Background: The current study aims to identify the expression of serum miR-153-3p in knee osteoarthritis (KOA) patients, thereby evaluating its diagnostic value in clinic.
Methods: The KOA group was divided into mild group, moderate group, and severe group according to the Kellgren Lawrence (K-L) classification. RT-PCR was used to determine the level of serum miR-153-3p. The relationship between serum miR-153-3p level and C-reactive protein (CRP) and erythrocyte sedimentation rate (ESR) was analyzed by Pearson's correlation assay. The possible target gene of miR-153-3p was predicted by TargetScan and validated using dual-luciferase reporter assay.
Results: The serum miR-153-3p levels of KOA patients in mild, moderate, and severe groups were significantly higher than those in the control group. A positive correlation was found between the serum miR-153-3p level and ESR/CRP levels. ROC analysis showed that serum miR-153-3p could differentiate KOA patients from controls. Based on TargetScan, a conserved binding site was identified in the 3'UTR of SOST and miR-153-3p significantly suppressed the relative luciferase activity of pmirGLO-SOST-3'UTR. Further study showed that the serum SOST levels of patients with KOA were significantly lower than that of the control group. Pearson's correlation assay showed a negative correlation between serum miR-153-3p and serum SOST levels.
Conclusions: Collectively, enhanced serum miR-153-3p level promoted the progression of KOA by suppressing SOST. Hence, serum miR-153-3p may be a useful biomarker and therapeutic target in patients with KOA.