Evaluation of miR-30a-5p and miR-186 levels in plasma samples of patients with nephrotic syndrome

Abstract

Introduction. Nephrotic syndrome is a common widespread kidney disease with different histopathogenesis. MicroRNAs are non-coding RNAs that regulate cell processes by silencing mRNA expression. Since there is a lack of definite non-invasive diagnosis biomarker in NS, it was the aim of this study to evaluate the levels of miR-30 family and miR-186-5p in plasma and PBMC samples of adult patients with NS using real-time PCR. Material and methods. Fresh blood were collected from 60 patients with primary NS (Focal Segmental Glomerulosclerosis (FSGS, N=30) and Membranous Glomerulonephritis (MGN, N=30)) and 24 healthy volunteers and microRNAs expression levels were investigated in plasma and PBMC samples. In addition, in-silico analyses comprised for understanding of the signaling pathways and biological procedures that may be regulated by the studied miRNAs. Results. miR-30c-5p and miR-186-5p levels increased significantly in NS group compared to healthy controls in PBMC and plasma samples. Moreover, in MGN group, significant elevated levels of miR-30c-5p and miR-186-5p were observed in PBMC and plasma samples. In ROC curve analysis, combined levels of the studied miRNAs could discriminate the cases from controls in plasma and blood cells (AUC≥0.69, p<0.05). Conclusion. miRNAs may be suitable biomarkers in plasma and PBMCs samples of NS patients with different subclasses. More investigations are necessary with further sample volume to validate the diagnostic values of the reported miRNAs.