Diagnostic significance of microRNAs in sepsis

Xiaolan Zheng1, Yue Zhang1, Sha Lin1

  • 1Key Laboratory of Birth Defects and Related Diseases of Women and Children of MOE, Department of Pediatrics, West China Second University Hospital, Sichuan University, Chengdu, China.

Plos One
|February 22, 2023
PubMed
Abstract

Insights

MicroRNAs (miRNAs) show promise as biomarkers for early sepsis detection. miR-155-5p in particular demonstrated high diagnostic accuracy, with serum samples yielding the best results.

Area of Science:

  • Biomarkers and Diagnostics
  • Molecular Biology
  • Medical Research

Background:

  • Sepsis is a critical, life-threatening condition with high mortality rates.
  • Early diagnosis of sepsis remains a significant clinical challenge.
  • MicroRNAs (miRNAs) are being investigated as potential diagnostic markers for sepsis.

Approach:

  • A comprehensive meta-analysis was performed on 50 relevant studies.
  • Searched major scientific databases including PubMed, Cochrane, EMBASE, and CNKI.
  • Statistical analysis utilized Meta-disc 1.4 and STATA 15.1.

Key Points:

  • Overall pooled sensitivity for miRNA detection was 0.76 and specificity was 0.77 (SROC=0.86).
  • miR-155-5p exhibited the highest diagnostic accuracy among tested miRNAs (SROC=0.85).
  • Serum samples showed superior diagnostic performance (SROC=0.87) compared to plasma (SROC=0.83).

Conclusions:

  • MicroRNAs, especially miR-155-5p, are valuable biomarkers for sepsis detection.
  • Clinical diagnosis of sepsis can be enhanced by utilizing miRNA detection in serum specimens.