miR-6722-3p improves sepsis-induced acute kidney injury by targeting CHI3L1

Acute kidney injury (AKI) is a common complication of sepsis, associated with increased morbidity and mortality. Recent studies suggested microRNAs (miRNAs) play a crucial role in the pathogenesis of AKI. However, the specific role and underlying mechanisms of miR-6722-3p in AKI remain poorly understood.

Male Sprague Dawley rats were subjected to cecum ligation and perforation (CLP) to establish a sepsis-induced AKI model. Lentiviral vectors overexpressing miR-6722-3p or empty control vectors were administered via tail vein injection post-surgery. Hematoxylin and eosin (H&E) staining was performed to assess renal histopathological changes, while apoptosis in renal tissues was evaluated using the TUNEL assay. Serum levels of blood urea nitrogen (BUN), creatinine (Cr), and inflammatory cytokines (IL-1β and TNF-α) were measured by a biochemical instrument and ELISA, respectively. The mRNA and protein expression levels of CHI3L1, TLR4, and NF-κB p65 were analyzed using quantitative real-time PCR (qRT-PCR) and Western blotting.

Sepsis-induced renal injury was characterized by significant histopathological damage, increased serum Cr, BUN, and inflammatory cytokines. Overexpression of miR-6722-3p suppressed inflammatory cytokine secretion, reduced renal cell apoptosis, and ameliorated renal injury. Additionally, miR-6722-3p overexpression downregulated CHI3L1, TLR4, and NF-κB p65 expression at both mRNA and protein levels.

miR-6722-3p exhibits a protective effect against sepsis-associated AKI, potentially through the modulation of CHI3L1 expression. These findings suggest that miR-6722-3p may serve as a promising therapeutic target for sepsis-induced AKI.