Sürdürülebilir Kalkınma Amaçları
Yayınlar
- MakaleAçık Erişim2026Scopus SJRQ3Association of Plasma miRNA-7-5p and miRNA-214-5p With Rheumatoid Arthritis Associated Interstitial Lung Disease
Sahinoğlu, Irem; Karakas, Umit; Uslu, Sadettin; Kizilirmak, Deniz; Acar, Emre Ali; Tasgöz, Filiz Cemre; Kacar, Mevlüt; Sülükcü, Seref; Sengül, Merve Türkegün; Erdal, Mehmet Emin
Objective: Rheumatoid arthritis–associated interstitial lung disease (RA-ILD) is a major extra-articular complication contributing to increased morbidity and mortality. Circulating microRNAs (miRNAs) have emerged as potential non-invasive biomarkers in autoimmune diseases. This study aimed to evaluate whether plasma miRNA-7-5p and miRNA-214-5p are associated with the presence of RA-ILD and with radiological and functional indicators of pulmonary involvement. Methods: In this cross-sectional study, 58 RA patients (29 RA-ILD, 29 without ILD) and 30 matched healthy controls were included. RA-ILD was diagnosed by multidisciplinary assessment (HRCT and pulmonary function tests). Plasma miRNA levels were measured by qRT-PCR and analyzed using the 2^−ΔΔCT method. Diagnostic performance was evaluated by ROC analysis. Results: Plasma miRNA-7-5p and miRNA-214-5p levels were significantly higher in RA patients compared with healthy controls (p < 0.05 for both). Among RA patients, both miRNAs were significantly lower in those with ILD (p < 0.05). miRNA-7-5p demonstrated promising discriminatory performance for identifying RA-ILD (AUC = 0.87, 95% CI: 0.760–0.947; p < 0.001), whereas miRNA-214-5p showed modest accuracy (AUC = 0.676, 95% CI: 0.539–0.794; p = 0.01). In multivariable analysis, ILD presence was independently associated with decreased levels of both miRNAs. Neither miRNA correlated significantly with DAS28-CRP, disease duration, nor with radiological or functional severity parameters. Conclusion: Circulating miRNA-7-5p and miRNA-214-5p are associated with the presence of RA-ILD but do not reflect disease severity in this cohort. Larger prospective studies are required to validate their potential role as adjunctive biomarkers for RA-ILD detection and risk stratification.
- MakaleAçık Erişim2025Short-Term Effects of Extremely Low-Frequency Electromagnetic Fields on Neurogenesis and Wnt Signaling in Amniotic Fluid Cells
Uzun, Cosar; Karakas, Umit; Ay, Mustafa Ertan; Ay, Ozlem Izci; Yildiri, Didem Derici; Erdal, Nurten; Erdal, Mehmet Emin
Background: Extremely low-frequency electromagnetic fields (ELF-EMF) at 50 Hz are prevalent in household electrical systems. Although various studies have examined the effects of ELF-EMF on cell proliferation and gene expression, its impact on amniotic fluid cells (AFCs) remains unclear. Objectives: This study aimed to assess the potential effects of ELF-EMFs on gene expression related to neurogenesis and the Wnt signaling pathway in AFCs. Methods: AFCs were isolated from amniotic fluid obtained via amniocentesis and divided into five groups: control, sham, and three groups exposed to different ELF-EMF intensities (1 mT, 2 mT, 3 mT for 30 minutes/day for 7 days). Expression levels of genes involved in neurogenesis (HES1, Neurog1, Neurog2, Neurod1) and Wnt signaling (SFRP2, SFRP4, SFRP5, APC1) were analyzed using real-time PCR. Results: ELF-EMF exposure did not result in significant changes in gene expression among the experimental groups compared to controls. Conclusion: Short-term exposure (Acute exposure) to ELF-EMF at moderate intensities does not significantly impact gene expression related to neurogenesis or Wnt signaling in AFCs. Future studies should explore prolonged exposure (chronic exposure) and a broader range of intensities to evaluate developmental impacts more comprehensively.
