Elevated miRNA Expression and IL-6 Levels in COVID-19 Patients: Correlations and Implications for Inflammatory Response

Background: The role of microRNAs (miRNAs) in viral diseases is well established. Due to the COVID-19 pandemic, this study analyzed the expression levels of miR200b-3p, miR34b-5p, miR203a-3p, and Let7g-5p in the blood samples of COVID-19 patients, along with the expression level of interleukin-6 (IL-6) as a biomarker. Objectives: The purpose of this study is to investigate the correlation between the expression levels of IL-6 and the mentioned miRNAs. Methods: The study included 60 COVID-19 patients confirmed by an infectious disease specialist and positive real-time PCR tests, hospitalized at Razi Hospital, Ahvaz. The control group consisted of thirty healthy people. COVID-19 disease was verified using oro-nasopharyngeal swab samples, and PBMC samples from patients were used to check the expression level of IL-6. Plasma samples were analyzed for the expression levels of miR200b-3p, miR34b-5p, miR203a-3p, and Let7g-5p. Results: All examined expression factors were markedly elevated in COVID-19 patients in comparison to the control group. Specifically, miR200b-3p (P < 0.00), Let7g-5p (P < 0.003), and miR203a-3p (P < 0.00) exhibited significantly higher levels in the infected group. MiR34b-5p (P < 0.02) also showed an increase, albeit to a lesser extent. Additionally, IL-6 expression was substantially higher in hospitalized patients. Positive correlations, though not statistically significant, were observed between miR200b-5p, miR203a-3p, miR34b-5p, and IL-6 expression. Conversely, a non-significant negative correlation was noted between Let7g and IL-6 in COVID-19 patients. Conclusions: This study establishes a relationship between the elevated expression of specific miRNAs (miR200b-3p, miR34b-5p, miR203a-3p, and Let7g-5p) and IL-6 in COVID-19 patients. The significant upregulation of these miRNAs, alongside increased IL-6 levels, underscores their potential role as biomarkers for COVID-19. These findings suggest that miRNA and IL-6 expression profiles could be instrumental in the diagnosis and management of COVID-19, providing new avenues for therapeutic interventions and improving patient outcomes.