Expression of serum microRNAs, mir-182-5p, and miR-590-3p and its clinical significance in neonatal sepsis

Abstract Background Neonatal sepsis is one of the life-threatening diseases. MicroRNAs are non-coding RNAs that play vital roles in various diseases. Methods This study included 50 neonates with sepsis and 60 healthy controls. RNA extraction and assessment of mir-182-5p and miR-590-3p using real-time PCR were done. Results Significant downregulation of mir-182-5p and miR-590-3p in neonates with sepsis compared with healthy neonates was observed. Positive correlations were confirmed between the expression levels of miR-182-5p and birth weight (R = 0.355, P = 0.012), RDW (R = 0.476, p =  < 0.0001), I/T Neutrophil (R = 0.362, P = 0.012), and a negative correlations were demonstrated between miR-182-5p and each of lyomphocyte count (R =  − 0.399, P = 0.004), HCO3 (R =  − 0.396, P = 0.004), as well as snap score (R =  − 0.321, P = 0.023). Moreover, positive correlations were verified between the expression level of miR-590-3p and I/T Neutrophil (R = 0.420, P = 0.003), RDW (R = 0.359, p = 0.010), CRP (R = 0.285, P = 0.45), and negative correlations were established between the expression level of miR-590-3p and platelets (R =  − 0.495, P =  < 0.0001), lymphocyte count (R =  − 0.365, P = 0.009), and snap score (R =  − 0.568, P =  < 0.0001). Conclusion mir-182-5p and miR-590-3p may be used as new biomarkers for neonatal sepsis suggesting that they could be used in the treatment of neonatal sepsis. Also, a significant negative correlation was noted between expression levels of mir-182-5p and miR-590-3p and snap score.