A comparative analysis of circulating miRNA-21 and miRNA-155 in asthma patients versus healthy controls: Insights into potential biomarkers

<bold>Background:</bold> Current diagnostic methods for asthma lack specificity in identifying phenotypes and genotypes. MicroRNAs (miRNAs) have emerged as potential biomarkers given their role in asthma pathogenesis. <bold>Aims and Objectives:</bold> This study aimed to compare miRNA-21 and miRNA-155 expression levels in bronchial asthma patients and healthy controls, exploring their potential as biomarkers for asthma diagnosis and lung function evaluation. <bold>Methods:</bold> Blood samples were collected from 30 asthma patients and 30 healthy controls. Serum miRNA extraction, reverse transcription, and quantification were performed using specific kits and qRT-PCR. Data analysis was performed using the ΔΔCt method with normalization to endogenous controls. <bold>Results:</bold> miRNA-21 expression differed significantly between cases and control (ΔCt:2.56±1.93 vs. 4.04 ±1.92, p=0.004). However, expression level of miRNA-155 between the two groups was not statistically significant (ΔCt:2.36±0.88 vs. 2.70±1.40, p=0.258). Correlations were observed between miRNA levels and FEV1, indicating potential lung function associations. <fig><object-id>erj;64/suppl_68/PA3079/F1</object-id><object-id>F1</object-id><object-id>F1</object-id><graphic></graphic></fig> <bold>Conclusion:</bold> Circulating miRNA-21 expression exhibit associations with asthma biology and lung function. These results underscore the potential of miRNAs as biomarkers for asthma diagnosis and monitoring. Further research is needed to validate and explore clinical implications of these findings.