Regulatory effects of miRNA in epithelial ovarian cancer patients: A case–control study from Eastern India
ABSTRACT
Introduction:
Current biomarkers of epithelial ovarian cancer (EOC) lack the required sensitivity and specificity for early detection. MicroRNAs (miRNAs) are implicated in cancer progression, and their serum expression could serve as a non-invasive diagnostic tool. This study focuses on evaluating the expression of serum miR-200a, miR-200b, and miR-200c and their association with clinico-pathological characteristics in EOC patients.
Materials and Methods:
Ninety-eight EOC patients and 96 age-matched healthy women participated. RNA was extracted from serum, and reverse transcription followed by quantitative real-time polymerase chain reaction (qPCR) assessed miRNA (miR) expression. Correlations with clinico-pathological parameters, including FIGO staging and tumor, node, and metastasis (TNM) grading, were explored.
Results:
Serum levels of miR-200a, miR-200b, and miR-200c were significantly higher in EOC compared to controls ( P < 0.01). When correlated with clinico-pathological parameters, miR-200c positively correlated with cancer severity (FIGO staging and TNM grading). In contrast, miR-200a and miR-200b showed no significant associations with clinical severity. Receiver operating characteristic curve analysis demonstrated miR-200a_Ct as the most promising parameter (area under the curve [AUC] = 0.997, P < 0.001), with high sensitivity (100%) and specificity (99%) at a cut-off value of >19.50.
Conclusion:
The study reveals the overexpression of miR-200a, miR-200b, and miR-200c in EOC patients. MiR-200a and miR-200b expression was correlating with early stage, while miR-200c emerged as a prognostic marker, correlating with cancer severity. This suggests regulatory role; however, further investigation into epithelial-to-mesenchymal transition-related factors is warranted to have a deeper understanding of the differential expression of miRNAs. The study underscores the diagnostic potential of serum miRNAs in EOC and the need for a reliable early detection method.