miRNA levels are associated with functional physical capacity and inflammation in patients with end-stage kidney disease

Abstract Chronic kidney disease (CKD) is a global health problem, especially in the elderly, leading to renal failure through gradual progression and chronic inflammation, in addition to increasing cardiovascular risk. MicroRNAs (miRNAs), non-coding RNAs that regulate gene expression, act as chemical messengers and have been shown to be important for the diagnosis and prognosis of chronic diseases. This study investigates miRNAs such as miR-1, miR-16, miR-150 and miR-206, involved in inflammatory and cardiovascular processes in patients with end-stage renal disease (ESRD). The objective was to evaluate the association of these miRNAs with cardiovascular risk factors, inflammatory status and physical-functional capacity. 23 individuals without CKD (control) and 25 with ESRD were selected. The results showed that the expressions of miRNAs and tumor necrosis factor alpha are higher in patients with ESRD, while fat-free mass, handgrip strength and functional capacity are reduced. All miRNAs analyzed showed a positive correlation with the inflammatory state and a negative correlation with physical-functional capacity. The miR-16 and miR-206 stood out in the study, supporting the potential role of these miRNAs, especially miR-16, as exploratory biomarkers associated with ESRD-related inflammatory and physical-functional impairment. Thus, the work contributes significantly to the development of more targeted and individualized therapeutic interventions, promoting significant advances in the care of ESRD and its complications.