Differentially expressed lncRNAs in peripheral blood mononuclear cells from middle-aged female patients with rheumatoid arthritis–associated interstitial lung disease

Objectives Interstitial lung disease (ILD) is frequently associated with rheumatoid arthritis (RA) and has a large impact on the prognosis of RA, particularly among females, with an increased prevalence and severity compared with that of males. Here, we aimed to investigate the lncRNA profiles in peripheral blood mononuclear cells (PBMCs) from middle-aged female patients with RA-ILD to determine whether they could help diagnose RA-ILD. Method We collected PBMCs from middle-aged female healthy controls, and RA and RA-ILD patients, excluding those with known risk factors of RA-ILD, such as being elderly or male, smoking, and having a history of other diseases. Then, a microarray analysis was applied to profile the lncRNA and mRNA levels in 3 pairs of samples. qPCR was performed to evaluate the candidate lncRNAs from 20 participants of each group. Results The expression levels of NR_002819, NR_038935, and ENST00000603415 were significantly increased in the RA-ILD group, while the expression level of ENST00000560199 was significantly decreased. As risk factors for RA-ILD, the area under the curve (AUC) values of NR_002819, NR_038935, and ENST00000603415 were 0.858, 0.704 (medium diagnostic accuracy), and 0.976 (high diagnostic accuracy), respectively. As a protective factor for RA-ILD, the AUC of ENST00000560199 was 0.853(medium diagnostic accuracy). Conclusions To the best of our knowledge, this is the first study of lncRNA profiles in RA-ILD. The expression levels of NR_002819 (MALAT1), NR_038935, ENST00000603415, and ENST00000560199 were significantly different in the RA-ILD group and could be potential biomarkers for the assessment and diagnosis of middle-aged female RA-ILD patients. Key Points • The expression profile of lncRNAs in PBMCs from RA-ILD patients was evaluated. • NR_002819, NR_038935, and ENST00000603415 increased in RA-ILD patients. •ENST00000560199 decreased in RA-ILD patients. • The 4 lncRNAs might be potential biomarkers for diagnosis of RA-ILD.