Exploring the effect of hsa-miR-19b-3p on IL-1R1 expression and serum levels in alopecia areata.

Alopecia areata (AA) is an autoimmune condition marked by hair loss, linked to inflammatory processes involving the interleukin-1 receptor type 1 (IL-1R1) pathway. This study aims to explore the relationship between IL-1R1 gene expression, serum IL-1R1 levels, and hsa-miR-19b-3p in relation to AA severity. Using a case-control design, we assessed 100 AA patients and 100 healthy controls, measuring serum IL-1R1 through enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA) and analyzing IL-1R1 gene and hsa-miR-19b-3p expression levels via quantitative real-time PCR (qRT-PCR). Bioinformatic analysis predicted a binding site for hsa-miR-19b-3p on the IL-1R1 gene, suggesting a regulatory role for this miRNA in AA pathology. Demonstrated significantly higher serum IL-1R1, IL-1R1 gene expression, and hsa-miR-19b-3p levels in AA patients compared to controls. Within the AA cohort, severe cases showed the highest levels, with notable correlations between serum IL-1R1, IL-1R1 gene expression, and hsa-miR-19b-3p. Receiver Operating Characteristic (ROC) curve analysis revealed robust diagnostic potential, with area under the curve (AUC) values of 0.71, 0.73, and 0.76 for serum IL-1R1, hsa-miR-19b-3p, and IL-1R1 gene expression, respectively. Elevated IL-1R1 and hsa-miR-19b-3p levels are associated with AA and its severity, suggesting these markers have potential as diagnostic and prognostic indicators. These findings enhance the understanding of IL-1R1's role in AA and highlight potential molecular targets for future therapeutic approaches.