A recent study published in the International Journal of Nephrology and Renovascular Disease discovered significantly elevated levels of microRNA-203 in patients with lupus nephritis compared to those with systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE) without kidney involvement. This groundbreaking research highlights the potential of microRNA-203 as a diagnostic biomarker for lupus nephritis, offering new insights into its role in disease progression and early detection.
The study analysed serum samples from 40 participants, including 20 SLE patients and 20 LN patients, diagnosed based on the American College of Rheumatology (ACR) 1997 criteria. Findings revealed that miRNA-203 expression levels were notably higher in LN patients compared to those with SLE. The median expression in the SLE group was recorded at 1.66 (ranging from 0.00 to 8.64), while the LN group exhibited a significantly elevated level of 5.18 (ranging from 0.25 to 49.84). Statistical analysis confirmed a significant difference in miRNA-203 expression between the two groups (p=0.003), indicating a potential association between miRNA-203 levels and nephritis manifestations in SLE patients.
MicroRNAs (miRNAs) play a crucial role in the pathogenesis of LN by modulating immune responses, inflammation, and kidney injury. Previous studies have identified several miRNAs, including miR-146a, miR-21, miR-150, and miR-155, as potential biomarkers for LN, correlating with disease activity. Elevated levels of miR-23b, miR-29c, and miR-182 have been linked to LN severity, while miR-146a downregulation is associated with increased type I interferon signaling. The identification of miRNA-203 as a potential biomarker for LN adds to the growing evidence supporting the use of miRNA profiling in diagnosing and monitoring lupus nephritis. Additionally, miRNA-based therapeutic strategies, such as antisense oligonucleotides targeting pro-inflammatory miRNAs, may offer novel treatment avenues for LN patients.
A study by Zhang et al. provided evidence that reduced circulating miR-203 may serve as a diagnostic biomarker for active lupus nephritis (LN). The findings revealed that miR-203 plays a suppressive role in TRAF6-mediated activation of IL-1β, IL-6, and TNF-α in human renal mesangial cells (HRMCs) and HK-2 cells. These results suggest that miR-203 could be a potential therapeutic target for LN treatment.
These findings emphasize the need for further research to validate miRNA-203 as a biomarker for LN and explore its therapeutic potential. Larger studies with diverse patient cohorts are required to establish its reliability in clinical practice. If validated, miRNA-203 could aid in early LN detection, facilitating timely intervention and improved disease management in SLE patients at risk of kidney involvement.
References
- Setyawan Y, Susianti H, Sulistyarti H, Khrisna MB, Mayashinta DK, Fitri LE, Samsu N. MicroRNA-203 Expression as Potential Biomarker for Lupus Nephritis. Int J Nephrol Renovasc Dis. 2025 Feb 17;18:53-58.
- Zhang L, Wu H, Zhao M, Chang C, Lu Q. Clinical significance of miRNAs in autoimmunity. J Autoimmun. 2020 May;109:102438.
- Zhang L, Zhang X. Downregulated miR-203 attenuates IL-β, IL-6, and TNF-α activation in TRAF6-treated human renal mesangial and tubular epithelial cells. Int J Clin Exp Pathol. 2020 Feb 1;13(2):324-331.