miR-7974 as a potential biomarker for lupus nephritis and its involvement in disease progression

Lupus nephritis (LN) is a prevalent and severe complication associated with systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE), posing a substantial risk to renal function and adversely affecting the quality of life of affected individuals. miRNAs play a crucial regulatory role in adaptive immune responses. However, the involvement of specific miRNAs in LN is rarely reported. This research aims to examine the clinical value of miR-7974, as well as the expression changes and interaction mechanisms of the miR-7974/DDAH1 axis in LN, and its impact on the pathogenesis of LN.

The expression levels of miR-7974 and DDAH1 were measured using real-time fluorescence quantification. CCK-8 was utilized to assess cell proliferation ability. ELISA was employed to quantify the levels of inflammatory factors. The binding of miR-7974 to DDAH1 was verified using a dual luciferase reporter gene assay.

miR-7974 is highly expressed in blood samples from patients with LN and LPS-induced HRMCs, whereas DDAH1 is expressed at low levels. The ROC curve suggests that miR-7974 possesses diagnostic value. The knockdown of miR-7974 and the overexpression of DDAH1 both inhibit cell proliferation and reduce levels of inflammatory cytokines. Additionally, miR-7974 negatively regulates DDAH1.

miR-7974 plays a role in the progression of LN by negatively regulating DDAH1. The miR-7974/DDAH1 axis may serve as a non-invasive biomarker and a potential therapeutic target for the diagnosis of LN.