Evaluation of the Role of MicroRNA-663a in Pediatric Lupus Nephritis

Abstract Background and Aim Lupus Nephritis (LN) is a serious manifestation of systemic lupus erythematous (SLE) with poor prognosis for pediatric patients resulting in high morbidity and mortality rates. MicroRNAs (miRNAs) are short, non-coding RNAs that serve as epigenetic modulators, affecting gene expression and influencing our understanding of disease causes and pathology. Thus, we sought to explore urinary expression of miR-663a in LN among SLE children. Patients and Methods The urinary miR-663a expression levels were estimated in cellular pellets from 15 biopsy-proven active LN patients and 15 healthy controls. Results LN patients had significantly higher urinary miR-663a expression levels compared to control group (p < 0.0001). Conclusion miR-663a could provide a specific noninvasive diagnostic and follow-up tool for LN patients.