Thesis (M.Sc.) - Cairo University - Faculty of Medicine - Department of Medical Biochemistry

Behcet{u2019}s Disease (BD) is a chronic inflammatory disease with exacerbations and remissions characterized by recurrent orogenital ulcerations, ocular manifestations, arthritis, and vasculitis. In addition, neurological and large vessel involvement can occur. The etiology and pathogenesis of Behcet{u2019}s Disease have not been clearly defined. However, several genetic, environmental, and immunological factors have been suggested as causative factors in this disease The primary mechanism of the damage is an overactive immune system that seems to target the patient`s own body. The involvement of a subset of T cells seems to be important. Vitamin D has long been known to be important for bone health and turnover. It has major biologic activities including cellular proliferation and differentiation, immune system modulation and muscle strengthening. A growing body of evidence supports the hypothesis that vitamin D is an environmental factor important in the etiology of T-cell-mediated autoimmune diseases. The biological effect of vitamin D is thought to occur by binding to its receptor (VDR) which belongs to the steroid receptor superfamily. VDR gene polymorphisms cause functional differences in immuno-modulatory action of vitamin D. This receptor is widely expressed in many cell types including antigen-presenting and lymphocytes cells. There is significant decrease in the level of Vitamin D in patient with Behcet disease. Conclusion: The expression of microRNA 125b shows its statistically significant increase in patients of Behcet disease. Although the expression of microRNA 22 shows no significant difference between patients and control however its expression is lower in patients receiving steroid treatment compared to those who do not receive the treatment

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