The Role of MicroRNA in Contrast-Induced Nephropathy: A Scoping Review and Meta-Analysis

OBJECTIVE: Early diagnosis of contrast-induced nephropathy (CIN) remains crucial for successful treatment; unfortunately, the widely used serum creatinine is elevated only in the late stage of CIN. The circulating microRNAs (miRNAs) are stable biomarker that might be useful. The aim of this scoping review and meta-analysis is to assess the role of miRNAs in CIN. METHODS: We performed a systematic literature search on topics that assess the role of miRNAs in CIN from several electronic databases. RESULTS: There were 6 preclinical studies and 2 of them validated their findings in human. Only miR-30a, miR-30c, miR-30e, and miR-188 have been validated in human models. Meta-analysis showed that increase in miR-30a expression was associated with higher incidence of CIN (OR 4.48 [1.52, 13.26], p = 0.007; I(2): 94%, p < 0.001). An increase in miR-30e expression was associated with higher incidence of CIN (OR 2.34 [1.70, 3.20], p < 0.001; I(2): 0%, p = 0.76). There is an indication that miR-188 is associated with contrast-induced apoptosis and might potentially be a drug target in the future. CONCLUSION: This study highlighted the importance of certain miRNAs in CIN pathophysiology. Future researches should explore on the prognostic and therapeutic implication of miRNA in CIN.