| Ankylosing spondylitis (AS) is a chronic immune-mediated inflammatory disease that affects both
axial and peripheral skeletons as well as soft tissues. Recent investigations offer that disease
pathogenesis is ascribed to a complex interplay of genetic, environmental and immunological
factors. Until now, there is no appropriate method for early diagnosis of AS and the successful
available therapy for AS patients stay largely undefined. MicroRNAs (miRNAs), endogenous
small noncoding RNAs controlling the functions of target mRNAs and cellular processes, are
present in human plasma in a stable form and have appeared as possible biomarkers for activity,
pathogenesis, and prognosis of the disease. In the present review, we have tried to summarize the
recent findings related to miRNAs in AS development and discuss the possible utilization of these
molecules as prognostic biomarkers or important therapeutic strategies for AS. Further
examinations are needed to determine the unique miRNAs signatures in AS and characterize the
mechanisms mediated by miRNAs in the pathology of this disease. This article is protected by
copyright. All rights reserved |