Plasma MiR-190 is a potential clinical biomarker for acute respiratory distress syndrome in children and its regulatory role in ARDS cell models by targeting KLF15.

Background: The present research aimed to investigate the clinical value of plasma miR-190 in children with acute respiratory distress syndrome (ARDS) and the impact of miR-190 on LPS-induced ARDS cell models.

Methods: The plasma miR-190 levels were measured using real-time quantitative reverse transcription PCR (RT-qPCR). LPS-treated human pulmonary microvascular endothelial cells (HPMECs) were established and then transfected with miR-190 mimic, inhibitor, or miR-negative controls. The levels of inflammatory factors were detected by enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA). The effects of miR-190 on HPMEC proliferation and apoptosis were evaluated by CCK-8 assay and flow cytometry. The regulation of KLF15 by miR-190 was detected by luciferase report assay.

Results: The plasma miR-190 expression was increased in ARDS children and it was positively related to the severity and 28 day-survival. Plasma miR-190 could distinguish ARDS children from healthy children. Inhibition of miR-190 increased LPS-induced HPMEC cell proliferation and decreased cell apoptosis and inflammatory cytokines IL-6, IL-1β, and TNF-α. KLF15 was a direct target of miR-190.

Conclusion: Increased plasma miR-190 may be a clinical diagnostic and prognostic predictor for ARDS children. Inhibition of miR-190 may improve LPS-induced ARDS by increasing cell proliferation, inhibiting cell apoptosis and inflammatory response by targeting KLF15.