Response of miRNA to treatment with Hypericum perforatum L. oil in multiple sclerosis

Abstract

MicroRNA‑regulated gene expression plays an important role in autoimmune diseases, such as multiple sclerosis (MS). This study investigated the expression patterns of microRNAs (miRNAs) in MS in brain tissues using an animal experimental autoimmune encephalomyelitis (EAE) model treated with Hypericum perforatum (HP) oil. C57BL/6 J mice were divided into two groups: MS and control. The MS group was subdivided into sham (MS) and MS+HP. After the EAE induction treatment protocol, the patterns of miRNA expression profiles were determined in brain samples of the groups. The array data identified eleven miRNAs and candidate miRNA validation was performed by RT‑qPCR. A literature review of the validated miRNAs found that six of the eleven miRNAs (miR‑200a‑3p, miR‑200b‑3p, miR‑200c‑3p, miR‑182‑5p, miR‑183‑5p, and miR‑1298‑5p) were directly associated with MS. These miRNAs have been suggested as biomarkers of MS because they are highly correlated with the pathology of the disease. Furthermore, miRNA array analysis identified five candidate miRNAs (miR‑299a‑5p, miR‑206‑3p, miR‑325‑5p, miR‑10b‑5p, miR‑429‑3p) that are highly likely to be associated with MS pathogenesis, which could be helpful in the diagnosis and treatment of MS disease. This research offers vital insights that could be utilized in creating biomarkers and advancing treatments for MS.