Dysregulated Expression of miR-222 and miR-15a in Transfusion-Dependent Thalassemia: Associations with Torque Teno Virus and Cytomegalovirus Infections.

Background

Beta-thalassemia is a hereditary blood disorder characterized by reduced synthesis of the beta-globin chain. MicroRNAs (miRs) are small RNA molecules that regulate gene expression and have been implicated in beta-thalassemia. To explore dysregulated miR-222 and miR-15a expression in transfusion-dependent beta-thalassemia and assess their potential associations with Torque Teno Virus and cytomegalovirus infections. Materials and

Methods

This study included 57 TDT patients registered at the Thalassemia Clinic affiliated with the Hematology Research Center, Shiraz, Iran. The expression levels of miR-222 and miR-15a were analyzed using the real-time SYBR Green PCR method. TTV and CMV infections were detected by analyzing the presence of their genomic DNA using an in-house semi-nested PCR protocol.

Results

The expression level of miR-222 was significantly upregulated (47.5-fold, P≤0.001) in TDT patients compared to healthy controls. However, the expression of miR-15a in TDT patients was slightly decreased compared to healthy controls, but the difference was not statistically significant (P=0.193). TTV infection was observed in 21.1% of TDT patients, while CMV infection was detected in 5.2% of the patients. Although miR-222 and miR-15a gene expression levels were higher in TTV-positive patients compared to TTV-negative patients, the differences were not statistically significant (P=0.926 and P=0.243, respectively).

Conclusion

MiR-222 was upregulated in TDT patients, but miR-15a did not show a significant difference. TTV and CMV infections were detected, but their association with miR expression was not significant, possibly due to the small sample size. Larger studies are needed for a more comprehensive evaluation.