MiR-128-3p serves as a diagnostic biomarker in pediatric Mycoplasma pneumoniae pneumonia

Mycoplasma pneumoniae pneumonia (MPP) is a frequent pulmonary infection in children, and severe cases are associated with significant adverse outcomes. To investigate the expression, clinical value, and functional mechanism of miR-128-3p in MPP. Serum samples from children with MPP were collected to measure miR-128-3p expression. ROC curve and logistic analysis were further performed to evaluate the clinical value of miR-128-3p in MPP. An MPP model was established by infecting BEAS-2B cells with Mycoplasma pneumoniae (MP). The functions of miR-128-3p were verified using CCK-8 and ELISA. Potential downstream target genes were predicted and verified by bioinformatics analysis and the dual-luciferase reporter assay. MiR-128-3p was significantly downregulated in the serum of children with MPP and served as an independent predictor of severe MPP (SMPP). Overexpression of miR-128-3p inhibited the secretion of IL-6, IL-8, and TNF-α and alleviated cell injury. ITGA5 is a target gene of miR-128-3p, which was upregulated in MPP. Rescue experiments verified that overexpression of ITGA5 abolished the anti‑inflammatory and protective effects of miR‑128‑3p. MiR-128-3p is downregulated in MPP and serves as a predictive biomarker for SMPP, which exerts a protective effect by suppressing inflammatory responses.