sustainability of AS care.
The Asia-Pacific League of Associations for Rheumatology (APLAR) Young Rheumatologists (AYR) initiative addresses critical gaps in professional development through innovative soft skills training and comprehensive mentorship models. This editorial examines holistic approaches to developing emotional intelligence, leadership capabilities, and adaptive competencies essential for contemporary rheumatology practice.
京公网安备 11010802042870号
京ICP备2023020795号-1
扫码关注我们
求助内容：
应助结果提醒方式：