The Role of DICER and DROSHA Gene Expression in Assessment of Hashimoto Thyroiditis

Fawzy, Heba; E.M.Said, Huda; Ahmed Abdallah Abdelrahman, Mohamed; A. Abdelaziz, Eman

doi:10.21608/zumj.2025.394584.4004

The Role of DICER and DROSHA Gene Expression in Assessment of Hashimoto Thyroiditis

Document Type : Original Article

Authors

¹ Medical Biochemistry Department, Faculty of Medicine, Zagazig University

² Clinical Pathology Department, Faculty of Medicine, Zagazig University, Egypt

³ Internal Medicine Department, Faculty of Medicine, Zagazig University ,Egypt.

⁴ Medical Biochemistry Department, Faculty of Medicine , Zagazig University,Egypt.

10.21608/zumj.2025.394584.4004

Abstract

Background: Hashimoto thyroiditis is autoimmune condition that destroys thyroid follicular cells by immune-mediated mechanisms through the development of anti-thyroid antibodies and T lymphocytes activation , which causes ongoing fibrosis of the thyroid. Recently, studies have revealed that miRNAs control different biological activities, as cell division, inflammation and immune reaction. DICER and DROSHA are classes of RNAase III protein family that are vital for formation of most miRNAs. The aim of the work is to evaluate the role of DICER and DROSHA gene expression in the diagnosis of Hashimoto Thyroiditis (HT) and its adverse cardiovascular effects.

Methods: DICER and DROSHA gene expression were assessed in 48 HT patients and 24 control subjects by quantitative Real -Time PCR at Zagazig Faculty of Medicine, Egypt. The results were correlated with anti TPO-antibodies, lipid profile and cardiovascular effects.

Results: There is significant decrease in both DICER and DROSHA gene expression in HT patients than control groups. The DICER and DROSHA expression are negatively correlated with anti -TPO antibodies. Regarding DICER expression level, ROC curve showed AUC 0.977, with 93.8 % sensitivity and 91.7 % specificity to diagnose HT. As well, DROSHA ROC curve showed AUC 0.965 with 87.5 % sensitivity and 83.3 % specificity to assess cardiovascular effects of HT.

Conclusion: This study highlights the potential role of DICER and DROSHA gene expression levels in the early diagnosis and pathogenesis of Hashimoto’s thyroiditis (HT), particularly in relation to cardiovascular complications. Hence, they provide new insight for early management to prevent such complications.

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