Validation of microRNA 210 as a prognostic marker in beta-thalassemia major

Context Beta-thalassemia (β-thalassemia) is a genetic blood disorder caused by reduced or absent β-globin chain production, leading to severe anemia. Recent research suggests that microRNAs (miRNA), particularly miRNA-210, play a role in regulating globin gene switching. Aims This study aims to investigate serum levels of miRNA-210 in pediatric β-thalassemia patients and assess its correlation with anemia severity. Settings and design This case–control study was conducted at the hematology clinic of Beni-Suef University Hospital. The study included 70 patients. They were divided into two groups: group (1) 40 patients with β-thalassemia and group (2) 30 healthy children as a control group. Methods and patient All the participants were subjected to thorough history taking and clinical examination. Laboratory investigations included complete blood count, LFTs, KFTs, reticulocyte count, and serum ferritin, in addition to measurement of miRNA by reverse transcriptase real-time PCR. Results The mean age of patients was 7.1±3 years, and most of them were males (52.5%). There was a significantly higher expression of miRNA-210 in patients with thalassemia (2.7±1.5) as compared with healthy controls (1±0.3). There was a significant role of miRNA in the prediction of thalassemia at a cut of 1.37, with sensitivity (80%), specificity (80%), positive predictive value (84.2%), negative predictive value (75%). Conclusions This study identified miRNA-210 as a potential biomarker for the severity of β-thalassemia, correlating fetal hemoglobin production under hypoxic events. While unrelated to ferritin levels, miRNA-210 showed a strong correlation with other hematological parameters and displayed firm diagnostic accuracy, suggesting its clinical relevance.