Related Experiment Video
Updated: Nov 17, 2025
05:39
Detection of MicroRNA Expression in the Kidneys of Immunoglobulin A Nephropathic Mice
Published on: July 8, 2020
2.0K
Kidney microRNA-21 Expression and Kidney Function in IgA Nephropathy.
Cheuk-Chun Szeto1,2, Jack Kit-Chung Ng1, Winston Wing-Shing Fung1
1Department of Medicine & Therapeutics, Prince of Wales Hospital, Hong Kong, China.
Kidney Medicine
|February 19, 2021
Summary
Increased intrarenal microRNA-21 (miR-21) in IgA nephropathy (IgAN) correlates with kidney damage and predicts kidney function loss. This finding highlights miR-21 as a potential biomarker for IgAN progression.
Area of Science:
- Nephrology
- Molecular Biology
- Genetics
Background:
- MicroRNA-21 (miR-21) is implicated in kidney fibrosis.
- The role of intrarenal miR-21 in immunoglobulin A nephropathy (IgAN) progression remains to be fully elucidated.
Purpose of the Study:
- To investigate the relationship between intrarenal miR-21 levels and the rate of kidney function decline in patients with IgAN.
- To assess miR-21 expression in kidney biopsy specimens and urinary sediment.
Main Methods:
- A prospective cohort study involving 40 patients with IgAN and 10 controls with hypertensive nephrosclerosis.
- Quantification of miR-21 levels in kidney biopsy and urinary sediment.
- Analysis of kidney event-free survival and kidney function decline using time-to-event and correlation analyses.
Main Results:
- Intrarenal miR-21 expression was significantly higher in IgAN patients compared to controls (P < 0.0001).
- Higher intrarenal miR-21 correlated modestly with glomerulosclerosis (r=0.293, P=0.05) and tubulointerstitial fibrosis (r=0.341, P=0.03).
- Elevated intrarenal miR-21 predicted a higher risk of kidney endpoints (log-rank test, P=0.017) and was associated with faster kidney function decline (r=-0.399, P=0.02).
Conclusions:
- Intrarenal miR-21 expression is elevated in IgAN and associated with histological damage.
- Intrarenal miR-21 serves as a predictive marker for kidney function loss in IgAN patients.
- Limitations include small sample size and uncertain cellular origin of miR-21.
Related Concept Videos
01:30Acute Kidney Injury IV: Diagnostic Studies and Prevention
139
Accurate diagnosis and effective prevention are critical in managing Acute Kidney Injury (AKI), which is linked to high mortality rates ranging from 10% to 80%. Timely recognition of at-risk patients and careful monitoring can significantly reduce the likelihood of kidney damage.Diagnostic Assessments:The diagnostic process starts with a comprehensive medical history to identify prerenal, intrarenal, and postrenal causes.Prerenal causes, such as dehydration, hypotension, or blood loss, should...
139
01:22Acute Kidney Injury I: Introduction
276
Introduction:Acute Kidney Injury (AKI) describes a swift decrease in kidney function occurring over hours to days, characterized by the kidneys' failure to remove waste products from the bloodstream. This leads to dangerous complications like metabolic acidosis, fluid overload, and electrolyte imbalances, such as hyperkalemia, which can cause life-threatening arrhythmias. AKI is common in both hospital and outpatient settings, often triggered by dehydration, sepsis, or exposure to nephrotoxic...
276
01:24Chronic Kidney Disease II: Clinical Manifestations
316
Chronic Kidney Disease (CKD) progressively impairs multiple body systems due to the accumulation of uremic toxins, which disrupt cellular functions across various organs.Neurologic symptomsNeurologic symptoms often arise early in CKD, as uremic toxin buildup drives changes in cognitive and motor functions. Patients frequently experience fatigue, headache, confusion, difficulty concentrating, and, in severe cases, seizures. Peripheral neuropathy commonly manifests as burning sensations in the...
316
01:24Serum Studies: Renal Function Tests
186
Renal function tests are crucial for assessing kidney health, monitoring disease progression, and evaluating the kidneys' efficiency in waste elimination, fluid balance, and electrolyte regulation. These tests offer critical insights into kidney function, even though routine measurements may appear normal until there is a significant decline in the glomerular filtration rate or GFR. Typically, signs of kidney impairment only become evident when the GFR falls to about 50% of its normal level.
186
01:17Factors Affecting Renal Clearance: Renal Impairment
263
Renal dysfunction significantly impairs the renal clearance of drugs, leading to potential complications in drug therapy. Renal failure, which can be caused by various factors, poses a significant challenge in the elimination of drugs from the body.
One condition associated with renal failure is uremia. Uremia is characterized by impaired glomerular filtration and fluid accumulation in the body. This condition hinders the renal clearance of drugs, resulting in drug accumulation and potential...
One condition associated with renal failure is uremia. Uremia is characterized by impaired glomerular filtration and fluid accumulation in the body. This condition hinders the renal clearance of drugs, resulting in drug accumulation and potential...
263
01:29Acute Kidney Injury III: Clinical Manifestations
423
Acute Kidney Injury (AKI) progresses through distinct clinical phases: the oliguric, diuretic, and recovery phases, each marked by unique manifestations and challenges.Oliguric Phase:The oliguric phase is the initial stage of AKI, typically lasting 10 to 14 days. This phase is marked by a significant reduction in urine output, usually less than 400 mL per day, indicating decreased kidney function. Fluid retention is a prominent feature, leading to symptoms such as edema, hypertension, and...
423