Serum microRNAs levels in primary focal segmental glomerulosclerosis

Abstract

Background: MicroRNAs (miRNAs, miRs) are involved in most physiological, developmental, and pathological processes. miR-192 and miR-205 are expressed preferentially in the renal cortex and closely relevant to the renal cell biology. In the present study, we aim to measure the serum levels of miR-192 and miR-205 and their correlation with clinicopathological data in patients with primary focal segmental glomerulosclerosis (FSGS) and minimal change disease (MCD).

Methods: Fifty-six patients (35 male, 21 female) with idiopathic nephrotic syndrome (FSGS 30, MCD 26) and 20 healthy controls were enrolled in the study. We quantified the serum levels of miR-192 and miR-205 in patients with FSGS and MCD by RT-qPCR.

Results: Patients with FSGS had higher serum levels of miR-192 and miR-205 than those with MCD (324.49 ± 42.74 fmol/l versus 90.19 ± 27.14 fmol/l, p < 0.01, 2.25 ± 0.69 fmol/l versus 0.60 ± 0.51 fmol/l, p < 0.01, respectively). The level of miR-192 was positively correlated with the proteinuria in patients with FSGS and MCD (r = 0.62, p < 0.001, r = 0.84, p < 0.001, respectively). Similarly, the level of miR-205 was positively correlated with the proteinuria in patients with FSGS (r = 0.54, p = 0.002). In addition, the serum level of miR-192 was significantly correlated with the degree of interstitial fibrosis in patients with FSGS (r = 0.342, p < 0.05).

Conclusions: miR-192 and miR-205 have the potential as markers to differentiate FSGS from MCD.

Fig. 1

Comparison of serum concentrations of (a) miR-192 and (b) miR-205 among patients with FSGS, MCD, and HC. Data were compared by ANOVA analysis followed by SNK test. FSGS focal segmental glomerulosclerosis, MCD minimal change disease, HC healthy controls

Fig. 2

Correlation between urinary protein and serum concentrations of miR-192 (a), miR-205 in patients with FSGS (b), and miR-192 in patients with MCD (c). Data were compared by Pearson correlation coefficient (r). FSGS focal segmental glomerulosclerosis, MCD minimal change disease