Circulating miRNAs in pediatric obesity: a single-center exploratory study of their potential association with renal function

Background Childhood obesity is a growing global public health concern, with increasing prevalence and significant long-term health implications. MicroRNAs (miRNAs), small non-coding RNAs, have emerged as stable, easily measurable, and tissue-specific biomarkers. However, data supporting their role as biomarkers of kidney involvement in pediatric patients with essential obesity remain limited. This study aims to evaluate the potential association between circulating miRNAs and renal function in this population. Materials and Methods This is a single-center, observational, analytical, cross-sectional study. This study evaluated a cohort of pediatric patients with essential obesity followed at the “Regional Reference Center for Pediatric Obesity, Pediatric Unit of A.O.U. G. Martino of Messina.” Clinical and biochemical characteristics were assessed; serum samples were analyzed to evaluate circulating miRNA profiles. Results In the analyzed samples, statistically significant correlations were observed between selected circulating miRNAs (miR-16-5p, miR-18a-5p, miR-126-3p, and let-7d) and markers of renal function. Conclusion This preliminary study identified correlations between specific miRNAs and kidney function parameters, potentially representing molecular signals associated with subclinical variations in renal status in the context of obesity-related nephropathy.