Kidney microRNA-21 Expression and Kidney Function in IgA Nephropathy
Cheuk‐Chun Szeto, Jack Kit‐Chung Ng, Winston Wing‐Shing Fung, Cathy Choi‐Wan Luk, Gang Wang, Kai‐Ming Chow, Ka‐Bik Lai, Philip Kam‐Tao Li, Fernand Mac–Moune Lai
Abstract
RATIONALE & OBJECTIVE: Previous studies have suggested that microRNA-21 (miR-21) plays an important role in kidney fibrosis. We examined the relationship between intrarenal miR-21 level and rate of kidney function loss in immunoglobulin A nephropathy (IgAN). STUDY DESIGN: Prospective cohort study. SETTING & PARTICIPANTS: 40 patients with IgAN and 10 with hypertensive nephrosclerosis as controls. PREDICTORS: miR-21 levels in kidney biopsy specimen and urinary sediment, quantified as ratio to the housekeeping gene. OUTCOMES: Kidney event-free survival and rate of kidney function decline. ANALYTIC APPROACH: Time-to-event and correlation analysis. RESULTS: = 0.02). LIMITATIONS: Small sample size; uncertain cellular origin of miR-21. CONCLUSIONS: We found that intrarenal miR-21 expression is increased in patients with IgAN, modestly correlated with the severity of histologic damage, and predictive of subsequent kidney function loss.