Emerging roles of non-coding RNAs in idiopathic nephrotic syndrome: a narrative review

Nephrotic syndrome (NS) is a clinical situation characterized by excessive proteinuria (greater than 3-3.5 g/24 hour or spot urine protein:creatinine ratio of > 300-350 mg/mmol), hypoalbuminemia, edema, and always along with hyperlipidemia. Currently, only a minority of nephrotic syndrome cases have been identified as having genetic associations, while the pathogenic mechanisms responsible for the condition remain largely elusive in the majority of patients. Renal biopsy is generally essential for the definitive and differential diagnosis. Recently, non-coding RNAs (ncRNAs), especially microRNAs (miRNAs), long non-coding RNAs (lncRNAs), and circular RNAs (circRNAs), were demonstrated to be involved in the pathogenesis and development of idiopathic nephrotic syndrome (INS). In this review, we discussed and summarized the biological properties and multiple functions of ncRNAs in the progression of INS, and also offer a glimpse into their potential as specific diagnostic tools and therapeutic options for INS.