AbstractLong non-coding RNAs (lncRNAs) are RNAs with >200 nucleotides that are unable
to encode proteins and are involved in gene expression regulation. LncRNAs have
a key role in many physiological and pathological processes and, consequently,
they have been associated with several human diseases, including diabetes
chronic complications, such as diabetes kidney disease (DKD). In this context,
some studies have identified the dysregulation of the lncRNAsMALAT1andTUG1in patients with DKD;
nevertheless, available data are still contradictory. Thus, the objective of
this study was to compareMALAT1andTUG1expressions in urine of patients with type 1 diabetes mellitus (T1DM)
categorized according to DKD presence. This study comprised 18 T1DM patients
with DKD (cases) and 9 long-duration T1DM patients without DKD (controls).MALAT1andTUG1were analyzed using qPCR.
Bioinformatics analyses were done to identify both lncRNA target genes and the
signaling pathways under their regulation. The lncRNAMALAT1was upregulated in urine of T1DM patients with DKDvs. T1DM
controls (P = 0.007). The expression of lncRNATUG1did not
differ between groups (P = 0.815). Bioinformatics analysis showed these two
lncRNAs take part in metabolism-related pathways. The present study shows that
the lncRNAMALAT1is upregulated in T1DM patients presenting
DKD.