Sputum and serum microRNA-144 levels in patients with tuberculosis before and after treatment

•Sputum and serum microRNA-144 (miR-144) levels in tuberculosis (TB) patients were significantly increased.•Sputum and serum miR-144 levels were different in TB patients with disease of different severity.•Sputum and serum miR-144 levels have great diagnostic value for TB.•Sputum and serum miR-144 levels decreased significantly in TB patients who improved.•Sputum and serum miR-144 levels may serve as evaluation indices for TB treatment.