Related Experiment Video
Updated: Jun 15, 2026

Evaluation of a Reliable Biomarker in a Cecal Ligation and Puncture-Induced Mouse Model of Sepsis
Published on: December 9, 2022
Serum miR-146a and miR-223 as potential new biomarkers for sepsis
Jia-feng Wang1, Man-li Yu, Guang Yu
1Department of Anesthesiology and Intensive Care Medicine, Changhai Hospital, Second Military Medical University, Shanghai 200433, China.
Objective:
Current biomarkers cannot completely distinguish sepsis from systemic inflammatory response syndrome (SIRS) caused by other non-infectious diseases. Circulating microRNAs (miRNAs) are promising biomarkers for several diseases, but their correlation with sepsis is not totally clarified.
Methods:
Seven miRNAs related to inflammation or infection were included in the present study. Serum miRNA expression was investigated in 50 patients diagnosed with sepsis, 30 patients with SIRS and 20 healthy controls to evaluate the diagnostic and prognostic value. Expression levels of serum miRNAs were determined by quantitative PCR using the Qiagen miScript system. Serum CRP and IL-6 levels were determined by enzyme linked immunosorbent assay.
Results:
Serum miR-146a and miR-223 were significantly reduced in septic patients compared with SIRS patients and healthy controls. The areas under the receiver operating characteristic curve of miR-146a, miR-223 and IL-6 were 0.858, 0.804 and 0.785, respectively.
Conclusion:
Serum miR-146a and miR-223 might serve as new biomarkers for sepsis with high specificity and sensitivity. (ClinicalTrials.gov number, NCT00862290.).
Insights
Serum miR-146a and miR-223 show potential as novel biomarkers for sepsis, offering high specificity and sensitivity in distinguishing it from systemic inflammatory response syndrome (SIRS). These microRNAs could improve sepsis diagnosis.
Area of Science:
- Biochemistry
- Molecular Biology
- Clinical Diagnostics
Background:
- Current biomarkers struggle to differentiate sepsis from non-infectious systemic inflammatory response syndrome (SIRS).
- Circulating microRNAs (miRNAs) are emerging as potential disease biomarkers, but their role in sepsis requires further clarification.
Purpose of the Study:
- To investigate the diagnostic and prognostic value of specific serum miRNAs in sepsis.
- To evaluate serum miR-146a and miR-223 as potential biomarkers for sepsis detection.
Main Methods:
- Quantitative PCR was used to measure serum miRNA expression in 50 sepsis patients, 30 SIRS patients, and 20 healthy controls.
- Serum levels of C-reactive protein (CRP) and Interleukin-6 (IL-6) were quantified using ELISA.
Main Results:
- Serum miR-146a and miR-223 levels were significantly lower in sepsis patients compared to SIRS patients and healthy controls.
- Receiver operating characteristic (ROC) curve analysis showed high diagnostic accuracy for miR-146a (0.858), miR-223 (0.804), and IL-6 (0.785).
Conclusions:
- Serum miR-146a and miR-223 demonstrate potential as sensitive and specific biomarkers for sepsis.
- These miRNAs may aid in differentiating sepsis from other causes of SIRS, improving clinical management.