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

Background and aims: Micro-RNAs (MiRNAs) were believed to play a role in the pathogenesis of many neurological disorders. We investigated the expression of miRNA-22, vitamin D and vitamin D receptor levels in patients with multiple sclerosis (MS) to clarify their role in MS pathogenesis and their impact on clinical course of the disease (progression and disability). Methods: This case-control study was conducted on 100 subjects; 50 patients with MS fulfilling the 2010 McDonald's criteria and 50 healthy ages and sex matched control. The clinical disability was evaluated using the expanded disability status scale (EDSS). MiRNA-22 expression was performed using Quantitative RT-PCR. Serum level of vitamin D and vitamin D receptor were performed using ELISA techniques. Results: Our results demonstrated that the miRNA-22 was significantly downregulated in MS patients with p-value 0.001. The serum expression of Vit D and VDR were significantly downregulated in MS patients with p-value 0.001. Conclusion: This study suggests the possible role of low serum Vit D as well as serum expression of both miRNA-22 and VDR in MS pathogenesis. Suggesting a possible role of Vit D supplementation in treatment of MS. Further studies are required to clarify the molecular pathways through which miRNA-22 may influence MS pathogenesis and clinical presentation

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