Background and Objectives
MS is becoming more commonplace globally, and its socioeconomic impact on society is becoming more significant. MS affects females nearly three times more frequently than males; male and female hormonal and genetic variations majorly influence health and disease. MicroRNAs, in particular, are of great interest because they can have a wide-ranging impact on downstream signaling pathways; variations in miRNA expression between men and women can make the biological and physiological disparities between the sexes easier to understand.
Methods
The level of miR-155 in the serum of 30 multiple sclerosis patients (21 females and 9 males) was assessed by real-time PCR.
Results
Serum expression of miR-155 was significantly higher in male MS patients than in females; no significant difference was detected between patients on disease-modifying therapy (DMT) and naïve ones.
Conclusion
MiR-155 sex-dependent differences suggest potential gender-specific roles in neuroinflammation.