miR-6516-3p-mediated downregulation of the endogenous MMP-9 inhibitor RECK in mesangial cells might exacerbate lupus nephritis.

Background: MicroRNAs (miRNAs) regulate biological processes by inhibiting translation and causing mRNA degradation. In this study, we identified the miRNAs involved in the development and progression of lupus nephritis (LNs) and verified their roles.

Methods: Total RNA, extracted from PBMCs collected from patients with LNs before and after treatment, was used for miRNA array analysis to identify miRNAs whose expression was significantly altered.