mRNAome Analysis of Whole Blood of Patients with Psoriatic Arthritis, Ankylosing Spondylitis, and Rheumatoid Arthritis.

Abstract

Introduction: Psoriatic arthritis (PsA), ankylosing spondylitis (AS), and rheumatoid arthritis (RA) are common chronic inflammatory diseases, with some clinical similarities and differences. mRNAome analysis provides a valuable approach to understanding disease pathogenesis. To elucidate the underlying mechanisms of similarities and differences among these inflammatory diseases, we analyzed the commonly and specifically expressed mRNAs in the whole blood of patients with PsA, AS, and RA.

Methods: Raw gene expression datasets (GSE61281, GSE25101, and GSE93272) were obtained from the Gene Expression Omnibus database and subjected to differential gene expression analysis using R program version 4.4.1. Gene Ontology and Kyoto Encyclopedia of Genes and Genomes analyses were used to analyze gene function, biological networks, and canonical pathways.

Results: A total of 652, 78, and 246 genes were specifically expressed in the whole blood of patients with PsA, AS, and RA, respectively. Additionally, 17 commonly expressed genes were upregulated in patients with PsA, AS, and RA. The primary pathways associated with commonly expressed genes included neurodegenerative diseases, oxidative phosphorylation, reactive oxygen species, and non-alcoholic fatty liver disease.

Discussion: The gene expression analysis revealed both specific and common genetic signatures in the whole blood of patients with PsA, AS, and RA. Understanding these genetic patterns may provide insights into the clinical similarities and differences among these arthritic conditions and enhance our comprehension of their pathogenesis.

Conclusion: This study identified distinct and shared gene expression patterns in the whole blood of patients with PsA, AS, and RA. Most of these genes are predominantly associated with oxidative phosphorylation, reactive oxygen species, ribosome function, and neurodegenerative diseases.