MiR-20a-5p, miR-29a, miR-let7e, and miR-155 serum exosomal microRNAs analyses as potential biomarkers in pulmonary tuberculosis and non-tuberculosis

Abstract

Abstract Background Mycobacteria could invade the host’s immune system to survive and persist in the host through different mechanisms such as the expression modulation of microRNAs (miRNAs). MicroRNA is a small, non-coding oligonucleotide that regulates gene expression and transcription. MiRNAs' differential expressions in disease phenomena can serve as biomarkers. The expression level of serum-derived exosomal miRNAs from mycobacteria patients could result to enhance monocyte cell apoptosis. This study tries to evaluate four serum-derived exosomal miRNAs as a potential mycobacterial biomarker. Methods Serum-derived exosomes were purified from serum samples of 55 patients with pulmonary tuberculosis or non-tuberculosis and 30 healthy controls. The expression level of Hsa-miR-20a-5p, Hsa-miR-29a, Hsa-miR-let7e, and Hsa-miR-155 was evaluated using qRT-PCR. Results In TB patients, the expression level of miR-20a-5p, miR-29a, and miR-let7e were significantly increased (p ≤ 0.0001), but the miR-155 expression level decreased. The receiver operating characteristic (ROC) curve analysis determined effective diagnostic biomarkers of miRNAs with an AUC = 0.6933 for miR-20 (p ≤ 0.01), AUC = 0.6011 for miR-29a (p ≤ 0.17), AUC = 0.7322 for miR-let7e: (p ≤ 0.002), and AUC = 0.7456 for miR-155 (p ≤ 0.001) for active tuberculosis. The expression of miR-let7e, 20a, and 29a in M. avium vs. Mtb was upregulated (P ≤ 0.01, P ≤ 0.0001, and P ≤ 0.0001, respectively), same as miRs let7e and 20a expression which was increased in M. abscessus vs. Mtb (P ≤ 0.0001 and P ≤ 0.002, respectively). Conclusion In conclusion, circulating exosomal microRNA MiR-20, miR-let7e, and miR-155 have diagnostic potential for active pulmonary tuberculosis. Furthermore, the study facilitates the development of potential biomarkers of pulmonary tuberculosis and non-tuberculosis.