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MicroRNA-155 is upregulated in ascites in patients with spontaneous bacterial peritonitis
Philipp Lutz1,2, Mohamed M Haimid1, Alessandra Pohlmann1
1Department of Internal Medicine I, University of Bonn, Sigmund-Freud-Strasse 25, 53127 Bonn, Germany.
Abstract:
MircoRNA's (miR) have been recognised as important modulators of gene expression and potential biomarkers. However, they have been rarely investigated in bio fluids apart from blood. We investigated the association of miR-125b and miR-155 with complications of cirrhosis. Ascites was prospectively collected from patients with cirrhosis undergoing paracentesis at our department. miR's were determined in the supernatant using qPCR and normalized by SV-40. Clinical parameters were assessed at paracentesis and during follow-up. 76 specimens from 72 patients were analysed. MiR's were not associated to age, sex or aetiology of cirrhosis. MiR-125b levels differed between patients with low and high MELD score, and miR-125b levels showed an inverse correlation to serum creatinine (r2 = -0.23; p = 0.05). MiR-155 was elevated in patients with spontaneous bacterial peritonitis (SBP) (n = 10; p = 0.04). MiR-155 levels differed between patients with and without 30-day survival (p = 0.02). No association of ascites levels of investigated miR's to size of varices, episodes of gastrointestinal bleeding or hepatorenal syndrome was observed. While miR-125b levels in ascites seem to be associated with liver and renal dysfunction, miR-155 might be implicated in local immune response in SBP.
Insights
MicroRNAs (miRs) in ascites fluid may serve as biomarkers for cirrhosis complications. miR-125b correlates with liver and kidney dysfunction, while miR-155 indicates spontaneous bacterial peritonitis and affects survival.
Area of Science:
- Biochemistry
- Molecular Biology
- Hepatology
Background:
- MicroRNAs (miRs) are key gene regulators and potential biomarkers.
- Investigating miRs in biofluids beyond blood is crucial for understanding disease.
- Cirrhosis complications require novel diagnostic and prognostic markers.
Purpose of the Study:
- To investigate the association of miR-125b and miR-155 in ascites fluid with cirrhosis complications.
- To explore the potential of these miRs as biomarkers for liver dysfunction and infection.
Main Methods:
- Ascites fluid was collected from 72 cirrhosis patients undergoing paracentesis.
- MicroRNA levels (miR-125b, miR-155) were quantified using qPCR.
- Clinical parameters, including MELD score, serum creatinine, and spontaneous bacterial peritonitis (SBP), were assessed.
Main Results:
- miR-125b levels correlated inversely with serum creatinine and differed between low and high MELD scores.
- miR-155 was elevated in patients with SBP and showed differential levels in patients with and without 30-day survival.
- No significant association was found between ascites miR levels and esophageal varices, gastrointestinal bleeding, or hepatorenal syndrome.
Conclusions:
- Ascites miR-125b may reflect liver and renal dysfunction in cirrhosis.
- Ascites miR-155 shows potential as a biomarker for SBP and prognosis in cirrhosis patients.
- Further research is warranted to validate these microRNAs as clinical biomarkers.
