An Y, et al. - Considering the recent data suggesting the predominant expression of miR-196a in the kidney and an inhibitory role miR-196a in the progress of renal interstitial fibrosis (IF), researchers investigated the role of urinary miR-196a in the progression of renal injury in a cohort of patients with type 2 diabetes mellitus. They analyzed 209 patients with biopsy-proven diabetic nephropathy (DN). Observations revealed a significant correlation of increased urinary miR-196a with the progression of renal injury. Hence they suggest urinary miR-196a to be a noninvasive prognostic marker of renal fibrosis in DN patients.