MiR-339 and galectin-3: diagnostic value in patients with airway obstruction after lung transplantation

Area of Science:

• Transplantation immunology
• Biomarker discovery
• Respiratory medicine

Background:

• Respiratory complications, such as airway obstruction, are a major cause of graft dysfunction following lung transplantation (LTx).
• MicroRNAs (miRNAs) are regulatory molecules with potential as biomarkers for respiratory diseases and post-transplant complications.
• Galectin-3 is implicated in fibrosis within transplanted organs.

Purpose of the Study:

• To evaluate plasma miR-339 and galectin-3 concentrations in lung transplant recipients.
• To assess the association of these markers with airway obstruction after LTx.

Main Methods:

• Study included 57 lung transplant recipients followed for up to 5 years.
• Plasma microRNAs were quantified using real-time PCR.
• Galectin-3 levels were measured by ELISA.

Main Results:

• Airway obstruction was detected in 12 (40.0%) of 30 recipients with post-transplant complications.
• Significantly higher plasma levels of miR-339 and galectin-3 were observed in recipients with airway obstruction compared to those without complications (P=0.036 and P=0.014, respectively).
• Elevated miR-339 (>0.02 fold change) and galectin-3 (>11.7 ng/ml) were associated with a high risk (RR=7.14) of airway obstruction post-LTx (P=0.045).

Conclusions:

• Plasma miR-339 and galectin-3 levels are significantly elevated in lung transplant recipients with airway obstruction.
• Combined measurement of miR-339 expression and galectin-3 levels may offer a promising approach for identifying recipients at risk of developing airway obstruction after LTx.