Related Experiment Video
Updated: Nov 1, 2025
MicroRNA Based Liquid Biopsy: The Experience of the Plasma miRNA Signature Classifier MSC for Lung Cancer Screening
Published on: October 26, 2017
Plasma microRNAs can be a potential diagnostic biomarker for endometriosis
Zhihong Zhuo1, Chuhan Wang2, Huimin Yu2
1HwaMei Hospital, University of Chinese Academy of Sciences, Ningbo, China. zhuozhihong1@163.com.
Objectives:
Plasma microRNAs are considered potential diagnostic biomarkers for endometriosis. Increasing evidence has shown that a huge number of miRNAs are abnormally expressed in endometriosis plasma and play irreplaceable roles in diagnosis.
Material And Methods:
The aim of our study was to identify the differential expression of circular miRNA by reviewing the PubMed, ScienceDirect, and Cochrane databases between normal women and women with endometriosis and analyzing the miRNA data downloaded from the GEO database.
Results:
Because of the differential miRNA expression in this review, we evaluated the diagnostic values of the differentially expressed miRNAs, particularly during the menstrual phases. According to the cut-off criteria with |log 2 FC| > 1.0 and P < 0.05, 36 differentially expressed miRNAs were identified, including 13 upregulated miRNAs and 23 downregulated miRNAs. We developed miR-155, miR-574, miR-23a, and miR-520d via a Venn diagram. Functional enrichment analysis considered that the target miRNAs might be involved in various pathways related to endometriosis, including neurotrophin, Hippo, oocyte meiosis, ubiquitin mediated proteolysis, HTLV-Infection, FoxO, and Rap1 signaling pathways. CTNNB1, MYC, and ES R1 of transcription factors were related to the differentially expressed miRNAs.
Conclusions:
In summary, our study suggested that a four-miRNA could be included as a prognostic marker in endometriosis.
Insights
This study identified four microRNAs (miRNAs) as potential diagnostic biomarkers for endometriosis. These specific miRNAs show differential expression and could aid in diagnosing this condition.
Area of Science:
- Reproductive biology
- Molecular diagnostics
- Biomarker discovery
Background:
- Plasma microRNAs (miRNAs) are emerging as promising diagnostic biomarkers for endometriosis.
- Abnormal miRNA expression in endometriosis plasma is increasingly recognized for its diagnostic potential.
Purpose of the Study:
- To identify differentially expressed circular miRNAs in women with and without endometriosis.
- To evaluate the diagnostic value of these miRNAs, particularly in relation to menstrual phases.
Main Methods:
- Systematic review of PubMed, ScienceDirect, and Cochrane databases.
- Analysis of miRNA data from the Gene Expression Omnibus (GEO) database.
- Identification of differentially expressed miRNAs using statistical cut-off criteria (|log 2 FC| > 1.0 and P < 0.05).
Main Results:
- 36 differentially expressed miRNAs were identified (13 upregulated, 23 downregulated).
- A panel of four miRNAs (miR-155, miR-574, miR-23a, miR-520d) was identified.
- Functional analysis suggested involvement in pathways crucial to endometriosis, such as neurotrophin and oocyte meiosis signaling.
Conclusions:
- A panel of four specific microRNAs shows potential as prognostic markers for endometriosis.
- These findings support the use of miRNAs as diagnostic tools for endometriosis.
