The potential role of microRNAs as biomarkers in atopic dermatitis: a systematic review

OBJECTIVE: Reliable biomarkers are required for clinical use in atopic dermatitis (AD). MicroRNAs are mediators of post-transcriptional gene silencing, and specific expression patterns are being characterized in AD. To assess whether microRNAs could be useful biomarkers for clinical use in patients with AD. MATERIALS AND METHODS: Systematic review of all articles identified in SCOPUS and PubMed through the PRISMA statement. Literature was summarized in narrative form and results are presented per category. RESULTS: From a total of 118 identified references 11 manuscripts were included for qualitative analysis, after selecting them according to the eligibility criteria. An aberrant expression of microRNAs characterizes AD, which facilitates T cell polarization towards a Th17 phenotype, especially miR-155. There is also altered regulation of Th1/Th2 phenotypes by overexpression of miR-151a. The aberrant keratinocyte function observed in AD could also be due to altered expression of microRNAs, specifically miR-146a, miR-143 and miR-29. Finally, miR-203 may reflect the extent of inflammation in AD, in parallel with the tumor necrosis factor pathway and immunoglobulin E levels. CONCLUSIONS: MicroRNAs are easily identifiable molecules in a variety of cells and body fluids that may be useful as diagnostic (miR-155 and miR-146a) and disease severity (miR-203) biomarkers in patients with AD.