Among these intronic miRNAs, miR-21-5p was significantly upregulated by IL-6 stimulation and regulated independently of its host gene, VMP1. Thus, pri-miR-21-5p expression levels were higher in the RA synovium than those in the OA synovium, although the VMP1 expression levels were similar. The gene discussed is IL6; the disease is rheumatoid arthritis.