Interaction of circulating TGFβ regulatory miRNAs in different severity of diabetic kidney disease.

Aims: To explore the interaction of TGFβ regulatory microRNAs (miRNAs) with different severities of diabetic kidney disease (DKD).

Methods: According to different UACR (30 and 300 mg/g), 436 subjects were included, and high glucose induced RMCs were cultured. Real-time PCR, ELISA, and automatic biochemical analysis were used to measure miRNAs, TGFβ1, and other biochemical indicators in serum and RMCs. Target genes of miRNA were predicted and visualised by bioinformatics.

Results: HbA1c, TGFβ1, miR-217, and miR-224 in T2DM patients increased with UACR, while miR-192 and miR-216a decreased. Ln UACR was positively correlated with HbA1c, TGFβ1, miR-217, and miR-224, and negatively correlated with miR-192 and miR-216a. High glucose and TGFβ1 affected miRNAs and these miRNAs affected each other. The miRNA target genes mainly revolve around PTEN, PI3K/Akt, and MAPK signalling pathways.

Conclusion: TGFβ regulatory miRNAs and different severity of DKD have a potential interaction regulating fibrosis through PTEN, PI3K/Akt, and MAPK pathways.