Investigation of miR-144-3p expression levels in HbSS cases with high and normal HbF

Abstract

Abstract Background Sickle cell anemia (HbSS) is a hereditary blood disease that affects millions of people worldwide. Increased the HbF levels affects the clinical course of HbSS positively. The aim of this study was to investigate the association between miR-144-3p and HbSS. Materials and methods In this study 84 cases (44 HbSS/HbS combination and 40 HbAA) were performed. The expression of miR-144-3p was determined by RT-PCR. Statistical analysis was performed by the Mann-Whitney U test (SPSS 20.00 for Windows and p<0.005). Results The miR-144-3p expression levels were higher in the HbSS cases (p≤0.001). Additionally, it was determined that the expression of miR-144-3p was higher in the cases with HbF<3 (p=0.043). Discussion In our study, the increase in the miR-144-3p levels in low HbF levels may be associated with the severity of the disease. Conclusion Considering these results, suppressing miR-144-3p may be considered as a new treatment option in HbSS.