MicroRNA: Potential biomarkers in chronic kidney disease

Introduction. Standard biomarkers for the diagnosis and follow-up of chronic kidney disease patients are appropriate neither in early diagnostics, adequate follow-up and progression assessment nor in complication development risk assessment. For that reason, a search for new, more suitable biomarkers continues. Various studies suggested microRNAs as a potential solution, as they are involved in the pathogenesis of diabetic nephropathy, kidney cancer and kidney function impairment in general. Methods. Internet search engines were used to find and select relevant literature data and electronic databases. Results. Research published so far, in oncology especially, have reported various single microRNAs and panels of microRNAs as candidates for routine diagnostic implementation. Chronic kidney disease is, however, quite complex in terms of etiology of the disease occurrence, since there are many causes that can lead to kidney tissue damage and impairment of its function and finally full development of the chronic kidney disease. MicroRNAs are stable in bodily fluids, and hemodialysis procedure does not affect their levels. Also, high RNase activity in chronic kidney disease patients does not accelerate microRNA degradation in their samples. Conclusions. Literature data suggest that microRNAs are appropriate candidates for diagnostic use in chronic kidney disease. However, there are challenges that are yet to be overcome in order to use microRNAs routinely.