Within the past years, more and more attention has been devoted to the epigenetic dysregulation that provides an additional window for understanding the possible mechanisms involved in the pathogenesis of autoimmune rheumatic diseases. Rheumatoid arthritis (RA) is a heterogeneous disease where a specific immunologic and genetic/epigenetic background is responsible for disease manifestations and course. In this field, microRNAs (miRNA; miR) are being identified as key regulators of immune cell development and function. The identification of disease-associated miRNAs will introduce us to the post-genomic era, providing the real probability of manipulating the genetic impact of autoimmune diseases. Thereby, different miRNAs may be good candidates for biomarkers in disease diagnosis, prognosis, treatment and other clinical applications. Here, we outline not only the role of miRNAs in immune and inflammatory responses in RA, but also present miRNAs as diagnostic/prognostic biomarkers. Research into miRNAs is still in its infancy; however, investigation into these novel biomarkers could progress the use of personalized medicine in RA treatment. Finally, we discussed the possibility of miRNA-based therapy in RA patients, which holds promise, given major advances in the therapy of patients with inflammatory arthritis.
Keywords: autoimmune disease; bone destruction; immune and inflammatory responses; microRNA; rheumatoid arthritis (RA); synovial hyperplasia.