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Published on: August 23, 2019
Differential expression levels of plasma-derived miR-146b and miR-155 in papillary thyroid cancer
Yoon Se Lee1, Yun Sung Lim2, Jin-Choon Lee3
1Department of Otolaryngology, Asan Medical Center, University of Ulsan, College of Medicine, Seoul 138-736, Republic of Korea.
Background:
Specific circulating microRNAs (miRNAs) in each organ may contribute to the diagnosis and prognosis in some cancers. miRNA from papillary thyroid cancer (PTC) may be released into the bloodstream. This study was performed to detect miRNAs in the plasma and estimate their diagnostic usefulness for discriminating between benign and malignant lesions.
Methods:
Patients who underwent thyroidectomy for benign thyroid nodules or PTC were enrolled in this study. The patients were divided into three groups: benign, PTC without lymph node metastasis (LNM), and PTC with LNM. The levels of miR-146b, miR-221, miR-222, and miR-155miRNA expression in blood samples before surgery were evaluated.
Results:
Of 89 patients enrolled in this study, 19 and 70 had benign lesions (21.3%) and PTC (78.7%), respectively. The mean levels of miR-146b and miR-155 expression were higher in the PTC group than the benign group. For discrimination between benign and PTC lesions, the area under the ROC curve (AUC) for miR-146b was 0.649 with 61.4% sensitivity and 57.9% specificity. The AUC for miR-155 was 0.695 with 74.3% sensitivity and 63.2% specificity (P<0.05). The levels of miR-146b, miR-221, and miR-222 were slightly higher in the N1 group than the N0 group. The levels of miR-146b, miR-155, and miR-222 increased in proportion to tumor size.
Conclusions:
miR-146b and miR-155 helped to discriminate between benign and malignant lesions. Circulating miRNA is likely a useful alternate serological marker for PTC. This preliminary study suggested that circulating miRNAs may be useful as follow-up tools as well as diagnostic tools.
Insights
Specific circulating microRNAs (miRNAs) can help differentiate benign thyroid nodules from papillary thyroid cancer (PTC). MiR-146b and miR-155 show promise as blood-based biomarkers for PTC diagnosis and monitoring.
Area of Science:
- Endocrinology
- Molecular Biology
- Oncology
Background:
- Specific circulating microRNAs (miRNAs) are implicated in cancer diagnosis and prognosis.
- Papillary thyroid cancer (PTC) associated miRNAs may be detectable in bloodstream.
- This study aimed to identify plasma miRNAs for distinguishing benign from malignant thyroid lesions.
Purpose of the Study:
- To detect specific miRNAs in plasma for diagnosing papillary thyroid cancer (PTC).
- To evaluate the diagnostic utility of circulating miRNAs in differentiating benign thyroid nodules from PTC.
- To assess the potential of miRNAs as non-invasive biomarkers for PTC.
Main Methods:
- Patients with benign nodules or PTC undergoing thyroidectomy were enrolled.
- Participants were categorized into benign, PTC without lymph node metastasis (LNM), and PTC with LNM groups.
- Plasma levels of miR-146b, miR-221, miR-222, and miR-155 were quantified before surgery.
Main Results:
- Higher mean levels of miR-146b and miR-155 were observed in PTC patients compared to benign cases.
- miR-155 demonstrated an area under the ROC curve (AUC) of 0.695 for discriminating PTC from benign lesions.
- Elevated miR-146b, miR-155, and miR-222 levels correlated with tumor size and lymph node metastasis.
Conclusions:
- Circulating miR-146b and miR-155 can aid in discriminating benign from malignant thyroid lesions.
- Plasma miRNAs show potential as alternative serological markers for PTC diagnosis.
- These circulating miRNAs may serve as valuable diagnostic and follow-up tools for PTC.
