MicroRNA expression profiling in acute kidney injury

Identification and Characterization of Differentially Expressed MicroRNAs in Benign Prostatic Hyperplasia

OBJECTIVES

The primary aim of this research is to identify and describe the distinct patterns of microRNAs (miRNAs) that are unusually expressed in benign prostatic hyperplasia (BPH) tissues compared to normal prostatic tissues.

MATERIALS AND METHODS

The investigation began with the collection of three samples each from normal prostatic and BPH tissues. These samples underwent miRNA microarray analysis using the Agilent platform. Following the preliminary screening, a larger sample set, comprising five normal prostatic tissues and 36 BPH tissues, was subjected to qRT-PCR to confirm the differential expression of the miRNAs initially identified.

RESULTS

The microarray analysis revealed that only miR-126-3p and miR-4672 exhibited an expression profile marked by both a fold change > 1.5 and p < 0.05, indicating significant downregulation in BPH tissues. MiR-145-3p and miR-143-3p also showed downregulation with fold changes greater than 1.5; however, these changes did not reach statistical significance as their p-values were above 0.05. Further attempts to validate these findings through qRT-PCR did not confirm any notable dysregulation among the four miRNAs studied; the variations in their expression levels between normal and BPH tissues did not achieve statistical significance, with p-values exceeding 0.1. From the data accrued, it can be inferred that the roles of miR-4672, miR-126-3p, miR-145-3p, and miR-143-3p in BPH development continue to be an unresolved mystery, and the need for further investigation.

CONCLUSIONS

This preliminary investigation establishes a foundation for subsequent studies aimed at elucidating the regulatory mechanisms underlying BPH. However, these results highlight the need for further investigation employing a more extensive sample size and comprehensive clinical data to elucidate their potential roles in the pathogenesis of BPH.

A Dual-Response DNA Origami Platform for Imaging and Treatment of Sepsis-Associated Acute Kidney Injury

Current diagnostics for sepsis-associated acute kidney injury (SA-AKI) detect kidney damage only at advanced stages, limiting opportunities for timely intervention. A DNA origami-based nanoplatform is developed for the early diagnosis and treatment of SA-AKI. Modified with a fluorophore (Cy5) and quencher (BHQ3), the DNA origami remains nonfluorescent under normal conditions. During SA-AKI, elevated microRNA-21 triggers a strand displacement reaction that restores the fluorescence signal, enabling real-time detection. Additionally, the photoacoustic changes of BHQ3, driven by different excretion rates of the nanostructure and released DNA strands, enable dual-mode imaging, enhancing diagnostic accuracy. Therapeutically, DNA origami scavenges reactive oxygen species and, when conjugated with the antimicrobial peptide Leucine-Leucine-37 (LL-37), exhibits bactericidal effects. This combination boosts survival rates by 80% in SA-AKI models. This dual-response nanoplatform integrates precise imaging and targeted therapy, offering a powerful strategy for SA-AKI management and advancing applications of DNA origami in precision nanomedicine.

Biomarkers in Contrast-Induced Nephropathy: Advances in Early Detection, Risk Assessment, and Prevention Strategies

Contrast-induced nephropathy (CIN) represents a significant complication associated with the use of iodinated contrast media (ICM), especially in individuals with preexisting renal impairment. The pathophysiology of CIN encompasses oxidative stress, inflammation, endothelial dysfunction, and hemodynamic disturbances, resulting in acute kidney injury (AKI). Early detection is essential for effective management; however, conventional markers like serum creatinine (sCr) and estimated glomerular filtration rate (eGFR) exhibit limitations in sensitivity and timeliness. This review emphasizes the increasing significance of novel biomarkers in enhancing early detection and risk stratification of contrast-induced nephropathy (CIN). Recent advancements in artificial intelligence and computational analytics have improved the predictive capabilities of these biomarkers, enabling personalized risk assessment and precision medicine strategies. Additionally, we discuss mitigation strategies, including hydration protocols, pharmacological interventions, and procedural modifications, aimed at reducing CIN incidence. Incorporating biomarker-driven assessments into clinical decision-making can enhance patient management and outcomes. Future research must prioritize the standardization of biomarker assays, the validation of predictive models across diverse patient populations, and the exploration of novel therapeutic targets. Utilizing advancements in biomarkers and risk mitigation strategies allows clinicians to improve the safety of contrast-enhanced imaging and reduce the likelihood of renal injury.

Acute kidney injury and energy metabolism

Acute kidney injury (AKI) predominantly affects hospitalized patients, particularly those in intensive care units, and has emerged as a significant global public health concern. Several factors, including severe cardiovascular disease, surgery-induced renal ischemia, nephrotoxic drugs, and sepsis, contribute to the development of AKI. Despite the implementation of various clinical strategies to prevent or treat AKI, its morbidity and mortality remain high, and there are no clinically effective therapeutic agents available. The limitations of traditional renal function markers (such as urine output, serum creatinine, and urea nitrogen levels), including their delayed response and insensitivity, underscore the urgent need for novel early biomarkers to facilitate the timely diagnosis of AKI. The proximal tubular epithelial cells in the kidney play a central role in both the onset and progression of AKI. These cells are highly metabolically active and have a substantial energy demand, primarily relying on fatty acid oxidation to meet their energy needs. Acylcarnitines are crucial in transporting fatty acids from the cytoplasm into the mitochondrial matrix for β-oxidation, which generates energy essential for maintaining cellular function and viability. This review aims to summarize the current understanding of AKI, including its triggers, classification, underlying mechanisms, and potential biomarkers. Special emphasis is placed on the role of fatty acid and carnitine metabolism in AKI, with the goal of providing a theoretical foundation for future investigations into AKI mechanisms and the identification of early diagnostic biomarkers.

Research and Application Prospect of Nanomedicine in Kidney Disease: A Bibliometric Analysis From 2003 to 2024

Kidney disease is a major public health concern that has a significant effect on a patient's life span and quality of life. However, effective treatment for most kidney diseases is lacking. Nanotechnology mainly explores the design, characterization, production, and applications of objects in the nanoscale range and has been widely used in the medical field. To date, there has been an increasing amount of research on the application of nanotechnology in kidney disease. However, systematic bibliometric studies remain rare. In this review, data collected from the Web of Science Core Collection database until December 31, 2024, were subjected to a bibliometric analysis. A total of 1179 articles and reviews were included. The publication trends, countries, institutions, authors, co-authorship, co-citations, journals, keywords, and references pertaining to this topic were examined. The results showed that nanotechnology research in kidney disease is increasing. The leading country, organization, and author were China, Sichuan University, and Professor Peng Huang, respectively. ACS APPLIED MATERIALS & INTERFACES was the top journal among the 464 journals in which articles on nanotechnology in kidney disease were published. KIDNEY INTERNATIONAL was the most cited journal in the field. The most significant increases were shown for "acute kidney disease", "drug delivery", "oxidative stress", "diabetic nephropathy", and "chronic kidney disease", indicating the current research hotspots. Furthermore, the development prospects and challenges of nanotechnology in kidney disease were discussed in this review. How to achieve precise drug delivery to render kidney-targeting therapy a reality may be problematic in future studies.

METTL3 promotes renal ischemia-reperfusion injury by modulating miR-374b-5p/SRSF7 axis

Renal ischemia-reperfusion injury (IRI) is a prevalent cause of acute kidney injury, however, the regulatory mechanisms of miR-374b-5p in renal IRI remain poorly understood. We established hypoxia/reoxidation (H/R)-induced renal injury models using HK-2 and TCMK-1 cells, as well as an ischemia-reperfusion (I/R)-induced mouse model. Renal tubular epithelial cells (RTECs) viability and apoptosis were assessed using CCK-8, flow cytometry, and TUNEL assays. The targeting relationship between miR-374b-5p and SRSF7 was analyzed using dual luciferase reporter assays. The interaction between METTL3 and miR-374b-5p was confirmed through methylated RNA immunoprecipitation (MeRIP) and co-immunoprecipitation (Co-IP) assays. We found that miR-374b-5p levels were significantly upregulated in H/R-induced HK-2 and TCMK-1 cells. Furthermore, miR-374b-5p promoted H/R-induced RTEC injury by suppressing cell viability and exacerbating apoptosis. SRSF7 was identified as a downstream target of miR-374b-5p, inhibition of SRSF7 reversed the inhibitory effects of miR-374b-5p inhibitors on RTEC injury. Additionally, METTL3 interacted with the microprocessor protein DGCR8 and modulated the processing of pri-miR-374b-5p in an m6A-dependent manner. In the renal IRI model, METTL3 and miR-374b-5p levels were upregulated, and knockdown of METTL3 inhibited apoptosis in H/R-induced HK-2 and TCMK-1 cells. Conversely, miR-374b-5p reversed the protective effects of METTL3 knockdown on renal IRI. Our findings provide novel insights into the role of m6A methylation in the development of renal IRI, demonstrating that METTL3 promotes renal IRI by modulating the miR-374b-5p/SRSF7 axis.

Evaluation of microRNA-10a and microRNA-210 as Biomarkers in Sepsis Patients With Acute Kidney Injury

Background: Sepsis-associated acute kidney injury (AKI) is a condition that increases in-hospital mortality and the risk of progression to CKD. The current method of detecting AKI, which relies on increased serum creatinine levels or a decrease in urine output, has low sensitivity. Early diagnosis and appropriate intervention in AKI can lead to improved patient outcomes. Several low molecular weight proteins and microRNAs detected in AKI are considered early biomarkers of AKI, such as miR-10a-5p and miR-210-3p. Method: A cross-sectional study was conducted among 62 participants, consisting of 26 sepsis patients with AKI, 26 sepsis patients without AKI, and 10 healthy controls. AKI was determined according to KDIGO criteria. MicroRNA expression was analyzed using reverse transcription quantitative polymerase chain reaction (RT-qPCR). Statistical analysis was obtained using the Kruskal-Wallis test, Spearman's correlation coefficient, and ROC curve analysis. Result: The median miR-10a-5p expression of the healthy controls versus sepsis with AKI versus sepsis without AKI groups was 10.38 (5.50-33.82) versus 10.32 (3.32-31.53) versus 9.76 (0.32-97.36), while the median miR-210-3p expression was 0.20 (0.03-0.41) versus 0.38 (0.04-1.24) versus 0.29 (0.06-1.67), respectively, with p = 0.721 for miR-10a-5p and p = 0.013 for miR-210-3 p. A significant increase in miR-210-3p expression was found in the sepsis with AKI compared to the healthy controls (p = 0.013) and sepsis without AKI (p = 0.034). miR-210-3p significantly correlated with creatinine and urea serum level (p < 0.05); miR-10a-5p did not have a significant correlation. The sensitivity and specificity of miR-10a-5p were 61.5% and 47.2%, and miR-210-3p were 84.6% and 63.9% for determining AKI. Conclusion: The study's findings revealed a significant increase in miR-210-3p expression in sepsis patients with AKI, indicating its potential as a promising biomarker for determining AKI. This discovery demonstrates that the diagnostic performance of miR-210-3p surpasses that of miR-10a-5p, providing a more accurate biomarker for diagnosing AKI in sepsis patients.

Construction of a miR-15a-based risk prediction model for vascular calcification detection in patients undergoing hemodialysis

Vascular calcification (VC) is highly prevalent in patients undergoing hemodialysis, and is a significant contributor to the mortality rate. Therefore, biomarkers that can accurately predict the onset of VC are urgently required. Our study aimed to investigate serum miR-15a levels in relation to VC and to develop a predictive model for VC in patients undergoing hemodialysis at the Beijing Friendship Hospital hemodialysis center between 1 January 2019 and 31 December 2020. The patients were categorized into two groups: VC and non-VC. Logistic regression (LR) models were used to examine the risk factors associated with VC. Additionally, we developed an miR-15a-based nomogram based on the results of the multivariate LR analysis. A total of 138 patients under hemodialysis were investigated (age: 58.41 ± 13.22 years; 54 males). VC occurred in 79 (57.2%) patients. Multivariate LR analysis indicated that serum miR-15a, age, and WBC count were independent risk factors for VC. A miR-15a-based nomogram was developed by incorporating the following five predictors: age, dialysis vintage, predialysis nitrogen, WBC count, and miR-15a. The receiver operating characteristic (ROC) curve had an area under the curve of 0.921, diagnostic threshold of 0.396, sensitivity of 0.722, and specificity of 0.932, indicating that this model had good discrimination. This study concluded that serum miR-15a levels, age, and white blood cell (WBC) count are independent risk factors for VC. A nomogram constructed by integrating these risk factors can be used to predict the risk of VC in patients undergoing hemodialysis.

Urine miR-340-5p Predicts the Adverse Prognosis of Sepsis-Associated Acute Kidney Injury and Regulates Renal Tubular Epithelial Cell Injury by Targeting KDM4C

INTRODUCTION

Sepsis-associated acute kidney injury (SA-AKI) is a common complication of sepsis. miR-340-5p has been identified as an effective biomarker of various human diseases. As the downstream target, the involvement of lysine (K)-specific demethylase 4C (KDM4C) in SA-AKI would help interpret the regulatory mechanism of miR-340-5p. The significance of miR-340-5p in the onset and progression of SA-AKI was evaluated to provide a potential therapeutic target for SA-AKI.

METHODS

This study enrolled 64 healthy individuals (control) and 159 sepsis patients (92 SA-AKI and 67 non-AKI) and collected urine samples. The urine level of miR-340-5p was analyzed by PCR, and a series of statistical analyses were conducted to assess the clinical significance of miR-340-5p in the occurrence and development of SA-AKI. The injured renal tubular epithelial cells were established with LPS induction. The roles of miR-340-5p in cellular processes were evaluated.

RESULTS

Increasing urine miR-340-5p discriminated SA-AKI patients from healthy individuals (AUC = 0.934) and non-AKI sepsis patients (AUC = 0.806) sensitively. Additionally, elevated miR-340-5p could predict the adverse prognosis (HR = 5.128, 95% CI = 1.259-20.892) and malignant development of SA-AKI patients. In vitro, lipopolysaccharide (LPS) also induced an increased level of miR-340-5p and significant cell injury in the renal tubular epithelial cell; silencing miR-340-5p could alleviate the suppressed proliferation, migration, and invasion caused by LPS. In mechanism, miR-340-5p negatively regulated KDM4C, which mediated the function of miR-340-5p.

CONCLUSION

miR-340-5p served as a diagnostic and prognostic biomarker of SA-AKI and regulated renal tubular epithelial cell injury via modulating KDM4C.

METTL3 aggravates renal fibrogenesis in obstructive nephropathy via the miR-199a-3p/PAR4 axis

Renal fibrosis is among the major factors contributing to the development of chronic kidney disease. In this regard, although N6-methyladenosine (m6A) modification and micro-RNAs (miRNAs) have been established to play key roles in diverse physiological processes and disease/disorder development, further research is required to identify the probable mechanisms and processes associated with their involvement in renal fibrosis. In this study, we show that transforming growth factor β1 (TGF-β1)-induced human proximal tubule epithelial cells (HK2) are characterized by dose-dependently higher methyltransferase-like 3 (METTL3) expression. Furthermore, METTL3 was found to enhance pri-miR-199a-3p maturation and miR-199a-3p expression in an m6A-dependent manner, whereas miR-199a-3p sponges prostate apoptotic response 4 (Par4), thereby regulating its expression. Collectively, our findings in this study indicate that the METTL3/miR-199a-3p/Par4 axis plays a key role in the development of obstructive nephrogenic fibrosis.

Hydrogen sulfide plays an important role by regulating microRNA in different ischemia-reperfusion injury

MicroRNAs (miRNAs) are the short endogenous non-coding RNAs that regulate the expression of the target gene at posttranscriptional level through degrading or inhibiting the specific target messenger RNAs (mRNAs). MiRNAs regulate the expression of approximately one-third of protein coding genes, and in most cases inhibit gene expression. MiRNAs have been reported to regulate various biological processes, such as cell proliferation, apoptosis and differentiation. Therefore, miRNAs participate in multiple diseases, including ischemia-reperfusion (I/R) injury. Hydrogen sulfide (H2S) was once considered as a colorless, toxic and harmful gas with foul smelling. However, in recent years, it has been discovered that it is the third gas signaling molecule after carbon monoxide (CO) and nitric oxide (NO), with multiple important biological functions. Increasing evidence indicates that H2S plays a vital role in I/R injury through regulating miRNA, however, the mechanism has not been fully understood. In this review, we summarized the current knowledge about the role of H2S in I/R injury by regulating miRNAs, and analyzed its mechanism in detail.

Circulating microRNAs as markers for scrub typhus-associated acute kidney injury

BACKGROUND

Circulating microRNAs (miRNAs) are potential biomarkers for various kidney diseases. In this study, we aimed to identify a circulating miRNA signature for detecting acute kidney injury (AKI) in scrub typhus.

METHODS

We prospectively enrolled 40 patients with scrub typhus (20 with AKI, AKI group; 20 without AKI, non-AKI group) and 20 healthy volunteers (the HV group). Thereafter, we performed microarray analysis to assess the serum miRNA profiles of all the participants. Then, to identify miRNAs predictive of scrub typhus-associated AKI, we compared miRNA profiles among these three groups.

RESULTS

The proportions of miRNAs, small nucleolar RNAs, and small Cajal body-specific ribonucleoproteins were higher in patients with scrub typhus than in the HVs. Further, relative to the HVs, we identified 120 upregulated and 449 downregulated miRNAs in the non-AKI group and 101 upregulated and 468 downregulated miRNAs in the AKI group. We also identified 11 and 110 upregulated and downregulated miRNAs, respectively, in the AKI group relative to the non-AKI group, and among these miRNAs, we noted 14 miRNAs whose levels were significantly upregulated or downregulated in the AKI group relative to their levels in the HV and non-AKI groups. Biological pathway analysis of these 14 miRNAs indicated their potential involvement in various pathways associated with tumor necrosis factor alpha.

CONCLUSION

We identified miRNAs associated with AKI in patients with scrub typhus that have predictive potential for AKI. Thus, they can be used as surrogate markers for the detection of scrub typhus-associated AKI.

MiR-126 accelerates renal injury induced by UUO via inhibition PI3K/ IRS-1/ FAK signaling induced M2 polarization and endocytosis in macrophages

To investigate the role and molecular mechanism of miR-126 in unilateral ureteral occlusion (UUO). We used bioinformatics to analyse miRNAs specifically expressed in UUO. The mouse model of UUO was established using RAW264.7 cells cultured in vitro and in vivo. The mice were divided into control group, miR-126-NC (negative control) group and miR-126-KD (knockdown) group. Then the relative expression of miR-126 was detected by quantitative reverse transcription-polymerase chain reaction (qRT-PCR), the renal fibrosis was detected by Masson staining, and the protein expression of CD68, collagen I and collagen III in the kidney was detected by immunofluorescence assay. Immunohistochemistry detects α-SMA expression. Moreover, Western blotting was performed to measure the expressions of p-PI3K, CD163, CD206, CD86, iNOS, IL-1β, p-FAK, p-Rac-1, p-IRS-1 and MMP9. The relative fluorescence intensity of F-actin and p-FAK was detected by immunofluorescence assay, and the phagocytosis ability of macrophages was determined by phagocytosis assay with fluorescent microspheres. Bioinformatics analysis reveals miR-126-specific overexpression in UUO. Successful transfection of miR-126-NC and miR-126-KD was confirmed by RT-PCR. The selective reduction of miR-126 was validated by Masson, immunohistochemistry and immunofluorescence staining to decrease the area of UUO-induced renal fibrosis and to lower the expression of CD68, α-SMA, collagen I, and collagen III. The reduction of iNOS expression may also be achieved with selective knockdown of miR-126, as verified by cell tests. enhances the phagocytic ability of macrophages and the expression of p-PI3K, CD206, p-FAK, F-actin, p-Rac-1, p-IRS-1 and MMP9. MiR-126 can inhibit the PI3K signaling pathway, promote M1 macrophage polarization, and suppress the activation of FAK and Rac-1, thus accelerating the progression of UUO.

Overexpression of miR-451a Aggravates Renal Ischemia-Reperfusion Injury by Targeting KLF1-ACSL4 to Promote Ferroptosis

Ischemia-reperfusion injury (IRI) is a predominant factor leading to delayed graft function (DGF) following kidney transplantation. MicroRNAs (miRNAs) play a pivotal role in the pathogenesis of renal IRI, with ferroptosis being a critical driving force throughout the process. In this study, we utilized bioinformatics methods to construct a network diagram of differentially expressed miRNAs, transcription factors (TFs), and ferroptosis-related genes. An I/R-induced renal injury model in mice and an in vitro H/R-induced HK-2 cell injury model were established. Quantitative real-time PCR (qRT-PCR) and Western blot analysis were used to measure the mRNA and miRNA levels in cells and tissues. The MDA concentration, iron levels, and GSH concentration were measured to evaluate the ferroptosis levels. CCK-8 assays were performed to assess cell viability. Luciferase reporter assays were conducted to validate the downstream targets of miRNA, and chromatin immunoprecipitation assays were performed to verify the interaction between TFs and mRNAs. Both the in vivo and in vitro results demonstrate that miR-451a was significantly enriched in the IRI renal tissues and cells, exacerbating ferroptosis. MiR-451a was found to reduce the expression of Kruppel-like factor 1 (KLF1) by directly binding to the 3'UTR of KLF1 mRNA. Additionally, KLF1 was identified as a negative transcription factor for acyl-CoA synthetase long-chain family member 4 (ACSL4). We demonstrated that IRI induced the upregulation of miR-451a, which reduced KLF1 expression, thereby promoting ferroptosis by upregulating ACSL4 expression, ultimately aggravating IRI-induced renal damage.

The Role of MicroRNA in the Pathogenesis of Acute Kidney Injury

Acute kidney injury (AKI) describes a condition associated with elevated serum creatinine levels and decreased glomerular filtration rate. AKI can develop as a result of sepsis, the nephrotoxic properties of several drugs, and ischemia/reperfusion injury. Renal damage can be associated with metabolic acidosis, fluid overload, and ionic disorders. As the molecular background of the pathogenesis of AKI is insufficiently understood, more studies are needed to identify the key signaling pathways and molecules involved in the progression of AKI. Consequently, future treatment methods may be able to restore organ function more rapidly and prevent progression to chronic kidney disease. MicroRNAs (miRNAs) are small molecules that belong to the non-coding RNA family. Recently, numerous studies have demonstrated the altered expression profile of miRNAs in various diseases, including inflammatory and neoplastic conditions. As miRNAs are major regulators of gene expression, their dysregulation is associated with impaired homeostasis and cellular behavior. The aim of this article is to discuss current evidence on the involvement of miRNAs in the pathogenesis of AKI.

HSPA12A promotes c-Myc lactylation-mediated proliferation of tubular epithelial cells to facilitate renal functional recovery from kidney ischemia/reperfusion injury

Proliferation of renal tubular epithelial cells (TEC) is essential for restoring tubular integrity and thereby to support renal functional recovery from kidney ischemia/reperfusion (KI/R) injury. Activation of transcriptional factor c-Myc promotes TEC proliferation following KI/R; however, the mechanism regarding c-Myc activation in TEC is incompletely known. Heat shock protein A12A (HSPA12A) is an atypic member of HSP70 family. In this study, we found that KI/R decreased HSPA12A expression in mouse kidneys and TEC, while ablation of HSPA12A in mice impaired TEC proliferation and renal functional recovery following KI/R. Gain-of-functional studies demonstrated that HSPA12A promoted TEC proliferation upon hypoxia/reoxygenation (H/R) through directly interacting with c-Myc and enhancing its nuclear localization to upregulate expression of its target genes related to TEC proliferation. Notably, c-Myc was lactylated in TEC after H/R, and this lactylation was enhanced by HSPA12A overexpression. Importantly, inhibition of c-Myc lactylation attenuated the HSPA12A-induced increases of c-Myc nuclear localization, proliferation-related gene expression, and TEC proliferation. Further experiments revealed that HSPA12A promoted c-Myc lactylation via increasing the glycolysis-derived lactate generation in a Hif1α-dependent manner. The results unraveled a role of HSPA12A in promoting TEC proliferation and facilitating renal recovery following KI/R, and this role of HSPA12A was achieved through increasing lactylation-mediated c-Myc activation. Therefore, targeting HSPA12A in TEC might be a viable strategy to promote renal functional recovery from KI/R injury in patients.

Canine mesenchymal stem cell-derived exosomes attenuate renal ischemia-reperfusion injury through miR-146a-regulated macrophage polarization

Introduction

The most common factor leading to renal failure or death is renal IR (ischemia-reperfusion). Studies have shown that mesenchymal stem cells (MSCs) and their exosomes have potential therapeutic effects for IR injury by inhibiting M1 macrophage polarization and inflammation. In this study, the protective effect and anti-inflammatory mechanism of adipose-derived mesenchymal stem cell-derived exosomes (ADMSC-Exos) after renal IR were investigated.

Method

Initially, ADMSC-Exos were intravenously injected into IR experimental beagles, and the subsequent assessment focused on inflammatory damage and macrophage phenotype. Furthermore, an in vitro inflammatory model was established by inducing DH82 cells with LPS. The impact on inflammation and macrophage phenotype was then evaluated using ADMSC and regulatory miR-146a.

Results

Following the administration of ADMSC-Exos in IR canines, a shift from M1 to M2 macrophage polarization was observed. Similarly, in vitro experiments demonstrated that ADMSC-Exos enhanced the transformation of LPS-induced macrophages from M1 to M2 type. Notably, the promotion of macrophage polarization by ADMSC-Exos was found to be attenuated upon the inhibition of miR-146a in ADMSC-Exos.

Conclusion

These findings suggest that miR-146a plays a significant role in facilitating the transition of LPS-induced macrophages from M1 to M2 phenotype. As a result, the modulation of macrophage polarization by ADMSC-Exos is achieved via the encapsulation and conveyance of miR-146a, leading to diminished infiltration of inflammatory cells in renal tissue and mitigation of the inflammatory reaction following canine renal IR.

Multicenter, prospective, observational study for urinary exosomal biomarkers of kidney allograft fibrosis

Severity of deceased donor kidney fibrosis impacts graft survival in deceased-donor kidney transplantation. Our aim was to identify potential miRNA biomarkers in urinary exosomes that mirror interstitial fibrosis and tubular atrophy (IFTA) severity. Among 109 urine samples from deceased donors, 34 displayed no IFTA in the zero-day biopsy (No IFTA group), while the remaining 75 deceased donor kidneys exhibited an IFTA score ≥ 1 (IFTA group). After analyzing previous reports and electronic databases, six miRNAs (miR-19, miR-21, miR-29c, miR-150, miR-200b, and miR-205) were selected as potential IFTA biomarker candidates. MiR-21, miR-29c, miR-150, and miR-205 levels were significantly higher, while miR-19 expression was significantly lower in the IFTA group. MiR-21 (AUC = 0.762; P < 0.001) and miR-29c (AUC = 0.795; P < 0.001) showed good predictive accuracy for IFTA. In the No IFTA group, the eGFR level at 1 week after transplantation was significantly higher compared to the IFTA group (41.34 mL/min/1.73m2 vs. 28.65 mL/min/1.73m2, P = 0.012). These findings signify the potential of urinary exosomal miRNAs as valuable biomarker candidates for evaluating the severity of IFTA in deceased donor kidneys before they undergo recovery.

A Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis of MicroRNA as Predictive Biomarkers of Acute Kidney Injury

Acute kidney injury (AKI) affects 10-15% of hospitalised patients and arises after severe infections, major surgeries, or exposure to nephrotoxic drugs. AKI diagnosis based on creatinine level changes lacks specificity and may be delayed. MicroRNAs are short non-coding RNA secreted by all cells. This review of studies measuring miRNAs in AKI aimed to verify miRNAs as diagnostic markers. The study included data from patients diagnosed with AKI due to sepsis, ischaemia, nephrotoxins, radiocontrast, shock, trauma, and cardiopulmonary bypass. Out of 71 studies, the majority focused on AKI in sepsis patients, followed by cardiac surgery patients, ICU patients, and individuals receiving nephrotoxic agents or experiencing ischaemia. Studies that used untargeted assays found 856 differentially regulated miRNAs, although none of these were confirmed by more than one study. Moreover, 68 studies measured miRNAs by qRT-PCR, and 2 studies reported downregulation of miR-495-3p and miR-370-3p in AKI patients with sepsis after the AKI diagnosis. In three studies, upregulation of miR-21 was reported at the time of the AKI diagnosis with a significant pooled effect of 0.56. MiR-21 was also measured 19-24 h after cardiac surgery in three studies. However, the pooled effect was not significant. Despite the considerable research into miRNA in AKI, there is a knowledge gap in their applicability as diagnostic markers of AKI in humans.

Blood Features Associated with Viral Infection Severity: An Experience from COVID-19-Pandemic Patients Hospitalized in the Center of Iran, Yazd

Pandemics such as coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) can manifest as systemic infections that affect multiple organs and show laboratory manifestations. We aimed to analyze laboratory findings to understand possible mechanisms of organ dysfunction and risk stratification of hospitalized patients in these epidemics. Methods. This retrospective study was conducted among patients admitted to COVID-19 referral treatment center, Shahid Sadoughi Hospital, Yazd, Iran, from April 21 to November 21, 2021. It was the fifth peak of COVID-19 in Iran, and Delta (VOC-21APR-02; B.1-617.2) was the dominant and most concerning strain. All cases were positive for COVID-19 by RT-PCR test. Lab information of included patients and association of sex, age, and outcome were analyzed, on admission. Results. A total of 466 COVID-19 patients were included in the study, the majority of whom were women (68.9%). The average age of hospitalized patients in male and female patients was 57.68 and 41.32 years, respectively (p < 0.01). During hospitalization, abnormality in hematological and biochemical parameters was significant and was associated with the outcome of death in patients. There was incidence of lymphopenia, neutrophilia, anemia, and thrombocytopenia. The changes in neutrophil/lymphocyte (N/L) and hematocrit/albumin (Het/Alb) ratio and potassium and calcium levels were significant. Conclusion. Based on these results, new biochemical and hematological parameters can be used to predict the spread of infection and the underlying molecular mechanism. Viral infection may spread through blood cells and the immune system.

Non-Coding RNAs in Kidney Stones

Nephrolithiasis is a major public health concern associated with high morbidity and recurrence. Despite decades of research, the pathogenesis of nephrolithiasis remains incompletely understood, and effective prevention is lacking. An increasing body of evidence suggests that non-coding RNAs, especially microRNAs (miRNAs) and long non-coding RNAs (lncRNAs), play a role in stone formation and stone-related kidney injury. MiRNAs have been studied quite extensively in nephrolithiasis, and a plethora of specific miRNAs have been implicated in the pathogenesis of nephrolithiasis, involving remarkable changes in calcium metabolism, oxalate metabolism, oxidative stress, cell-crystal adhesion, cellular autophagy, apoptosis, and macrophage (Mp) polarization and metabolism. Emerging evidence suggests a potential for miRNAs as novel diagnostic biomarkers of nephrolithiasis. LncRNAs act as competing endogenous RNAs (ceRNAs) to bind miRNAs, thereby modulating mRNA expression to participate in the regulation of physiological mechanisms in kidney stones. Small interfering RNAs (siRNAs) may provide a novel approach to kidney stone prevention and treatment by treating related metabolic conditions that cause kidney stones. Further investigation into these non-coding RNAs will generate novel insights into the mechanisms of renal stone formation and stone-related renal injury and might lead to new strategies for diagnosing and treating this disease.

Exploring the roles of noncoding RNAs in craniofacial abnormalities: A systematic review

Congenital craniofacial abnormalities are congenital anomalies of variable expressivity and severity with a recognizable set of abnormalities, which are derived from five identifiable primordial structures. They can occur unilaterally or bilaterally and include various malformations such as cleft lip with/without palate, craniosynostosis, and craniofacial microsomia. To date, the molecular etiology of craniofacial abnormalities is largely unknown. Noncoding RNAs (ncRNAs), including microRNAs, long ncRNAs, circular RNAs and PIWI-interacting RNAs, function as major regulators of cellular epigenetic hallmarks via regulation of various molecular and cellular processes. Recently, aberrant expression of ncRNAs has been implicated in many diseases, including craniofacial abnormalities. Consequently, this review focuses on the role and mechanism of ncRNAs in regulating craniofacial development in the hope of providing clues to identify potential therapeutic targets.

NOVEL PS-OME MIRNA130B-3P REDUCES INFLAMMATION AND INJURY AND IMPROVES SURVIVAL AFTER RENAL ISCHEMIA-REPERFUSION INJURY

ABSTRACT

Introduction : Acute kidney injury (AKI) is a prevalent medical disorder characterized by a sudden decline in kidney function, often because of ischemia/reperfusion (I/R) events. It is associated with significant chronic complications, and currently available therapies are limited to supportive measures. Extracellular cold-inducible RNA-binding protein (eCIRP) has been identified as a mediator that potentiates inflammation after I/R injury. However, it has been discovered that miRNA 130b-3p acts as an endogenous inhibitor of eCIRP. To address the inherent instability of miRNA in vivo , a chemically modified miRNA mimic called PS-OME miR130 was developed. We hypothesize that administration of PS-OME miR130 after renal I/R can lead to reduced inflammation and injury in a murine model of AKI. Methods : C57BL/6 male mice underwent renal I/R by clamping of bilateral renal hilum for 30 min or sham operation. Immediately after closure, mice were intravenously administered vehicle (phosphate-buffered saline) or PS-OME miR130 at a dose of 12.5 nmol/mouse. Blood and kidneys were collected after 24 h for further analysis. Separately, mice underwent renal I/R and administered vehicle or treatment and, survival was monitored for 10 days. Results : After renal I/R, mice receiving vehicle showed a significant increase in serum markers of kidney injury and inflammation including blood urea nitrogen, NGAL, KIM-1, and IL-6. After treatment with PS-OME miR130, these markers were significantly decreased. Kidney tissue mRNA expression for injury and inflammation markers including NGAL, KIM-1, KC, and MIP-2 were increased after renal I/R; however, these markers showed a significant reduction with PS-OME miR130 treatment. Histologically, treatment with PS-OME miR130 showed a significant decrease in neutrophil infiltration and injury severity score, and decreased apoptosis. In the 10-day survival study, mice in the treatment group showed a significant reduction in mortality as compared with vehicle group. Conclusion : In a murine renal I/R model, the administration of PS-OME miR130, a direct eCIRP antagonistic miRNA mimic, resulted in the reduction of kidney inflammation and injury, and improved survival. PS-OME miR130 holds promise to be developed as novel therapeutic for AKI as an adjunct to the standard of care.

MicroRNAs as Biomarkers and Therapeutic Targets for Acute Kidney Injury

Acute kidney injury (AKI) is a clinical syndrome where a rapid decrease in kidney function and/or urine output is observed, which may result in the imbalance of water, electrolytes and acid base. It is associated with poor prognosis and prolonged hospitalization. Therefore, an early diagnosis and treatment to avoid the severe AKI stage are important. While several biomarkers, such as urinary L-FABP and NGAL, can be clinically useful, there is still no gold standard for the early detection of AKI and there are limited therapeutic options against AKI. miRNAs are non-coding and single-stranded RNAs that silence their target genes in the post-transcriptional process and are involved in a wide range of biological processes. Recent accumulated evidence has revealed that miRNAs may be potential biomarkers and therapeutic targets for AKI. In this review article, we summarize the current knowledge about miRNAs as promising biomarkers and potential therapeutic targets for AKI, as well as the challenges in their clinical use.

Urinary microRNAs in sepsis function as a novel prognostic marker

Renal dysfunction is a common complication of sepsis. Early diagnosis and prompt treatment of sepsis with renal insufficiency are crucial for improving patient outcomes. Diagnostic markers can help identify patients at risk for sepsis and AKI, allowing for early intervention and potentially preventing the development of severe complications. The aim of the present study was to investigate the expression difference of urinary microRNAs (miRNAs/miRs) in elderly patients with sepsis and secondary renal insufficiency, and to evaluate their diagnostic value in these patients. In the present study, RNA was extracted from urine samples of elderly sepsis-related acute renal damage patients and the expression profiles of several miRNAs were analyzed. In order to evaluate the expression profile of several miRNAs, urine samples from elderly patients with acute renal damage brought on by sepsis were obtained. RNA extraction and sequencing were then performed on the samples. Furthermore, multiple bioinformatics methods were used to analyze miRNA profiles, including differential expression analysis, and Gene Ontology and Kyoto Encyclopedia of Genes and Genomes enrichment analysis of different miRNA target genes, to further explore miRNAs that are suitable for utilization as biomarkers. A total of four miRNAs, including hsa-miR-31-5p, hsa-miR-151a-3p, hsa-miR-142-5p and hsa-miR-16-5p, were identified as potential biological markers and were further confirmed in sepsis using reverse transcription-quantitative PCR. The results of the present study demonstrated that the four urinary miRNAs were differentially expressed and may serve as specific markers for prediction of secondary acute kidney injury in elderly patients with sepsis.

MicroRNA Expression Profiling in Age-Dependent Renal Impairment

Background

Age-dependent renal impairment contributes to renal dysfunction in both the general population and young and middle-aged patients with renal diseases. Pathological changes in age-dependent renal impairment include glomerulosclerosis and tubulointerstitial fibrosis. The molecules involved in age-dependent renal impairment are not fully elucidated. MicroRNA (miRNA) species were reported to modulate various renal diseases, but the miRNA species involved in age-dependent renal impairment are unclear. Here, we investigated miRNAs in age-dependent renal impairment, and we evaluated their potential as biomarkers and therapeutic targets.

Methods

We conducted an initial microarray profiling analysis to screen miRNAs whose expression levels changed in kidneys of senescence-accelerated resistant (SAMR1)-10-week-old (wk) mice and SAMR1-50wk mice and senescence-accelerated prone (SAMP1)-10wk mice and SAMP1-50wk mice. We then evaluated the expressions of differentially expressed miRNAs in serum from 13 older patients (&gt;65 years old) with age-dependent renal impairment (estimated glomerular filtration ratio &lt;60 mL/min/1.73 m2) by a quantitative real-time polymerase chain reaction (qRT-PCR) and compared the expressions with those of age-matched subjects with normal renal function. We also administered miRNA mimics or inhibitors (5 nmol) with a non-viral vector (polyethylenimine nanoparticles: PEI-NPs) to SAMP1-20wk mice to investigate the therapeutic effects.

Results

The qRT-PCR revealed a specific miRNA (miRNA-503-5p) whose level was significantly changed in SAMP1-50wk mouse kidneys in comparison to the controls. The expression level of miRNA-503-5p was upregulated in the serum of the 13 patients with age-dependent renal impairment compared to the age-matched subjects with normal renal function. The administration of a miRNA-503-5p-inhibitor with PEI-NPs decreased the miRNA-503-5p expression levels, resulting in the inhibition of renal fibrosis in mice via an inhibition of a pro-fibrotic signaling pathway and a suppression of glomerulosclerosis in mice by inhibiting intrinsic signaling pathways.

Conclusion

The serum levels of miRNA-503-5p were decreased in patients with age-dependent renal impairment. However, inhibition of miRNA-503-5p had no effect on age-dependent renal impairment, although inhibition of miRNA-503-5p had therapeutic effects on renal fibrosis and glomerulosclerosis in an in vivo animal model. These results indicate that miRNA-503-5p might be related to age-dependent renal impairment.