miRNA 301a and 29a as Key Regulators in Systemic Lupus Erythematosus and Lupus Nephritis: Evidence from Egyptian Patients

Objectives This research aims to investigate the function of miRNA-301a and miRNA-29a in the pathophysiology of LN and systemic lupus, and to establish a correlation between these genes and the disease's clinical and laboratory characteristics. Background Systemic lupus is an autoimmune illness that predominantly affects the kidney but may affect other organs as well. Evidence suggests that miRNA-301a and miRNA-29a may have a part in the pathophysiology of LN and SLE. Subjects and Methods : One hundred SLE cases were chosen for this case-control research based on the ACR/SLICC Revised Criteria. They were split into two equal cohorts: SLE cases without LN in cohort II and those with LN in cohort I. Fifty healthy individuals were selected for control cohort III. Every participant underwent a thorough physical examination and history taking. Complete blood count, creatinine, ANA, anti-ds DNA, urine protein/creatinine ratio, and quantitative RT-PCR expression of miRNA-301a and miRNA-29a were among the tests conducted. Results There were statistically significant differences among the three groups in terms of miRNA301a and miRNA29a. Both SLE and LN had considerably greater levels of miRNA301a than the control and SLE without LN, respectively. Both SLE and LN had considerably lower levels of miRNA29a than control and SLE without LN, respectively. UPCR, ESR, and anti-ds DNA titre all showed statistically significant positive correlations with miRNA301a. Nonetheless, there was a notable inverse relationship with serum albumin, hemoglobin, TLC, CRP, C3, and C4. A statistically significant positive connection was observed between miRNA29a and serum albumin, hemoglobin, platelets, TLC, C4, and CRP. However, the anti-ds DNA titre, ESR, and UPCR showed a substantial negative connection. According to multivariate logistic regression, miRNA29a (≤ 0.106) is a risk factor for LN on its own. Conclusion miRNA-301a and miRNA-29a had different fold changes in expression regarding SLE and LN. Their values correlated with some clinical components, and in particular, miRNA-29a (≤ 0.106) showed the capability to distinguish LN from SLE in the absence of renal involvement.