Correlation Study on the Prognostic Value of miR-21 and S-100B Protein Levels in Neonatal Hypoxic-Ischemic Encephalopathy Undergoing Hypothermia Therapy

Abstract

: Objective To evaluate the variations in serum levels of microRNA-21 (miR-21) and S-100B protein in neonates with hypoxic-ischemic encephalopathy (HIE) after receiving hypothermia therapy and explore the correlation of these biomarkers with the neurodevelopmental prognosis of the infants. Methods This retrospective analysis included 90 neonatal HIE patients diagnosed and treated between January 2019 and December 2022. Real-time quantitative PCR and enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA) methods were used to measure miR-21 and S-100B protein levels. Neurodevelopmental assessments were conducted at one year, and follow-up was performed using the Bayley Scales of Infant and Toddler Development third edition. Statistical analysis was carried out using SPSS software, with t-tests for continuous variables, chi-square tests for categorical data, Pearson correlation coefficient for correlation analysis, and multivariate regression analysis to adjust for confounding factors. Results After hypothermia therapy, the observation group showed a significant decrease in miR-21 and S-100B protein levels (P < 0.001), and neurodevelopmental scores were significantly higher than the control group (P < 0.05). Correlation analysis indicated a negative correlation between miR-21 and neurodevelopmental scores (r=-0.62, P < 0.001), as well as a negative correlation between S-100B protein levels (r=-0.76, P < 0.001). Multivariate regression analysis demonstrated that miR-21 levels and S-100B protein levels maintained independent negative correlations with neurodevelopmental scores (P < 0.001). Conclusion Hypothermia therapy significantly reduces serum levels of miR-21 and S-100B protein in neonatal HIE patients and may be associated with better prognosis. miR-21 and S-100B serve as prognostic biomarkers, aiding in predicting and improving the treatment outcomes and long-term prognosis of neonatal HIE.