# Comparison of Mir122 expression in children with biliary atresia and healthy group

## TL;DR

The study compared miR-122 levels in children with biliary atresia and healthy children, suggesting miR-122 might be a potential biomarker for diagnosis.

## Contribution

This study explores miR-122 as a potential non-invasive biomarker for biliary atresia in children.

## Key findings

- Serum miR-122 levels were higher in biliary atresia patients compared to healthy controls.
- No significant correlation was found between miR-122 expression and liver enzyme levels in BA patients.
- Further research with larger populations is needed to confirm miR-122's potential as a biomarker.

## Abstract

Biliary atresia (BA) is the primary cause of neonatal jaundice with various pathological mechanisms. Many BA patients may experience progressive liver dysfunction and eventually need a liver transplant. Therefore, identifying potential non-invasive biomarkers for BA is crucial. miR-122, the most abundant microRNA in the liver, plays significant roles in different liver diseases. This study aimed to assess miR-122 levels in BA patients. Eighteen patients with biliary atresia were selected at random from the Shiraz Pediatric Liver Cirrhosis Cohort Study (SPLCCS), along with 18 healthy controls. Blood samples were collected, and biochemical parameters (such as liver function tests) were measured. Quantitative reverse-transcription PCR (RT-PCR) was conducted on serum samples from both the case and control groups to analyze miR-122 levels. The study results indicated that serum miR-122 expression in BA patients was elevated compared to the control group, although it did not reach statistical significance. Additionally, no correlation was found between miR-122 expression and serum levels of liver enzymes or other laboratory findings in BA cases. miR-122 could be a potential target for diagnosing BA; however, further research with a larger population is necessary to determine if miR-122 could serve as a useful biomarker for diagnosing BA.