Diagnostic value of elevated serum miRNA-143 levels in sepsis

Objective To evaluate serum micro RNA-143 (miR-143) levels in patients with sepsis or non-infectious systemic inflammatory response syndrome (SIRS), and investigate its possible diagnostic or prognostic value. Methods Serum was obtained from patients with sepsis or SIRS and healthy control subjects. Relative miR-143 expression was determined using quantitative real time polymerase chain reaction. The diagnostic and prognostic value of serum miR-143 was evaluated. Results Serum miR-143 levels were significantly higher in patients with sepsis (n=103) than patients with SIRS (n=95) and healthy controls (n=40). There were significant positive correlations between serum miR-143 level and SOFA and APACHE II scores in patients with sepsis (r=0.794 and r=0.825, respectively). Serum miR-143 had a sensitivity of 78.6% and specificity of 91.6% for distinguishing between sepsis and SIRS. There was no association between serum miR-143 and 28-day survival in patients with sepsis. Conclusion Serum miR-143 is elevated in patients with sepsis, and may be a useful biomarker for distinguishing between sepsis and SIRS.