Correlation Study on the Prognostic Value of miR-21 and S-100B Protein Levels in Neonatal Hypoxic-Ischemic Encephalopathy Undergoing Hypothermia Therapy.

Objective: To evaluate the variations in serum levels of microRNA-21 (miR-21) and S-100B protein in neonates with hypoxic-ischemic encephalopathy (HIE) after receiving hypothermia therapy and explore the correlation of these biomarkers with the neurodevelopmental prognosis of the infants.

Methods: This retrospective analysis included 90 neonatal HIE patients diagnosed and treated between January 2019 and December 2022. Real-time quantitative PCR and enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA) methods were used to measure miR-21 and S-100B protein levels. Neurodevelopmental assessments were conducted at one year, and follow-up was performed using the Bayley Scales of Infant and Toddler Development third edition. Statistical analysis was carried out using SPSS software, with t-tests for continuous variables, chi-square tests for categorical data, Pearson correlation coefficient for correlation analysis, and multivariate regression analysis to adjust for confounding factors.

Results: After hypothermia therapy, the observation group showed a significant decrease in miR-21 and S-100B protein levels (P < 0.001), and neurodevelopmental scores were significantly higher than the control group (P < 0.05). Correlation analysis indicated a negative correlation between miR-21 and neurodevelopmental scores (r=-0.62, P < 0.001), as well as a negative correlation between S-100B protein levels (r=-0.76, P < 0.001). Multivariate regression analysis demonstrated that miR-21 levels and S-100B protein levels maintained independent negative correlations with neurodevelopmental scores (P < 0.001).

Conclusion: Hypothermia therapy significantly reduces serum levels of miR-21 and S-100B protein in neonatal HIE patients and may be associated with better prognosis. miR-21 and S-100B serve as prognostic biomarkers, aiding in predicting and improving the treatment outcomes and long-term prognosis of neonatal HIE.