Circulating microRNA is a biomarker of biliary atresia.

ABSTRACT:

Objective

The lack of reliable noninvasive diagnostic biomarkers of biliary atresia (BA) results in delayed diagnosis and worsened patient outcome. Circulating microRNAs (miRNAs) are a new class of noninvasive biomarkers with encouraging diagnostic utility.

Methods

We examined the ability of serum miRNAs to distinguish BA from other forms of neonatal hyperbilirubinemia. BA-specific serum miRNAs were identified using a microfluidic array platform and validated in a larger, independent sample set.

Results

The miR-200b/429 cluster was significantly increased in the sera of patients with BA relative to infants with non-BA cholestatic disorders.

Conclusions

Circulating levels of the miR-200b/429 cluster are elevated in infants with BA and have promising diagnostic c

SUBMITTER: Zahm AM 

PROVIDER: S-EPMC3459263 | biostudies-literature | 2012 Oct

REPOSITORIES: biostudies-literature