MicroRNA-30c attenuates contrast-induced acute kidney injury by suppressing NLRP3 inflammasome

Backgrounds: Contrast-induced acute kidney injury (CIAKI) is the third most common cause of hospital-acquired AKI. It has been demonstrated that microRNA-30c (miR-30c) was upregulated in the CIAKI. However, the underlying mechanism remain unclear. Methods: The CIAKI was induced in miniature pig. The expression profile of miR-30c in the kidney was evaluated by qPCR. The pathways regulated by miR-30c was identified by qPCR and western blot on renal tubular epithelial cells isolated from miniature pig. Finally, the potential therapeutic application of targeting miR-30c was assessed in the pig model of CIAKI. Results: The miR-30c was up-regulated in miniature pig with CIAKI. The miR-30c suppressed cell apoptosis, expression of NLRP3, the secretion of IL-1 beta and caspase-1 p10 on renal cells stimulated by iohexol in vitro. In the pig model, miR-30c inhibited the CIAKI development. Conclusion: Our data demonstrated that the miR-30c induced by CIAKI could suppress cell apoptosis and kidney injury via targeting NLRP3. Therefore, targeting miR-30c might be a novel therapeutic candidate for CIAKI treatment and prevention.