Circulating miRNA-122 and miRNA-192 Expression and Early Detection of Hepatic Injury in Patients with Acute Elemental Iron Toxicity

Mesallam, Dalia Ibrahim Ahmed; Atef, Mona; Ouda, Iman M.; Morsi, Alshaimaa

doi:10.21608/esctj.2025.384373.1091

Circulating miRNA-122 and miRNA-192 Expression and Early Detection of Hepatic Injury in Patients with Acute Elemental Iron Toxicity

Document Type : Original Article

Authors

¹ Forensic Medicine and Clinical Toxicology Department,Faculty of Medicine, Zagazig University, Egypt

² forensic medicine and clinical toxicology, faculty of human medicine, zagazig university

³ Department of Clinical Pathology,Faculty of medicine, Zagazig university, Egypt.

⁴ Forensic Medicine and Clinical Toxicology Department, Faculty of Medicine, Zagazig University, Egypt

10.21608/esctj.2025.384373.1091

Abstract

Background: Acute iron toxicity is a common poisoning that may result in acute liver injury, which may proceed to fulminant hepatic failure. Aim of the work: To assess the serum miRNA-(122 and 192) expression levels in acute iron poisoned cases and investigate their role in early detection of the hepatic injury as compared with liver parameters (ALT, INR). Patients and methods: This prospective study was conducted on 12 acute iron poisoned patients and 12 healthy controls admitted to Zagazig University Hospitals and Zagazig General Hospital between April 2024 and March 2025. ALT, INR, serum miRNA-(122 and 192) expression and iron level were measured for patients on admission, at 24 and 72 hours. While, serum levels of ALT, INR and miRNA-(122 and 192) expression were measured once for control. Results: The studied patients were 3 males (25%) and 9 females (75%). Mean age was 13.58±3.17 years. On admission, the miRNA-(122 and 192) levels were raised significantly in patients compared to controls (p<0.01). In patient group, over time (at 24 and 72 hours), the ALT and INR levels were raised significantly (p<0.01), while iron and miRNA-(122 and 192) were declined significantly (p<0.01). MiRNAs expression was displayed a positive correlation (p<0.05) with the iron dose ingested, serum iron, ALT, INR and the duration of hospitalization. Conclusion: This study suggests the probable role of miRNA-(122 and 192) as biomarkers for early detection of acute liver injury in acute iron poisoned cases, and suggests their superior diagnostic performance compared to ALT and INR.

Keywords