Association between IL-10 gene polymorphisms and the risk of ischemic stroke in a Chinese population

We investigated the possible association between two SNPs of IL-10 (IL-10 -1082A/G and -819T/C) and the susceptibility to ischemic stroke. Patients with proven ischemic stroke and control subjects were recruited between March 2013 and May 2015. The IL-10 -1082A/G and -819T/C polymorphisms were assessed by polymerase chain reaction-restriction fragment length polymorphism (PCR-RFLP). Conditional logistic regression analyses revealed that the GA and the AA genotypes were associated with development of ischemic stroke, and the ORs (95% CI) for the GA and the AA genotypes of IL-10 -1082A/G were 1.49 (1.01-2.19) and 1.83 (1.02-3.29) compared with the GG genotype, respectively. In dominant model, the GA+AA genotype of IL-10 -1082G/A was correlated with increased risk of ischemic stroke compared to the GG genotype (OR=1.56, 95% CI=1.08-2.25). The GA+AA genotype was associated with moderately increased risk of ischemic stroke in smokers (OR=1.72, 95% CI=1.04-2.84). In conclusion, our study suggests that IL-10 gene polymorphisms contribute to the development of ischemic stroke, especially in tobacco smokers.     

Association between matrix metalloproteinase gene polymorphisms and development of ischemic stroke

We investigated the association between MMP2 rs243865, MMP3 rs3025058 and MMP9 rs3918242 polymorphisms and development of ischemic stroke in a Chinese population. Between January 2012 and May 2014, a total of 317 patients with ischemic stroke and 317 health control subjects were enrolled into our study. The MMP2 rs243865, MMP3 rs3025058 and MMP9 rs3918242 polymorphisms were analyzed using polymerase chain reaction (PCR) coupled with restriction fragment length polymorphism (RFLP). By multivariate logistic regression analysis, we found that individuals carrying with the CC genotype and the TC+CC genotype of MMP9 rs3918242 were associated with a significantly increased risk of ischemic stroke when compared with the TT genotype, and the ORs (95% CI) was 5.47 (2.64-12.38) and 1.55 (1.08-2.24), respectively. The TC+CC genotype of MMP9 rs3918242 was associated with an elevated risk of ischemic stroke in tobacco smokers, and the OR (95% CI) was 2.03 (1.11-3.74). In conclusion, our study suggests that MMP9 rs3918242 polymorphism is correlated with an elevated risk of ischemic stroke, and this gene polymorphism has interaction with tobacco smoking in the risk of ischemic stroke.     

Association of the adiponectin gene variations with risk of ischemic stroke in a Korean population

Purpose

Stroke is the second leading cause of death and a major cause of morbidity and mortality worldwide. Evidence of variations in adiponectin(AdipoQ) genes that are associated with ischemic stroke has not been consistent, and it is unclear whether the same loci contribute to these associations in the Korean population. Using a Korean population, we tested ischemic stroke-associated AdipoQ markers.

Materials and Methods

In a preliminary genome-wide association study using 320 250 k Affymetrix NSP chips, AdipoQ was found to be associated with ischemic stroke in Koreans. To study of AdipoQ, a further 673 ischemic stroke patients and 267 unrelated individuals without a history of stroke or transient ischemic attack were examined in a case-control study.

Results

Six polymorphisms (rs182052G > A, rs16861205G > A, rs822391T > C, rs822396A > G, rs12495941G > T and rs3774261A > G) that had a minor allele frequency of over 1% were strongly associated with stroke (p < 0.05). Two of these, rs822391T > C and rs822396A > G showed this association on both dominant and additive logistic regression analysis after adjusting for age and sex. The haplotypes ht 1 (AGGCGG and AAGTAG) were significantly associated with susceptibility to stroke.

Conclusion

Our findings show that polymorphisms in AdipoQ are associated with risk for ischemic stroke in the Korean population. This study lends further support to the putative role of AdipoQ in stroke.     

对氧磷酶2基因C311S多态性与2型糖尿病合并缺血性脑卒中的相关性

目的 探讨对氧磷酶2(paraoxonase 2，PON2)基因多态性与2型糖尿病(type 2 diabetes mellitus，T2DM)患者合并缺血性脑卒中(ischemic stroke，IS)的关系。方法 用聚合酶链反应—限制性片段长度多态性分析法探查PON2基因C311S多态性在T2DM合并IS组、T2DM无IS组以及正常对照组的基因频率。结果 发现中国人存在PON2基因C311S多态性，C／S等位基因频率为0．145／0．855。T2DM合并IS组患者PON2基因的C等位基因频率显著高于T2DM无IS组和正常对照组，差异有显著性(P＜0．05)。结论 中国人2型糖尿病患者PON2基因第311位密码子的多态性与并发缺血性脑卒中有关，C等位基因是2型糖尿病并发缺血性脑卒中的危险因素之一。     

整合素基因多态性与缺血性脑卒中及血脂的相关研究

目的 探讨整合素-α2基因(integrin alpha-2,ITGA2)C807T和整合索-β3基因(integrinbeta-3,ITGB3)T176C多态性与缺血性脑卒中的关系及其对血脂、脂蛋白水平的影响.方法 应用聚合酶链反应-限制性片段长度多态性和DNA测序的方法检测265例缺血性脑卒中患者和280名对照组ITGA2和ITGB3的基因型;同时按常规方法测定血浆脂质、脂蛋白水平.结果 缺血性脑卒中组总胆固醇(totalcholesterol,TC),甘油三酯(triacylglycerol,TG)、低密度脂蛋白-胆固醇(low density lipoprotein-cholesterol,LDL-C)水平明显高于对照组(P<0.05),ITGB3基因T176C多态性在缺血性脑卒中组和正常人群中的分布差异无统计学意义(P>0.05).而ITGA2基因C807T多态性在两组人群中的分布差异有统计学意义(P<0.05),等位基因频率的相对风险分析发现,T等位基因携带者患缺血性脑卒中的风险是C等位基因的1.455倍(OR=1.455,95%CI:1.134～1.866),携带T等位基因的缺血性脑卒中个体血浆TC水平显著高于不携带者(P<0.05).结论 ITGA2基因C807T多态性与缺血性脑卒中的发病具有相关性,其中T等位基因可能是缺血性脑卒中的遗传易感基因;ITGA2基因C807T多态性可能通过影响血脂水平而影响缺血性脑卒中的发生.     

Association of two polymorphisms in the FADS1/FADS2 gene cluster and the risk of coronary artery disease and ischemic stroke

Little is known about the association of the FADS1/FADS2 SNPs and serum lipid levels and the risk of coronary artery disease (CAD) and ischemic stroke (IS) in the Chinese southern population. The present study aimed to determine such association in the Chinese southern population. A total of 1,669 unrelated subjects (CAD, 534; IS, 553; and healthy controls, 582) were recruited in the study. Genotypes of the FADS1 rs174546 SNP and the FADS2 rs174601 SNP were determined by the SNaPshot Multiplex Kit. The T allele and TT genotype frequencies of the two SNPs were predominant in our study population. The T alleles were associated with increased risk of CAD and IS. Correspondingly, the C alleles were associated with reduced risk of CAD and IS. Haplotype analyses showed that the haplotype of T-T (rs174546-rs174601) was associated with an increased risk for IS, and the haplotype of C-C (rs174546-rs174601) was associated with a reduced risk for CAD and IS. The two SNPs were likely to influence serum lipid levels. The T allele carriers of the two SNPs and rs174601 TT genotype were associated with decreased serum HDL-C and ApoAI levels in the patient groups and with an increased risk of CAD and IS. The present study suggests that the FADS1 rs174546 SNP and the FADS2 rs174601 SNP are associated with the risk of CAD and IS, and are likely to influence serum lipid levels. However, further functional studies are needed to clarify how the two SNPs actually affect serum lipid levels and the risk of CAD and IS.     

Association between Ngb polymorphisms and ischemic stroke in the Southern Chinese Han population

Background  

Neuroglobin (Ngb), one of novel members of the globin superfamily, is expressed predominantly in brain neurons, and appears to modulate hypoxic-ischemic insults. The mechanisms underlying Ngb-mediated neuronal protection are still unclear. For it is one of the candidate protective factors for ischemic stroke, we conducted a case-control study to clarify the association of Ngb polymorphisms with ischemic stroke in the Southern Chinese Han population.     

海南汉族人群中α和β纤维蛋白原基因核苷酸多态性及其单倍型与缺血性脑卒中的关联分析

目的研究α纤维蛋白原基因的Taq Ⅰ多态性和β纤维蛋白原基因-455G／A、-249C／T、-148 C／T、＋1689T／G、βBsmA ⅠG／C、448G／A、Be／ⅠG／A、Hinf Ⅰ A／C单核苷酸多态性及其单倍型与缺血性脑卒中的关系。方法用比浊法测定160例海南籍缺血性脑卒中和130名海南籍对照个体的血浆纤维蛋白原浓度，用PCR-限制性片段长度多态法确定基因型。用EH＋程序分析核苷酸多态性的连锁不平衡关系及单倍型，用卡方检验分析病例组和对照组的等位基因频率、基因型频率及单倍型频率的差异。结果-455G／A、-148C／T、448G／A多态性的基因型频率、等位基因频率在病例组和对照组之间的差异有统计学意义（P〈0．01），其余6个核苷酸多态性的基因型频率、等位基因频率在病例和对照组间的差异无统计学意义（P〉0．05），A^-455、T^-148、A^448携带者患缺血性脑卒中的相对危险度比非携带者分别大2．46倍、2．30倍和2．08倍。连锁不平衡分析未发现所分析的区域内存在单倍型板块。9个位点构建的单倍型在病例组和对照组之间的差异无统计学意义，以4个位点构建的单倍型中，某些单倍型在病例组和对照组之间的差异有统计学意义，对照组中某些携带G^-455、C^148、G^448位点的单倍型的频率高于病例组，而病例组中某些携带A^-455、T^-148、A^448位点的单倍型的频率高于对照组。结论多个位点和单倍型分析的结果提示8纤维白原455G／A、-148C／T、448G／A可能是海南汉族人群中与缺血性脑卒中关联的危险因素。     

SHMT1基因启动子甲基化与缺血性卒中相关

目的探究丝氨酸羟甲基转移酶(SHMT1)基因甲基化与缺血性卒中的关系。方法采用甲基化特异性实时定量PCR测定290名健康对照组和141例缺血性卒中病例组(卒中组)的SHMT1甲基化水平。结果卒中组SHMT1甲基化水平为24.87%(16.97～35.46)高于对照组的6.58%(2.43～15.14)(P<0.05)。在调整相关危险因素后,SHMT1甲基化是卒中的危险因素(OR=1.051, 95%CI=1.034～1.068)。受试者工作特征曲线下面积为0.804,95%CI=0.760～0.849 (P<0.01)。在对照组发现尿酸与SHMT1甲基化相关(r_s=0.17,P<0.01),在卒中组发现三酰甘油与SHMT1甲基化相关(r_s=0.18,P<0.05)。SHMT1甲基化表达与mRNA的表达呈负相关(r=-0.472,P<0.01)。结论缺血性卒中患者中SHMT1基因启动子呈高甲基化状态,SHMT1低表达,且SHMT1高甲基化是卒中的危险因素。     

Atrial fibrillation risk factors in patients with ischemic stroke

IntroductionAtrial fibrillation (AF) is the most common heart arrhythmia. The condition is known to increase the risk of ischemic stroke (IS). Classical risk factors for the development of AF include advanced age, hypertension, diabetes mellitus, coronary heart disease and lipid metabolism disorders. Importantly, these are also recognized risk factors for ischemic stroke. Therefore, the purpose of this study was to investigate AF risk factors in patients with IS.Material and methodsThis is single-centre retrospective study which included 696 patients with acute ischemic stroke and nonvalvular atrial fibrillation and 1678 patients with acute ischemic stroke without atrial fibrillation.ResultsIn this study we found – based on a univariable and multivariable logistic regression model – that compared to the patients with IS without AF, the group of patients which suffered from IS with nonvalvular atrial fibrillation (NVAF) had a higher proportion of patients who smoked cigarettes (OR = 15.742, p < 0.01; OR = 41.1, p < 0.01), had hypertension (OR = 5.161, p < 0.01; OR = 5.666, p < 0.01), history of previous stroke (OR = 3.951, p < 0.01; OR = 4.792, p < 0.01), dyslipidemia (OR = 2.312, p < 0.01; OR = 1.592, p < 0.01), coronary heart disease (OR = 2.306, p < 0.01; OR = 1.988, p < 0.01), a greater proportion of female patients (OR = 1.717, p < 0.01; OR = 2.095, p < 0.01), higher incidence of diabetes mellitus (OR = 1.341, p < 0.01; OR = 1.261, p = 0.106) and more patients in old age (OR = 1.084, p < 0.01; OR = 1.101, p < 0.01).ConclusionsOur study demonstrates a need for thorough and systematic monitoring of post-ischemic stroke patients in whom AF has not been detected and who display other important risk factors. Regardless of the stroke, these factors may be responsible for development of AF.     

SH2B3基因标签单核苷酸多态性与汉族原发性高血压的关系

目的探讨SH2B衔接蛋白3(SH2B3)基因标签单核苷酸多态(SNPs)与汉族原发性高血压(EH)的关系。方法用聚合酶链式反应-限制性片段长度多态性方法(PCR-RFLP),对1 020例汉族人(EH患者和对照者各510例)SH2B3基因6个标签SNPs(rs7309325、rs11065898、rs10849947、rs2239196、rs2238154和rs739496)的多态性进行检测,运用遗传模型分析该基因与汉族EH的相关性。结果 rs2239196位点基因型和等位基因在EH组和对照组间的频率分布均具有显著性差异(Bonfferoni校正P0.05),Logistic回归分析结果显示T等位基因携带者的患病风险显著升高(OR=2.59,95%CI 1.36~4.96,Bonfferoni校正P0.05)。结论 SH2B3基因rs2239196位点T等位基因可能是汉族EH发生的危险因子。     

IL-4对肺腺癌细胞株ABCG2表达调节的研究

目的：探讨IL-4是否影响肺腺癌细胞株ABCG2（ATP-binding cassette supeffamily G member2）的表达。方法：应用半定量RT-PCR检测不同浓度IL-4刺激对肺腺癌细胞株A549和SPC-A-1中ABCG2基因表达的影响。以Western blot检测不同浓度IL-4对A549和SPC-A-1肺腺癌细胞株中AB-CG2蛋白表达的影响。结果：在不同浓度IL-4刺激下肺腺癌细胞株A549和SPC-A-1中ABCG2基因与蛋白的表达无统计学意义（P〉0．05）。结论：ABCG2在腺癌细胞株A549和SPC—A-1中表达，但IL-4对细胞株中ABCG2的表达不具有调节作用。     

纤维蛋白原B β-455G/A多态性与缺血性中风的相关性

目的　研究纤维蛋白原 Bβ( fibrinogen Bβ,FGβ)基因启动子区域 - 4 5 5 G/ A变异与缺血性中风的关系。方法　随机抽取住院高血压缺血性中风患者 86例 (中风组 ) ,高血压非缺血性中风患者 85例(高血压组 ) ,门诊健康查体者 90人 (对照组 ) ,应用聚合酶链反应加 Hae 内切酶检测 FGβ基因启动子区域 - 4 5 5 G/ A的多态性 ,血浆纤维蛋白原水平测定采用凝血酶原时间法。结果　A- 455等位基因在中风组的分布频率较高血压组及对照组明显增高 (分别为 0 .2 2、0 .13、0 .11,χ2 =8.35 ,P<0 .0 5 )。不同组别的基因型的分布不同 ,G/ A、A/ A基因型在中风组更常见 ( χ2 =10 .0 3,P<0 .0 5 )。缺血性中风组血浆纤维蛋白原水平 ( 4 .82± 0 .2 6 )显著高于对照组及高血压组 ( F=5 .98,P<0 .0 1)。在缺血性中风组中及高血压组中- 4 5 5 G/ G基因型的血浆纤维蛋白原水平明显低于 - 4 5 5 G/ A和 - 4 5 5 A/ A的基因型 ( P<0 .0 5 ) ,而在对照组不同基因型的血浆纤维蛋白原水平差异则无显著性。结论　血浆中纤维蛋白原水平受 FGβ基因 -4 5 5 G/ A多态性的影响 ,A- 455等位基因是缺血性中风的一个相对独立的危险因素     

Association study of polymorphisms in miRNAs with T2DM in Chinese population

Accumulated evidence indicates that microRNA (miRNA or miR) is involved in the development of type 2 diabetes (T2DM). Several studies have shown that single nucleotide polymorphisms (SNPs) located in miRNAs are associated with T2DM in Caucasian populations. The association studies of miRNA''s SNPs with T2DM in Asian are rarely reported, and there are distinct genetic differences between Caucasian and Asian populations. The focus of this study, therefore, is the association of T2DM with five SNPs (rs895819 in miR-27a, rs531564 in miR-124a, rs11888095 in miR-128a, rs3820455 in miR-194a and rs2910164 in miR-146a) located in five miRNAs in a Han Chinese population. A total of 738 subjects with T2DM and 610 non-diabetic subjects were genotyped using the TaqMan method. Next, the associations between the five SNPs with T2DM and individual metabolic traits were evaluated. Our data showed that the C allele of rs531564 in miR-124a may protect against T2DM (P=0.009, OR=0.758; 95%CI: 0.616-0.933). Conversely, the C allele of rs2910164 in miR-146a may increase the risk of developing T2DM (P<0.001, OR=1.459; 95%CI: 1.244-1.712). However, these five SNPs did not exhibit significant associations with individual metabolic traits in either the T2DM or non-diabetic groups. Our results revealed that genetic variations in miRNAs were associated with T2DM susceptibility in a Han Chinese population, and these results highlight the need to study the functional effects of these variants in miRNAs on the risk of developing T2DM.     

一种改良的三血管闭塞小鼠缺血性脑卒中模型的建立

目的建立一种稳定可靠的小鼠缺血性脑卒中模型。方法 50只雄性C57BL/6J小鼠,随机分为三血管闭塞组(3VO,15 min短暂夹闭双侧颈总动脉合并永久电凝右侧大脑中动脉远端,n=20),线栓对照组(MCAO control,传统的线栓法MCAO模型,n=20),假手术组(sham,暴露三血管但不予以闭塞,n=10)。术后24 h行为学评分后,部分动物以TTC染色计算脑梗死体积(n=10),部分动物用以观察存活率(n=10)。结果术后24 h 3VO组转角实验的偏侧指数显著低于假手术组(-0.7 vs-0.04,P0.01)。TTC染色发现3VO小鼠脑梗死体积为17.6%±1.6%(n=10);MCAO对照组脑梗死体积为42.6%±15.0%(n=10)。3VO组动物7 d存活率明显高于MCAO组(90%vs 60%,n=10)。结论三血管闭塞法所产生的小鼠缺血性脑卒中模型稳定、可靠,适用于脑缺血研究。     

Changes at the focus of experimental ischemic stroke treated with neuroprotective agents

The aim of the present work was to compare the morphological changes occurring at the focus of experimental ischemic stroke treated with agents of the neurotrophic group (alpha-GPC, cerebrolysin), an agent with nootropic properties (piracetam), and a mixed-action agent (vinpocetin). Experiments were performed on 18 rats. Transient cerebral circulatory lesions (acute ischemia) were produced in the right hemisphere by clipping the stem of the innominate artery for 40 min. Light microscopic and electron microscopic studies were performed on fragments of cerebral cortex, brainstem, and cerebellum. Use of alpha-GPC and cerebrolysin increased the tolerance of neurons to ischemic damage and slowed the execution of the cell death program. Intracellular changes were seen and were interpreted as adaptive and reparative: these included folding of the nuclear membrane, abundance of polyribosomes, and endoplasmic reticulum and Golgi complex hypertrophy. These agents preserved the structures of the nuclear membranes and major cellular organelles. When piracetam and vinpocetin were used, all morphological measures indicated inadequate energy provision for repair processes in the acute stage of ischemic stroke. Morphological signs of functional tension of cerebral cortex neurons were seen, with gliocytes in different stages of apoptosis, along with the phenomenon of incomplete separation of gliocytes during proliferation, pathological changes to myelin and non-myelinated fibers, and abnormalities in synapse structure. __________ Translated from Morfologiya, Vol. 130, No. 6, pp. 40–46, November–December, 2006.     

Effect of nimodipine on cell calcium concentration and platelet aggregation in patients with ischemic stroke

The rate of spontaneous platelet aggregation is 1.5-2-fold increased in patients with ischemic stroke in comparison with control values. Monotherapy with nimodipine lowers parameters of spontaneous platelet aggregation virtually to normal values. Nimodipine inhibits ADP-induced aggregation but does not affect the ADP affinity of platelet receptors. Experiments with a Fura 2-AM fluorescent probe show that the basal calcium level in platelets from patients with ischemic stroke reliably surpassed that in healthy donors. Nimodipine inhibits the ADP-induced rise of the cell calcium level. Translated fromByulleten' Eksperimental'noi Biologii i Meditsiny Vol. 121, N ^o 3, pp. 317–320, March, 1996 Presented by P. V. Sergeev, Member of the Russian Academy of Medical Sciences     

Effect of mesenchymal stem cell transplantation on cognitive functions in rats with ischemic stroke

The effect of intravenous transplantation of mesenchymal stem cells on the recovery of cognitive functions was studied in Wistar-Kyoto rats after brain stroke induced by occlusion of the middle cerebral artery in the left hemisphere. Analysis 2 and 5 weeks after stroke showed that transplantation of mesenchymal stem cells 3 days after middle cerebral artery occlusion reduced the area of cerebral injury, preserved cognitive functions, and decreased mortality in experimental animals. __________ Translated from Kletochnye Tekhnologii v Biologii i Medicine, No. 4, pp. 202–205, December, 2006     

Plasma mid-regional pro-adrenomedullin: A biomarker of the ischemic penumbra in hyperacute stroke

Reperfusion therapy has improved the outcomes of ischemic stroke but also emphasized the importance of ischemic penumbra. However, blood biomarkers are currently unavailable for this region. Adrenomedullin (ADM) is a neuroprotective peptide, secreted in a compensatory response to brain ischemia. We thus investigated whether an increase in mid-regional pro-ADM (MR-proADM), a stable peptide fragment of the ADM precursor, could act as a biomarker by predicting the ischemic penumbra in hyperacute ischemic stroke (HAIS). We prospectively enrolled consecutive HAIS patients (n = 119; median age, 77 years; male, 59.7%) admitted to our institutes from July 2017 to March 2019 and evaluated plasma MR-proADM levels within 4.5 h of onset. MR-proADM levels in HAIS were compared to healthy controls (n = 1298; median age, 58 years; male, 33.2%) in the Japan Multi-Institutional Collaborative Cohort Study from 2013 to 2017. Furthermore, we evaluated whether MR-proADM levels were associated with the penumbra estimated by clinical-diffusion mismatch (CDM) (National Institute of Health Stroke Scale [NIHSS] ≥8, diffusion ischemic core volume ≤25 ml), or magnetic resonance angiography-diffusion-weighted imaging mismatch (MDM) (NIHSS ≥5, a proximal vessel occlusion with core volume ≤25 ml, or a proximal vessel stenosis/distal vessel occlusion with core volume ≤15 ml). In a case–control study, multivariate logistic analysis showed a significant association between HAIS and MR-proADM ≥0.54 nmol/L (adjusted odds ratio, 7.92 [95% CI, 4.17–15.02], p < 0.001). Though MR-proADM levels in HAIS did not correlate with the ischemic core volume (r_s = 0.09, p = 0.348), they were higher in HAIS with CDM (n = 34; 0.81 vs. 0.61 nmol/L, p < 0.001) or MDM (n = 26; 0.83 vs. 0.62 nmol/L, p = 0.002). These differences remained significant after adjusting baseline factors (adjusted odds ratio, 4.06 [95% CI, 1.31–12.55], p = 0.015 and 4.65 [1.35–16.11], p = 0.015, respectively). Plasma MR-proADM is elevated in HAIS, especially in those with a substantial penumbra, suggesting potential as a blood biomarker in this region.     

Association of polymorphisms in pre-miRNA with inflammatory biomarkers in rheumatoid arthritis in the Chinese Han population

The aim of this study was to detect the association between 2 single nucleotide polymorphisms (SNPs), rs2910164 G>C and rs3746444 T>C, in pre-miRNA (hsa-mir-146a and hsa-mir-499) and the chronic inflammation in the Chinese Han population with rheumatoid arthritis (RA). Two hundred sixty-two Han Chinese patients with RA were recruited in this study. The SNPs were genotyped by polymerase chain reaction restriction fragment length polymorphism. C-reactive protein (CRP), erythrocyte sedimentation rate (ESR), and the plasma concentrations of interleukin (IL)-6, tumor necrosis factor α (TNF-α), and transforming growth factor β1 (TGF-β1) were measured. There was a significant difference in the levels of CRP and ESR among different genotypes in rs3746444 (p = 0.031 and p = 0.047, respectively). The heterozygote CT had significantly higher levels of CRP and ESR compared with homozygotes CC and TT. No significant association was observed between the SNP rs2910164 and the levels of CRP, ESR, IL-6, TNF-α, and TGF-β1 (all p > 0.05). The results of this study provided the first evidence that the SNP rs3746444 in pre-miR-499 could affect the inflammatory reaction in patients with RA. The findings were significant and might contribute to the clinical assessment of inflammatory activity, which in turn may influence therapeutic decision making.