Abstract Background and Aims IgA nephropathy (IgAN) is the most common cause of glomerulonephritis worldwide. IgAN is diagnosed based on the result of histopathological examination. The risk factors for disease progression primarily include the level of impairment of renal function at the time of diagnosis (GFR < 60 ml/min/1.73 m2), the presence of hypertension, daily administration of more than 1.0 g, and the occurrence of hematuria. MicroRNAs (miRNAs) are important regulators of gene expression. Their role has a significant impact on the proper functioning of the body, and disorders related to their expression can lead to the development of many pathological processes in the body. The study aimed to assess the dependence of microRNA expression on the stage of the disease in patients with IgA nephropathy. Method A study was conducted involving patients newly diagnosed with IgA nephropathy based on histopathological examination results. The expression of microRNA molecules (miR-146a, miR-155, miR-200b, miR-429) was determined in urine sediment and blood. The analysis focused on examining the relationship between microRNA expression and the stage of disease progression (proteinuria, renal parameters). Blood and urine tests were performed before the start of immunosuppressive treatment with glucocorticosteroids according to the Pozzi regimen. Results Twenty-seven patients were included in the study group- 14 women (51.9%) and 13 men (48.1%). Nephrotic-range proteinuria (>3000 mg/24 h) was observed in 5 patients (18.5%), while subnephrotic proteinuria was present in 22 patients (77.8%). Reserved kidney function (eGFR > 90) was found in 17 patients (63%). The exact distribution of results according to the stage of renal failure is given in the Table 1. Statistically significant positive correlation was found between serum creatinine concentration and miR-200b expression in urine (R = 0,398, p = 0,049). Initially, no statistically significant correlation was found between the expression of selected miRNA molecules and the degree of 24-hour proteinuria. Conclusion MiRNA molecules may be promising, non-invasive biomarkers widely used in clinical practice. Determining the viability of clinical use of microRNA molecules will require a panel of miRNAs or miRNAs used in combination with other biomarkers and clinical outcomes to improve diagnostic utility.
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