Document Type : Original Article
Authors
Department of Biology, College of Science for Women, University of Baghdad, Baghdad, Iraq
Abstract
Background: Toxoplasma gondii is an obligate intracellular protozoan parasite with a unique global prevalence and is the causative agent of toxoplasmosis. MicroRNAs are key epigenetic elements crucial that modulate the immune response by influencing cytokine expression.
Objectives: To investigate serum levels of IL-37 alongside the expression of microRNAs miR-604 and miR-1302-3p in Iraqi patients with toxoplasmosis, and to evaluate their potential correlations and regulatory relationships.
Methods: A total of 200 non-pregnant women were enrolled in the present study, consisting of 100 toxoplasmosis- positive and 100 healthy controls. Toxoplasmosis status was determined via serological screening using a rapid diagnostic test (TORCH) and ELISA for IgM, IgG antibodies. For the molecular analysis, total RNA was extracted from whole blood samples and reverse-transcribed into cDNA. Quantitative real-time PCR (RT-qPCR) was then performed on both groups to quantify the expression levels of microRNA-604 and microRNA-1302-3p.
Result: The expression levels of both microRNA-604 and microRNA 1302-3p were significantly reduced in toxoplasmosis patients compared to the control group in patients (relative expression: 2.1896 ± 1.12221 ng/L vs. 1.6384 ± 1.09466 for microRNA-604; 4.0896 ± 1.42896vs. 2.5764 ± 1.16224 for microRNA 1302-3p). ). Conversely, serum levels of IL-37 were significantly higher in the patient group (295.0604 ± 45.79983 ng/L) compared to the control group (36.7183 ± 3.83299 ng/L).
Conclusion: Our findings demonstrate that miRNA-604 and 1302-3p are downregulated in toxoplasmosis patients, a state associated with the marked induction of pro-inflammatory cytokine IL-37. These altered expression profiles suggest a coordinated role in the pathogenesis of toxoplasmosis, highlighting their potential utility as novel diagnostic biomarkers or therapeutic targets.
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