STIM1 as an Early Predictive Biomarker for Acute Respiratory Distress Syndrome (ARDS) and Its Potential Mechanisms.

Acute respiratory distress syndrome (ARDS) mainly results in severe respiratory failure and significant morbidity. This study decisively investigated the effectiveness and clinical importance of stromal interaction molecule 1 (STIM1) mRNA as an early predictive biomarker for the outcomes and severity of ARDS cases. A total of 72 mechanically ventilated patients were included in the study, consisting of 51 with ARDS and 21 without. The STIM1 mRNA levels in blood and bronchoalveolar lavage fluid (BALF) from these cases were assessed by quantitative reverse transcription polymerase chain reaction (RT-qPCR). Additionally, lung tissues were collected from six patients (three with ARDS and three without) for hematoxylin-eosin staining, immunohistochemistry, and Western blot analysis. A predictive nomogram was constructed using STIM1 mRNA level and assessed for its ability to predict the severity and mortality of ARDS. A higher STIM1 mRNA level was associated with increased ARDS severity and patient mortality. Thus, STIM1 may serve as a novel biomarker for the early prediction of clinical outcomes and disease status of ARDS cases. Additionally, analysis of the GSE database revealed the MAPK signaling pathway as a key mechanism underlying the function of STIM1 in ARDS.