Role of micro-RNA132 and its long non coding SOX2 in diagnosis of lupus nephritis

The skin and the kidney are commonly affected in systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE) with similar molecular mechanisms. Although clinical indicators of renal injury in SLE are fairly uncontroversial, few biomarkers are reliable. The role of micro-RNAs (mi-RNAs) in lupus nephritis (LN) pathogenesis has been investigated to help in early diagnosis.

The aim of work is to evaluate miRNA132 and SOX2 expressions in SLE Egyptian patients; with and without nephritis, and the relation between miRNA132 and its long non-coding gene SOX2 in both patients groups.

This is a case-control study involving 100 SLE patients with and without LN (LN and non-LN groups), and 50 age-and sex-matched healthy controls. The study was carried out to detect miRNA132 and SOX2 expression by quantitative Real-Time Polymerase chain reaction methods. The SLE disease activity index (SLEDAI) was assessed.

SLEDAI increased in LN compared to non-LN. Micro-RNA132 expression was significantly increased in patient groups compared to controls (p<0.01) and increased in LN more than non-LN group (p<0.001). SOX2 significantly decreased in patient groups compared to controls (p<0.001), and was more in LN compared to non-LN group (p<0.001). There was a negative correlation between miRNA132 and SOX2 expression in both patient groups (p<0.001).

miRNA132 and SOX2 may play a role in SLE activity and help in the early non-invasive diagnosis of LN.