Infliximab therapy decreases the expression of serum and faecal miR-126 and miR-20a in paediatric Crohn's disease: A pilot study

Aim: We aimed to evaluate the serum and faecal expression of miR-126 and miR-20a in children with Crohn's disease (CD) during infliximab (IFX) therapy.Methods: In this prospective observational study, serum and faeces from CD patients were collected before IFX therapy (T0), after induction (T1) and after 6 months from IFX (T2). IFX levels were determined by Enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay at T1 and T2. miRNAs were profiled through Real-Time RT-PCR. The activity of disease was evaluated through the Paediatric Crohn's disease activity index (PCDAI), serum C-reactive protein (CRP) and faecal calprotectin.Results: Nine CD children were enrolled. Serum and faecal miR-126 and miR-20a levels were higher at T0 and showed a time-dependent decrease, being significantly down-regulated after IFX treatment at T2. Specifically, IFX levels recorded at T1 and T2 negatively correlated with the serum and faecal expression of miR-126 and miR-20a. Serum and faecal changes of miR-126 and miR20-a were positively associated with the decrease of the inflammatory marker CRP and PDCAI at all time points.Conclusion: In children with CD, IFX therapy decreases the expression of serum and faecal miR-126 and miR-20a, suggesting an involvement of these two miRNAs in the action of the drug.