Evaluation of microrna expression during painful crisis and steady state in sickle cell anemia

Evaluation of MicroRNA Expression during Painful Crisis and Steady State in Sickle Cell Anemia Introduction: Sickle cell anemia is a disease which is with homozygous HbS, resulting anemia, frequent crises and various organ damages. MicroRNAs (miRs) are a group of non-coding RNAs of ~19-25 nucleotides in length, which post-tran-scriptionally regulate the expression of their target genes as well as proliferation, differentiation and apoptosis. Aim: In this study, we aimed to investigate the evaluation of microRNA expression during painful crisis and steady state in sickle cell anemia patients. Materials and method: Seventeen patients, who are followed by Çukurova University Department of Pediatric Hematology were included in this study. Blood samples were collected in all of these patients during painful crisis and steady state. Control group was formed with sixteen healthy children age matched without any systemic disease. Complete blood count, hemoglobin electrophoresis (both in alkali and acid pH) and biochemical parameters were studied in both groups. Also patients' microRNA 451 and microRNA 144 expressing levels were studied by real time PCR and whole data was statistically analyzed. Findings: Hemoglobin and hematocrit levels were significantly lower in sickle cell anemia patients than control group (p<0,001). The levels of HbS were high during crisis period compared to mean HbS levels during steady state but this was not statistically significant (p>0,05). The microRNA 451 levels were significantly high in sickle cell anemia patients with painful crisis comparing with control group (p<0,05). The microRNA 144 levels were significantly high in patients with painful crisis comparing with steady state (p<0,05). There was not any significant relation with frequency of crisis microRNA 451 and microRNA 144 levels (p>0,05). Result: As a result we found high levels of microRNA 451 and microRNA 144 in sickle cell anemia patients during painful crisis period. We need further detailed studies in order to understand the effect of microRNA on prognosis in sickle cell anemia. Keywords: children, microRNA, sickle cell anemia