Association of the miR-196a2, miR-146a, and miR-499 Polymorphisms with Asthma Phenotypes in a Korean Population

Mol Diagn Ther. 2017 Oct;21(5):547-554. doi: 10.1007/s40291-017-0280-1.

Abstract

Background: MicroRNAs (miRNAs) modulate expressions of inflammatory genes, thereby regulating inflammatory responses. Single nucleotide polymorphisms (SNPs) in miRNAs could affect their efficiency in binding to messenger RNAs (mRNAs).

Objective: We investigated the associations of miRNA SNPs with asthma phenotypes. miR-196a2 (rs11614913 T>C), miR-146a (rs2910164 C>G), and miR-499 (rs3746444 A>G) were genotyped in 347 asthma patients and 172 normal healthy controls (NCs).

Results: The CT/CC genotype of miR-196a2 rs11614913 was associated with eosinophilic asthma (p = 0.004) and a higher sputum eosinophil count compared with the TT genotype (p = 0.003). The CG/GG genotype of miR-146a rs2910164 tended to be associated with higher bronchial hyperresponsiveness to methacholine (PC20) compared with the CC genotype. The AG/GG genotype of miR-499 rs3746444 was associated with higher predicted values of forced expiratory volume in 1 s (%FEV1) compared with the AA genotype (p = 0.008).

Conclusions: Genetic polymorphisms in miR-196a2, miR-146a, and miR-499 could be potential biomarkers for asthma phenotypes and targets for asthma treatments in a Korean population.

Keywords: Airway Hyperresponsiveness; Airway Smooth Muscle; Asthma; Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease; Normal Control Group.

MeSH terms

  • Adult
  • Asian People / genetics*
  • Asthma / genetics*
  • Asthma / pathology
  • Asthma / physiopathology
  • Case-Control Studies
  • Eosinophils / pathology
  • Female
  • Forced Expiratory Volume
  • Genetic Association Studies
  • Genetic Predisposition to Disease
  • Genotype
  • Humans
  • Male
  • MicroRNAs / genetics*
  • Middle Aged
  • Polymorphism, Single Nucleotide*
  • Sputum / cytology
  • Sputum / immunology
  • Young Adult

Substances

  • MIRN146 microRNA, human
  • MIRN196 microRNA, human
  • MIRN499 microRNA, human
  • MicroRNAs