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A Quantitative Detection Method for MicroRNAs in the Kidney of an Ischemic Kidney Injury Mouse Model
Published on: September 11, 2020
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.
Background:
Sepsis is a life-threatening condition that induce tens of million death each year, yet early diagnosis remains a formidable challenge. Many studies have focused on the diagnostic accuracy of microRNAs (miRNAs) for sepsis in recent years, particularly miR-155-5p, miR-21, miR-223-3p, miR-146a, and miR-125a. Thus, we conducted this meta-analysis to explore if miRNAs may be used as a biomarker for sepsis detection.
Methods:
We searched PubMed, the Cochrane Central Register of Controlled Trials, EMBASE, and China National Knowledge Infrastructure through May 12, 2022. This meta-analysis was conducted using Meta-disc 1.4 and STATA 15.1 in a fixed/random-effect model.
Results:
The analysis included a total of 50 relevant studies. The overall performance of total miRNAs detection was: pooled sensitivity, 0.76 (95% confidence interval [CI], 0.75 to 0.77); pooled specificity, 0.77 (95%CI, 0.75 to 0.78); and area under the summary receiver operating characteristic curves value (SROC), 0.86. The subgroup analysis suggested that detection in miR-155-5p group had the highest area under the curve (AUC) of SROC among all miRNAs: pooled sensitivity, 0.71 (95%CI, 0.67 to 0.75); pooled specificity, 0.82 (95%CI, 0.76 to 0.86); and SROC, 0.85. MiR-21, miR-223-3p, miR-146a, and miR-125a had SROC values of 0.67, 0.78, 0.69, and 0.74, respectively. The specimen type was found to be a source of heterogeneity in the meta-regression study. The SROC of serum was higher than that of plasma (0.87 and 0.83, respectively).
Conclusions:
Our meta-analysis revealed that miRNAs, specifically miR-155-5p, could be useful biomarkers for detecting sepsis. A clinical serum specimen is also indicated for diagnostic purposes.
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.

