Long non-coding RNA MEG3 and its genetic variant rs941576 are associated with rheumatoid arthritis pathogenesis in Egyptian patients

Rheumatoid arthritis (RA) is a joint destructive disorder. This study aimed to assess lncRNA MEG3 expression and its variant rs941576 in Egyptian patients with RA.100 RA patients and 100 healthy individuals were enrolled in the study. Quantitative PCR was used for expression analysis and allelic discrimination technology for genotyping.LncRNA MEG3 was down-regulated in RA patients and negatively associated with RA clinical features and HIF-1α and VEGF serum levels. On the contrary, it was positively associated with BAX serum levels in RA patients. The major A allele of rs941576 variant was associated with RA patients (Serum lncRNA MEG3 expression showed negative association with increased susceptibility to RA. MEG3 gene rs941576 (A/G) polymorphism was associated with increased severity of RA in the current population.