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Detection of MicroRNA Expression in the Kidneys of Immunoglobulin A Nephropathic Mice
Published on: July 8, 2020
Circulating MiR-29a, Possible Use as a Biomarker for Monitoring IgA Nephropathy
1Department of Nephrology, The First Affiliated Hospital of Shenzhen University, Shenzhen, Guangdong Province, China. cnyongchenghe@126.com.
Introduction:
Previous studies have shown that TGF-β1/Smad3 signaling promotes renal fibrosis by inhibiting miR-29. To date, only few studies have reportedon circulating microRNAs in IgA nephropathy (IgAN). However, the plasma expression of miR-29a and its role in patients with IgAN remains unclear. In this study, we attempted to elucidate whether plasma miR-29a expression can be used as a biomarker for monitoring disease states.
Methods:
For this study, 15 healthy subjects, 36 patients with untreated renal biopsy-proven IgAN, and 79 patients with IgAN, who were under treatment for a period of 1 year on an average, all of whom had similar age and gender distributions, were included. The plasma expression of miR-29a in each group was explored by real-time PCR, and the relationship between miR-29a expression and clinical, pathological, and prognostic indicators of IgAN was further evaluated.
Results:
Relative plasma expression of miR-29a in patients with IgAN was significantly lower than that in healthy controls (P < .001), and these changes in plasma miR-29a could be suppressed by treatment (P < .05). Plasma miR-29a was positively correlated with eGFR and negatively correlated with proteinuria and serum creatinine, irrespective of whether or not the patients with IgAN accepted treatment (P < .05). Plasma miR-29a level was negatively correlated with primary pathological parameters such as crescent formation, Lee's and Oxford classification (P < .05). Kaplan-Meier analysis revealed that patients with high plasma expression of miR-29a had better renal function and better response to treatment compared to those with low expression (P < .05).
Conclusion:
Plasma miR-29a could be considered as a biological marker that reflects renal damage and function, to predict the progression of IgAN.
Insights
Plasma miR-29a levels are lower in IgA nephropathy (IgAN) patients and correlate with disease severity. This microRNA may serve as a biomarker for monitoring IgAN progression and treatment response.
Area of Science:
- Nephrology
- Molecular Biology
- Biomarker Discovery
Background:
- Transforming growth factor-beta 1 (TGF-β1)/Smad3 signaling inhibits miR-29, a known factor in renal fibrosis.
- Limited research exists on circulating microRNAs in IgA nephropathy (IgAN).
- The role and plasma expression of miR-29a in IgAN patients are not well understood.
Purpose of the Study:
- To investigate the plasma expression levels of miR-29a in IgA nephropathy (IgAN) patients.
- To determine if plasma miR-29a can serve as a biomarker for monitoring IgAN disease state and progression.
Main Methods:
- Plasma miR-29a expression was measured using real-time PCR in 36 untreated IgAN patients, 79 treated IgAN patients, and 15 healthy controls.
- Correlations between plasma miR-29a levels and clinical (eGFR, proteinuria, serum creatinine), pathological (crescent formation, Oxford classification), and prognostic indicators were evaluated.
Main Results:
- Plasma miR-29a was significantly lower in IgAN patients compared to healthy controls and increased with treatment.
- miR-29a levels positively correlated with estimated glomerular filtration rate (eGFR) and negatively with proteinuria, serum creatinine, and pathological parameters.
- Higher plasma miR-29a expression was associated with better renal function and treatment response.
Conclusions:
- Plasma miR-29a shows potential as a biomarker for assessing renal damage and function in IgAN.
- miR-29a levels can help predict IgAN progression and response to therapy.
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