Long non-coding RNA MEG3 and its genetic variant rs941576 are associated with rheumatoid arthritis pathogenesis in Egyptian patients.

Background: Rheumatoid arthritis (RA) is a joint destructive disorder. This study aimed to assess lncRNA MEG3 expression and its variant rs941576 in Egyptian patients with RA.Subjects and methods: 100 RA patients and 100 healthy individuals were enrolled in the study. Quantitative PCR was used for expression analysis and allelic discrimination technology for genotyping.Results: LncRNA MEG3 was down-regulated in RA patients and negatively associated with RA clinical features and HIF-1α and VEGF serum levels. On the contrary, it was positively associated with BAX serum levels in RA patients. The major A allele of rs941576 variant was associated with RA patients (p = .0003). AA genotype showed a significant decrease in lncRNA MEG3 expression and BAX and increase in HIF-1α and VEGF.Conclusions: Serum lncRNA MEG3 expression showed negative association with increased susceptibility to RA. MEG3 gene rs941576 (A/G) polymorphism was associated with increased severity of RA in the current population.