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Updated: Nov 27, 2025
Detection of MicroRNA Expression in the Kidneys of Immunoglobulin A Nephropathic Mice
Published on: July 8, 2020
Identification of urinary microRNA biomarkers for in vivo gentamicin-induced nephrotoxicity models
Byung Suk Jeon1, Soo Ho Lee1, So Ryeon Hwang1
1Toxicological Evaluation Laboratory, Animal and Plant Quarantine Agency, Gimcheon 39660, Korea.
Background:
Although previous in vivo studies explored urinary microRNA (miRNA), there is no agreement on nephrotoxicity-specific miRNA biomarkers.
Objectives:
In this study, we assessed whether urinary miRNAs could be employed as biomarkers for nephrotoxicity.
Methods:
For this, literature-based candidate miRNAs were identified by reviewing the previous studies. Female Sprague-Dawley rats received subcutaneous injections of a single dose or repeated doses (3 consecutive days) of gentamicin (GEN; 137 or 412 mg/kg). The expression of miRNAs was analyzed by real-time reverse transcription-polymerase chain reaction in 16 h pooled urine from GEN-treated rats.
Results:
GEN-induced acute kidney injury was confirmed by the presence of tubular necrosis. We identified let-7g-5p, miR-21-3p, 26b-3p, 192-5p, and 378a-3p significantly upregulated in the urine of GEN-treated rats with the appearance of the necrosis in proximal tubules. Specifically, miR-26-3p, 192-5p, and 378a-3p with highly expressed levels in urine of rats with GEN-induced acute tubular injury were considered to have sensitivities comparable to clinical biomarkers, such as blood urea nitrogen, serum creatinine, and urinary kidney injury molecule protein.
Conclusions:
These results indicated the potential involvement of urinary miRNAs in chemical-induced nephrotoxicity, suggesting that certain miRNAs could serve as biomarkers for acute nephrotoxicity.
Insights
Urinary microRNAs (miRNAs) show promise as biomarkers for acute kidney injury. Specific miRNAs, like miR-26-3p and miR-192-5p, were significantly elevated in rats treated with gentamicin, indicating potential for early detection of nephrotoxicity.
Area of Science:
- Biomarkers
- Toxicology
- Molecular Biology
Background:
- Urinary microRNAs (miRNAs) are being investigated for their potential as biomarkers.
- Existing studies lack consensus on specific miRNA biomarkers for nephrotoxicity.
Purpose of the Study:
- To evaluate urinary miRNAs as potential biomarkers for drug-induced nephrotoxicity.
- To identify specific miRNAs indicative of kidney injury.
Main Methods:
- Literature review to identify candidate miRNAs.
- Administration of gentamicin (GEN) to female Sprague-Dawley rats.
- Real-time RT-PCR analysis of urinary miRNA expression in GEN-treated rats.
Main Results:
- Gentamicin induced acute kidney injury with tubular necrosis.
- let-7g-5p, miR-21-3p, 26b-3p, 192-5p, and 378a-3p were significantly upregulated in urine.
- miR-26-3p, miR-192-5p, and miR-378a-3p showed sensitivity comparable to clinical biomarkers for acute tubular injury.
Conclusions:
- Urinary miRNAs are potentially involved in chemical-induced nephrotoxicity.
- Specific urinary miRNAs may serve as effective biomarkers for acute nephrotoxicity.
