Downregulation of microRNA-520 in chronic plaque psoriasis

Background Psoriasis is a chronic disease, in which genetic and environmental factors play an important role, but the exact cause is yet unknown. It includes inflammation and increased proliferation of skin cells. MicroRNAs (miRNAs) are small, single-stranded, ∼22-nucleotide-long, noncoding gene-regulatory RNA molecules that inhibit gene expression through translational repression or mRNA turnover. MicroRNA-520 suppresses the mitotic entry and proliferation of keratinocytes. Aim This case-control study is to detect the expression of miRNA-520 in serum samples of diseased patients as compared with normal control persons to investigate the possible role of miRNA-520 in the pathogenesis of psoriasis. Patients and methods This study included 30 psoriatic patients and 30 age-matched and sex-matched healthy controls. Peripheral blood samples for serum miRNA-520 were taken. Blood samples were centrifuged and the serum was stored at 80°C and used for quantitative real-time PCR. Results The expression of miRNA-520 was significantly lower in psoriasis patients as compared with healthy controls. Conclusion MiRNA-520 may play an important role in the pathogenesis of psoriasis; hence, it can be used as a biomarker to evaluate its progression and effect of therapeutic interventions.