# Case report: Cytokine and miRNA profiling in multisystem inflammatory syndrome in children

## TL;DR

This case report explores cytokine and miRNA profiles in a child with MIS-C, linking immune response patterns to disease severity and potential biomarkers.

## Contribution

The study identifies specific cytokine and miRNA correlations in MIS-C, offering insights into disease mechanisms and potential biomarkers.

## Key findings

- Cytokine levels like IL-6, IL-1β, IL-10, and TNF-α decreased after IVIG therapy in a MIS-C patient.
- hsa-miR-596 and hsa-miR-224-5p showed inverse correlation with cytokine levels.
- miRNA analysis may aid in early detection and monitoring of MIS-C severity.

## Abstract

Multisystem inflammatory syndrome in children (MIS-C) is an imperative pediatric inflammatory condition closely linked to COVID-19, which garners substantial attention since the onset of the pandemic. Like Kawasaki illness, this condition is characterized by an overactive immune response, leading to symptoms including pyrexia, cardiac and renal complications. To elucidate the pathogenesis of MIS-C and identify potential biomarkers, we conducted an extensive examination of specific cytokines (IL-6, IL-1β, IL-6R, IL-10, and TNF-α) and microRNA (miRNA) expression profiles at various intervals (ranging from 3 to 20 days) in the peripheral blood sample of a severely affected MIS-C patient. Our investigation revealed a gradual decline in circulating levels of IL-6, IL-1β, IL-10, and TNF-α following intravenous immune globulin (IVIG) therapy. Notably, IL-6 exhibited a significant reduction from 74.30 to 1.49 pg./mL, while IL-6R levels remained consistently stable throughout the disease course. Furthermore, we observed an inverse correlation between the expression of hsa-miR-596 and hsa-miR-224-5p and the aforementioned cytokines. Our findings underscore a robust association between blood cytokine and miRNA concentrations and the severity of MIS-C. These insights enhance our understanding of the genetic regulatory mechanisms implicated in MIS-C pathogenesis, offering potential avenues for early biomarker detection and therapy monitoring through miRNA analysis.