Diagnostic Value of miR-106a-5p in Patients with Psoriasis and its Regulatory Role in Inflammatory Responses

Background: Psoriasis is a multifactorial, recurring, and chronic inflammatory skin disease. Objectives: This study was designed to explore the potential role of microRNA-106a-5p (miR-106a-5p) in psoriasis. Methods: The expression levels of miR-106a-5p in the serum of psoriasis patients and healthy individuals were detected by quantitative real-time polymerase chain reaction. The diagnostic value of miR-106a-5p in serum was evaluated by the receiver operating characteristic (ROC) curve. The levels of interleukin-22 (IL-22), IL-17A, and tumor necrosis factor-alpha (TNF-alpha) were determined by enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay. Dual-luciferase reporter assay was used for the target gene verification. Results: The serum expression of miR-106a-5p was found to be upregulated in psoriasis patients. ROC curve showed that miR-106a-5p had high specificity and sensitivity in the diagnosis of psoriasis. The correlation between the serum expression level of miR-106a-5p and Psoriasis Area and Severity Index was positive. The relative expression levels of IL-17A, IL-22, and TNF-alpha in serum of psoriasis patients were significantly upregulated compared with that in healthy controls, and showed a positive association with serum miR-106a-5p levels. Cell experiments demonstrated that upregulation of miR-106a-5p could promote cell proliferation, and the levels of IL-22, IL-17A, and TNF-alpha were upregulated significantly in M5-induced HaCaT cells. Phosphatase and tensin homolog was proved to be the target gene of miR-106a-5p. Conclusion: Considering the novel and vital role in psoriasis progression, miR-106a-5p is expected to be a new potent target for the treatment of psoriasis. MiR-106-5p was expected to use for more immunity diseases research and therapy.