Serum Levels of MicroRNA-210 as a Pathogenic Factor in Patients with Diabetes and Diabetic Nephropathy: A Cross-sectional Study

Introduction: Diabetes Mellitus (DM) is a foremost global health challenge, causing disability and premature death. It leads to severe micro and macrovascular complications, including Diabetic Nephropathy (DN), which affects 20% of patients worldwide. Up to 50% of Chronic DM (CDM) patients get end-stage DN and then require Renal Replacement Therapy (RRT). DN develops gradually and causes proteinuria and glomerulopathy. Oxidative stress, Reactive Oxygen Species (ROS), and abnormal microRibonucleic Acid (miRNAs) are involved in DM progression and complications. Aim: The study aimed to assess serum miRNA-210 levels in DM patients and those with diabetes nephropathy, as it plays a crucial role in DM along with endothelial cell function. Materials and Methods: The present Cross-Sectional Study (CSS) included 400 participants, grouped into healthy controls, diabetic patients having nephropathy, and diabetic patients not having nephropathy, matched by age and sex. Inclusion criteria covered adults with known diabetes or DN, while individuals with infections, inflammatory or haematological diseases, and pregnant women were excluded. Ethical clearance was obtained, and informed consent was secured from all participants. Biochemical, renal, inflammatory, and epigenetic markers (including miRNA210) were measured utilising standard laboratory techniques. Also, statistical analysis was performed using MedCalc, with significance value of p<0.05. Results: Of the 400 study participants, 192 (48.0%) were female and 208 (52.0%) were male. This study discovered noteworthy differences in glycaemic, renal, inflammatory, and epigenetic markers among control, diabetic, and DN groups. C-Reactive Protein (CRP) levels were elevated in both diabetic groups 10.591±7.175 mg/L (diabetic mellitus), and 18.710±7.406 mg/L (DN) (p<0.001). IL-10 levels were low in the diabetic mellitus group (8.380±0.801 pg/mL) (p<0.001). Fetuin-A levels were 186.90±35.913 in diabetic mellitus (p<0.001). Adiponectin levels were highest in the nephropathy group (21.340±7.193 µg/mL), compared to controls (p<0.001). Conclusion: These findings highlight reduced serum miRNAs’ potential as a biomarker for early detection and disease progression.