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Updated: Jan 8, 2026
Detection of microRNA Expression in Peritoneal Membrane of Rats Using Quantitative Real-time PCR
Published on: June 27, 2017
Peritoneal dialysis influences microRNA expression and pro-inflammatory response: results from a cross-sectional
Nara Aline Costa1, Amanda Gomes Pereira2, Hellen Christina Neves Rodrigues1
1Universidade Federal de Goiás, Faculdade de Nutrição, Goiânia, GO, Brazil.
Introduction:
The investigation of circulating microRNAs (miRNAs) and inflammatory response associated with the different stages of chronic kidney disease (CKD) may reveal biomarkers of disease pathogenesis. Our goal was to identifying differences in the circulating miRNAs expression between peritoneal dialysis (PD) and non-dialytic (ND) patients and determine the regulatory miRNA-target gene networks and pathways potentially involved in disease pathogenesis.
Methods:
This was an exploratory cross-sectional study that included ND and PD patients with CKD stage 5 over 18 years of age. Inflammatory biomarkers and circulating miRNA expression profiles were evaluated.
Results:
The study included 20 patients (57.2 ± 11.8 years). Levels of high-sensitivity C-reactive protein [0.37 (0.07-1.40) vs. 3.90 (2.50-5.79), p = 0.038] and interleukin-6 [3.35 ± 3.08 vs. 6.82 ± 4.08, p = 0.046] were significantly lower in the ND group in comparison to the PD group, respectively. Nine miRNAs were significantly deregulated (fold change (FC) ≥ 2 and p ≤ 0.05) in the PD compared to the ND group. Computational analyses showed a large number of target genes commonly regulated by at least two of the identified miRNAs. Pathway enrichment analysis showed that G protein-coupled receptor (GPCR) signaling, insulin secretion/resistance, and energy metabolism were among significant pathways regulated by miRNA target genes.
Conclusions:
Patients on PD treatment showed deregulated circulating levels of the 9 identified miRNAs and higher serum inflammatory biomarkers, compared to ND patients. Genes regulated by miRNAs are mainly associated with GPCR signaling, insulin resistance, and energy metabolism, playing roles in fibrosis and inflammatory-associated functions.
Insights
Peritoneal dialysis patients show altered circulating microRNAs and higher inflammation compared to non-dialysis patients. These microRNAs regulate pathways involved in G protein-coupled receptor signaling and insulin resistance, potentially contributing to chronic kidney disease progression.
Area of Science:
- Nephrology
- Molecular Biology
- Biomarker Discovery
Background:
- Chronic kidney disease (CKD) pathogenesis involves complex inflammatory processes and molecular changes.
- Circulating microRNAs (miRNAs) are increasingly recognized as potential biomarkers for disease states.
- Understanding miRNA expression differences in CKD patients undergoing different treatments can elucidate disease mechanisms.
Purpose of the Study:
- To identify differences in circulating miRNA expression between non-dialytic (ND) and peritoneal dialysis (PD) CKD patients.
- To determine regulatory miRNA-target gene networks and pathways implicated in CKD pathogenesis.
- To investigate the association between circulating miRNAs, inflammation, and CKD treatment modality.
Main Methods:
- An exploratory cross-sectional study involving ND and PD patients with CKD stage 5.
- Evaluation of serum inflammatory biomarkers, including high-sensitivity C-reactive protein and interleukin-6.
- Profiling of circulating miRNA expression and computational analysis of miRNA-target gene networks and pathways.
Main Results:
- PD patients exhibited significantly higher levels of high-sensitivity C-reactive protein and interleukin-6 compared to ND patients.
- Nine miRNAs were significantly deregulated in PD patients relative to ND patients (fold change ≥ 2, p ≤ 0.05).
- Pathway enrichment analysis identified G protein-coupled receptor (GPCR) signaling, insulin secretion/resistance, and energy metabolism as significantly regulated pathways.
Conclusions:
- Peritoneal dialysis treatment is associated with deregulated circulating miRNA levels and elevated inflammatory biomarkers in CKD patients.
- The identified miRNAs regulate genes involved in GPCR signaling, insulin resistance, and energy metabolism.
- These pathways play critical roles in fibrosis and inflammation-associated functions relevant to CKD progression.
