Exosomal miRNAs in urine associated with children's cardiorenal parameters: a cross-sectional study

Area of Science:

• Pediatric Nephrology
• Biomarker Discovery
• Cardiorenal Health

Background:

• Urinary exosomal microRNAs (exo-miRs) are emerging biomarkers for renal health.
• Early identification of cardiorenal risk factors in children is crucial.
• Limited research exists on exo-miRs and cardiorenal outcomes in early childhood.

Purpose of the Study:

• To investigate associations between urinary exo-miRs and cardiorenal outcomes in healthy preschool-aged children.
• To identify specific exo-miRs that correlate with blood pressure, kidney function, and electrolyte balance.
• To establish the potential of exo-miRs as early-life biomarkers for cardiorenal health.

Main Methods:

• Urine samples were collected from 88 healthy Mexican children aged 4-6 years.
• Exosomal miRNAs (exo-miRs) were extracted and 193 distinct exo-miRs were analyzed.
• Associations between exo-miRs and cardiorenal parameters (blood pressure, eGFR, urinary electrolytes) were assessed, adjusting for confounders.

Main Results:

• Multiple exo-miRs demonstrated significant associations with cardiorenal outcomes (q < 0.1).
• Three exo-miRs correlated with increased urinary sodium levels.
• Seventeen exo-miRs were associated with the urinary sodium-to-potassium ratio, and one with decreased estimated glomerular filtration rate (eGFR).

Conclusions:

• Urinary exo-miRs serve as valuable early-life biomarkers for assessing cardiorenal health in children.
• Specific exo-miRs can indicate early signs of altered kidney function and electrolyte imbalance.
• This study provides a foundation for using exo-miRs in pediatric cardiorenal health monitoring.