Serum circRNA-FUNDC1 and TNF-α were significantly upregulated in Behçet's disease patients compared to healthy controls, with both biomarkers tending to elevate with disease activity, suggesting potential roles as diagnostic biomarkers.
CircRNA-FUNDC1 and TNF-α were significantly upregulated in Behçet's disease patients compared to healthy controls.
Both circRNA-FUNDC1 and TNF-α levels were higher in active BD patients than in inactive BD patients.
CircRNA-FUNDC1 levels were significantly higher in BD patients without musculoskeletal and CNS manifestations compared to those with these manifestations.
TNF-α levels were significantly elevated in BD patients with oral ulcers and positive skin manifestations.
CircRNA-FUNDC1 levels varied significantly based on the type of medication patients were receiving.
The authors propose that upregulated circRNA-FUNDC1 and TNF-α may improve understanding of the molecular mechanisms underlying Behçet's disease.
This research suggests that two biological molecules — a type of genetic material called circular RNA FUNDC1 (circRNA-FUNDC1) and a well-known inflammatory protein called TNF-α — are present at significantly higher levels in the blood of people with Behçet's disease (BD) compared to healthy individuals. BD is a rare inflammatory condition that causes recurring mouth sores, genital ulcers, eye inflammation, and other symptoms. The study measured these molecules in 50 BD patients and 50 healthy matched controls, finding that both were markedly elevated in BD patients and that their levels rose further when the disease was more active. The study also found that these biomarkers behaved differently depending on which symptoms patients had. For example, TNF-α was higher in patients who had oral ulcers or skin problems, while circRNA-FUNDC1 was paradoxically higher in patients who did NOT have musculoskeletal or nervous system involvement. Additionally, the medications patients were taking appeared to influence biomarker levels — patients on cyclosporin had lower circRNA-FUNDC1, while those on azathioprine or steroids had higher levels. This research suggests that measuring circRNA-FUNDC1 and TNF-α in blood samples could potentially help doctors diagnose Behçet's disease and track its activity over time. These findings also point toward possible molecular pathways involved in BD, which could eventually help in understanding why the disease behaves the way it does and potentially guide future treatment strategies. However, further larger studies would be needed to confirm these findings and establish clinical utility.
Marzouk R, Kamel M, Shaker O, Gameil M, Amrousy Y, El Kosaier M, et al.. (2026). Upregulation of serum circular RNA FUNDC1 and TNF-α in Behçet's disease: potential diagnostic biomarkers.. Scientific reports. https://doi.org/10.1038/s41598-026-66489-y