Related Experiment Video
Updated: Jul 26, 2026
Detection of MicroRNA Expression in the Kidneys of Immunoglobulin A Nephropathic Mice
Published on: July 8, 2020
MicroRNAs (-146a, -21 and -34a) are diagnostic and prognostic biomarkers for diabetic retinopathy
Hend Gouda Helal1, Mohammed H Rashed2, Omnia Alsaied Abdullah3
1Department of Ophthalmology, Faculty of Medicine, Benha University, Benha, Egypt.
Background:
Diabetic retinopathy (DR) is implicated in blindness of diabetic patients. Early diagnosis of DR is very essential to ensure good prognosis. The role of microRNAs (miRs) as biomarker diagnostic tools in DR is not fully investigated. The present study aimed to find the relation between serum relative expression of microRNAs (miR-146a, miR-21 and miR-34a) and severity of DR and to what extent their expression pattern can be used as either diagnostic or prognostic.
Methods:
Eighty type 2 diabetic patients were classified according to severity of DR into normal, mild, moderate, severe non-proliferative diabetic retinopathy (NPDR) and proliferative diabetic retinopathy (PDR). Serum relative expressions of miRNAs were evaluated by qPCR and statistically analysed in each stage using Analysis of Variance (ANOVA) followed by Tuckey-Kramer post-test.
Results:
Serum relative expressions of miR-146a and miR-21 were increased with increased severity of DR. miR-34a decreased with the severity of DR. The expression pattern in each group in relation to normal fundus group could be diagnostic and prognostic where miR-146a was only increased in mild group and continued with the severity. In moderate group miR-21 start to increase along with slight decrease in miR-34a. In severe NPDR group along with highly increased levels of both miR-146a and miR-21, a marked decrease in miR-34a. In PDR group miR-34a was almost diminished along with very high levels of both miR-146a and miR-21.
Conclusions:
miRs (-146a,-21 and-34a) are promising biomarkers in DR and can help to avoid disease progression.
Insights
Specific microRNAs (miRs) show altered expression with diabetic retinopathy (DR) severity. These miRs (miR-146a, miR-21, miR-34a) are promising diagnostic and prognostic biomarkers for DR.
Area of Science:
- Ophthalmology
- Molecular Biology
- Biomarker Discovery
Background:
- Diabetic retinopathy (DR) is a leading cause of blindness in diabetic patients.
- Early diagnosis of DR is crucial for effective management and preserving vision.
- The potential of microRNAs (miRs) as diagnostic biomarkers for DR requires further investigation.
Purpose of the Study:
- To investigate the relationship between serum microRNA (miR-146a, miR-21, miR-34a) expression and the severity of diabetic retinopathy.
- To assess the diagnostic and prognostic value of these microRNA expression patterns in DR.
Main Methods:
- Eighty type 2 diabetic patients were categorized based on DR severity (mild, moderate, severe NPDR, PDR).
- Serum microRNA levels were quantified using quantitative polymerase chain reaction (qPCR).
- Statistical analysis, including ANOVA and Tukey-Kramer post-test, was employed to compare expression levels across groups.
Main Results:
- Serum miR-146a and miR-21 levels increased progressively with DR severity.
- Serum miR-34a levels demonstrated a decreasing trend as DR severity advanced.
- Distinct expression patterns of miR-146a, miR-21, and miR-34a were observed across different DR stages, suggesting diagnostic and prognostic potential.
Conclusions:
- MicroRNAs miR-146a, miR-21, and miR-34a show significant potential as biomarkers for diabetic retinopathy.
- Monitoring these microRNA expression profiles may aid in early diagnosis and management, potentially preventing disease progression.
More Related Videos
06:48Quantitative Real-Time Polymerase Chain Reaction Evaluation of MicroRNA Expression in Kidney and Serum of Mice with Age-Dependent Renal Impairment
Published on: April 29, 2022
04:36Author Spotlight: Understanding Retinal Vessel Resilience and Disease Progression
Published on: January 12, 2024
Related Concept Videos
01:27Diabetic Retinopathy
01:28Diabetic Nephropathy