Serum miR-34a-5p and miR-199a-3p as new biomarkers of neonatal sepsis
Omayma O. Abdelaleem, Shereen Rashad Mohammed, Hassan S. El Sayed, Sherin Khamis Hussein, Doaa Y. Ali, Mostafa Y. Abdelwahed, Sylvana N. Gaber, Nada F. Hemeda, Rehab Galal Abd El-Hmid
Abstract
BACKGROUND: Neonatal sepsis is a serious condition. Recent clinical studies have indicated that microRNAs (miRNAs) are key players in the pathogenesis of sepsis, which could be used as biomarkers for this condition. PATIENTS AND METHODS: A total of 90 neonates with sepsis and 90 healthy neonates were enrolled in this study. qRT-PCR was performed to measure the expression levels of serum miR-34a-5p and miR-199a-3p. RESULTS: miR-34a-5p and miR-199a-3p serum levels were significantly reduced in neonates with sepsis compared with those in healthy neonates (P = 0.006 and P = 0.001, respectively). Significant correlations of miR-34a-5p and miR-199a-3p with each of TLC, RDW, RBS, and C-reactive protein (CRP) as well as SNAPII were observed, indicating their associations with the severity of neonatal sepsis. CONCLUSION: miR-34a-5p and miR-199a-3p may be useful as novel biomarkers in neonatal sepsis and may provide a new direction for its treatment.