Is there a role of miRNA -330-3p and miRNA-362-3p in Lupus Nephritis?

Abstract

Systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE) is an autoimmune disease, with lupus nephritis (LN) being one of its most serious complications. MicroRNAs, particularly miRNA-330-3p and miRNA-362-3p, were implicated in immune regulation and inflammation. This study aimed to evaluate the potential role of miRNA-330-3p and miRNA-362-3p in the progression of SLE and LN. This cross-sectional study included 150 participants: 50 controls (Group I), 50 SLE patients without nephritis (Group II), and 50 patients with lupus nephritis (Group III). Serum levels of miRNA-330-3p and miRNA-362-3p were quantified using a real-time polymerase chain reaction (PCR) test. Clinical and laboratory parameters were assessed, including disease activity and nephritis classification. miRNA-330-3p levels were significantly lower in both patients without nephritis (1.119 ± 1.289) and patients with nephritis (0.89 ± 0.518) compared to controls (1.312 ± 0.480; p < 0.001). miRNA-362-3p levels were significantly lower in patients with nephritis (0.623 ± 0.925) than in both controls (1.268 ± 0.419; p < 0.001) and patients without nephritis (1.254 ± 1.351; p < 0.001). The receiver operating characteristic (ROC) curve analysis revealed that miRNA-362-3p discriminated LN from non-LN SLE patients (AUC = 0.754; cut off ≤ 0.204; sensitivity 66%, specificity 72%). Both miRNA-330-3p and miRNA-362-3p are down regulated in SLE, particularly in patients with LN. These miRNAs may represent therapeutic targets, pending validation in future studies.