Background: Severe SARS-CoV-2 infection is significantly associated with over-expression of some immune-related molecules and inflammation. MicroRNAs are known to regulate the expression of various molecules, including those related to immune function. However, the specific roles played by miR-2113 and miR-568 in the pathogenesis of severe COVID-19 remain unclear.
Methods: In this project, levels of miR-2113 and miR-568 were explored in 70 severe COVID-19 patients in parallel with 70 healthy subjects using real-time PCR technique.
Results: The results showed that miR-2113 and miR-568 levels significantly increased in the severe COVID-19 patients in comparison to healthy controls. Age and gender had no correlations with expressions of miR-2113 and miR-568 in both severe COVID-19 patients and healthy controls.
Conclusions: According to the results, miR-2113 and miR-568 might be involved in inducing the expression of molecules that are associated with acute inflammation during severe infections like COVID-19, regardless of age and gender.