Micro-RNA 18b and interleukin 17A profiles in relapsing remitting multiple sclerosis

The involvement of micro RNAs (miRNAs) in multiple sclerosis (MS) has been recently explored. Up-regulated miRNAs may play critical roles in MS pathogenesis and may be used as a signature for MS. Besides, the role of inflammatory cytokines has been long established with recent focus on interleukin-17 (IL-17). To evaluate the level of expression miR-18b in relation to IL-17A in relapsing remitting (RR) MS patients during relapse and remission SUBJECTS AND METHODS: Twenty-eight RRMS patients and 26 age and sex matched control subjects were included. Serum miR-18b was assessed by quantitative real-time PCR, and serum level of IL-17A was measured by ELISA. Serum miR-18b expression was higher in relapse compared with remission and with controls (24.8 ± 21.91 vs 2.49 ± 0.97 vs 1 ± 0.36 respectively; P