Predictive value of miR-132-3p for the onset of sepsis-induced acute kidney injury and its functional role during disease development.

BACKGROUND

Sepsis-induced acute kidney injury (SI-AKI) is a prevalent critical complication characterized by delayed early diagnosis, inadequate prognosis evaluation, and unclear pathogenesis. MicroRNAs (miRNAs) are promising SI-AKI biomarkers, yet their regulatory roles remain undefined.

OBJECTIVE

To clarify the diagnostic value and functional mechanism of miR-132-3p in SI-AKI.

METHODS

208 sepsis patients were divided into SI-AKI (n = 108) and non-SI-AKI (n = 100) groups. Plasma/urine miR-132-3p levels were measured via qRT-PCR, with ROC curves and Logistic regression for diagnostic and risk factor analysis; KM curves and COX regression assessed 28-day prognosis. HK-2 cells were transfected with miR-132-3p mimics/inhibitors to assess cell proliferation, apoptosis, and inflammation; StarBase and dual-luciferase assays were used to verify target genes.

RESULTS

MiR-132-3p was significantly upregulated in patients with SI-AKI and served as an independent risk factor with diagnostic and prognostic value. In vitro, it inhibited HK-2 cell proliferation, promoted apoptosis and inflammation, and mediated SI-AKI progression by targeting ERBIN.

CONCLUSION

miR-132-3p is a potential diagnostic/prognostic biomarker for SI-AKI, and regulates renal cell function via ERBIN to participate in SI-AKI pathogenesis.