OJO-miR: microRNA Expression in Allergic Conjunctivitis.

Allergic conjunctivitis (AC) is an inflammatory disorder of the conjunctiva triggered by exposure to environmental allergens. This ocular condition affects a significant proportion of the global population, leading to a reduction in quality of life and, in some cases, visual impairment. The pathophysiology of AC remains poorly understood, and effective targeted therapies are limited. MicroRNAs have emerged as promising tools for the diagnosis and characterization of inflammatory diseases such as asthma and rhinitis; however, studies evaluating microRNA involvement in allergic conjunctivitis are scarce. Therefore, identifying microRNAs that are differentially regulated in AC is essential to better understand disease pathogenesis and to explore potential biomarkers and therapeutic targets.

This study aims to determine whether differences exist in the expression profiles of inflammation-regulatory microRNAs between subjects with allergic conjunctivitis and healthy controls. The working hypothesis is that subjects with allergic conjunctivitis exhibit differential expression of inflammation-related microRNAs compared with healthy individuals.

An observational cross-sectional study will be conducted including subjects aged 5 to 30 years with a clinical diagnosis of allergic conjunctivitis, as well as age-matched healthy controls. Tear samples and peripheral blood samples for serum isolation will be collected from all participants. Total RNA will be extracted from both sample types, and the expression of miR-19, miR-23, miR-125b, miR-146a, and miR-155 will be quantified using quantitative real-time polymerase chain reaction (qRT-PCR). Relative expression levels (fold change) will be calculated in the allergic conjunctivitis group and compared with those observed in healthy controls to identify microRNAs specifically associated with the disease. Receiver operating characteristic (ROC) curve analysis will be performed to evaluate the potential of the studied microRNAs as diagnostic biomarkers.

Inclusion criteria

• Subjects with Allergic Conjunctivitis:
• Age between 5 and 30 years.
• Clinical diagnosis of allergic conjunctivitis.
• Presence of active ocular symptoms at the time of sample collection.
• Positive skin prick test.
• Written informed consent signed by the participant or parent/legal guardian, -with assent when applicable.

Healthy Controls:

• Age between 5 and 30 years.
• Clinically healthy subjects with a normal ocular surface.
• No evidence of active ocular disease.
• Written informed consent signed by the participant or parent/legal guardian, with assent when applicable.

Exclusion criteria

• Subjects with Allergic Conjunctivitis:
• History of infectious disease within 2 months prior to sample collection.
• Presence of active systemic allergic diseases (e.g., asthma, active dermatitis).
• Chronic degenerative or autoimmune diseases.
• Use of topical immunosuppressive treatment within 2 months prior to sample collection.
• Use of systemic immunosuppressive therapy.

Healthy Controls:

-History of infectious disease within 2 months prior to sample collection.