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Downregulation of miR-130b-3p is associated with the progression of type 2 diabetic nephropathy

Xukai Hua1,2, Xiaoyan Zhu2, Jianzhuo Wu3

  • 1The First School of Clinical Medicine, Southern Medical University Guangzhou, Guangdong, China.

American Journal of Translational Research
|June 22, 2026
PubMed
Abstract

Insights

MicroRNA-130b-3p is downregulated in type 2 diabetic nephropathy (T2DN), indicating early kidney injury. Its decrease may promote apoptosis via the Bcl-2/Bax pathway, suggesting a potential biomarker for T2DN progression.

Area of Science:

  • Biochemistry
  • Molecular Biology
  • Nephrology

Background:

  • Type 2 diabetic nephropathy (T2DN) is a major complication of diabetes.
  • Early detection and understanding of T2DN mechanisms are crucial for effective management.
  • MicroRNAs (miRNAs) play significant roles in the pathogenesis of diabetic kidney disease.

Purpose of the Study:

  • To investigate the association between miR-130b-3p expression and T2DN progression.
  • To explore the underlying molecular mechanisms of miR-130b-3p in T2DN.
  • To evaluate the diagnostic potential of miR-130b-3p for DN.

Main Methods:

  • Cross-sectional study involving 279 T2DN patients and 80 healthy controls.
  • Measurement of miR-130b-3p expression in different T2DN stages (normal albuminuria, microalbuminuria, macroalbuminuria).
  • Establishment of a DN rat model to analyze miR-130b-3p expression and its relation to the Bcl-2/Bax pathway and apoptosis.

Main Results:

  • miR-130b-3p expression was significantly decreased in T2DN patients, with lower levels in advanced stages.
  • Downregulation of miR-130b-3p correlated negatively with disease duration, HbA1c, HOMA-IR, triglycerides, eGFR, TGF-β1, and TNF-α.
  • ROC curve analysis showed miR-130b-3p has a diagnostic value for DN (AUC=0.854).
  • In DN rats, decreased miR-130b-3p and Bcl-2, increased Bax and caspase-3, and elevated renal cortex apoptosis were observed.

Conclusions:

  • Downregulation of miR-130b-3p may serve as an early indicator of renal injury in T2DN.
  • The mechanism involves miR-130b-3p influencing apoptosis via the mitochondrial pathway through Bcl-2/Bax imbalance.
  • miR-130b-3p holds potential as a biomarker for T2DN progression and severity.
Keywords:
diabetic nephropathydisease progressionmechanismmiR-130b-3ptype 2 diabetes mellitus

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