Role of microRNA as a marker in detection of diabetic nephropathy in type-2 diabetic Egyptian patients

Background Diabetic kidney disease (DKD) represents the major cause of chronic kidney disease. New biomarkers for early diagnosis of DKD are of interest. Our objective is to elucidate the significance of microRNA-192 (miRNA-192) and neutrophil gelatinase-associated lipocalin (NGAL) as early predictors of diabetic nephropathy in comparison with albuminuria in type-2 diabetic patients. Patients and methods A number of 45 persons in three groups, group 1: 15 healthy persons with no diabetes mellitus (DM). Group 2: 15 patients diagnosed with type-2 diabetes mellitus (T2DM) without albuminuria. Group 3: 15 patients diagnosed with T2DM with albuminuria. Estimation of serum miRNA, NGAL, urine albumin/creatinine ratio, serum creatinine, urea, fasting blood glucose, 2-h postprandial blood glucose, and glycated hemoglobin. Results The study showed that the serum miRNA-192 and NGAL levels were significantly higher in patients diagnosed with T2DM with albuminuria in comparison with patients diagnosed with T2DM without albuminuria. There was a significant positive correlation between miRNA-192 and NGAL and urine albumin/creatinine ratio. Conclusion Serum NGAL and miRNA-192 may serve as tools to follow up the development and progression of DKD.