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Published on: April 2, 2018
Potential biomarkers of miRNA in non-functional pituitary adenomas
Qizhi Zhang1, Ying Wang2, Yinting Zhou1
1Department of Neurology, Yueyang Hospital of Integrated Traditional Chinese and Western Medicine, Shanghai University of Traditional Chinese Medicine, No. 110 Ganhe Road, Hongkou District, Shanghai, 200437, China.
Background:
The abnormal expression of microRNA (miRNA) has been proved to be closely related to the occurrence and progression of tumors. A unique expression of multiple miRNAs has been found in different types of tumors. However, the correlation between miRNA and non-functional pituitary adenoma (NFPA) is not clear. In this study, miRNAs (miRNA-26b, miRNA-138, miRNA-206, and miRNA-let-7e) have been used as detection genes to compare the miRNA expression levels of NFPA subjects and healthy controls and to explore the expression of four different miRNAs in NFPA.
Methods:
Ten untreated NFPA volunteers were served as subjects, and 10 normal subjects were selected as controls. Peripheral blood samples were collected, and four differentiated expressed miRNAs (miRNA-26b, miRNA-138, miRNA-206, and miRNA-let-7e) obtained in the early stage of the test group were detected, recorded, and archived by quantitative real-time PCR (qPCR). The difference and significance of endogenous miRNA expressions were explored through statistical analysis, hoping to find biomarkers for clinical treatment.
Results:
The levels of miRNA-26b, miRNA-138, miRNA-206, and miRNA-let-7e in the peripheral serum of patients with NFPA were significantly lower than those in normal subjects (P < 0.05).
Conclusion:
miRNA-26b, miRNA-138, miRNA-206, and miRNA-let-7e may be involved in the occurrence and progress of NFPAs. This study aims to study the biological targets of NFPA. It starts from the study of whether miRNA, miRNA-26b, miRNA-138, miRNA-206, and miRNA-let-7e may be tumor suppressor genes in NFPA, which provides a basis for further exploration of tumor markers of pituitary adenoma.
Insights
This study found lower levels of specific microRNAs (miRNAs) in patients with non-functional pituitary adenoma (NFPA). These findings suggest that these miRNAs may play a role in NFPA development and could serve as potential biomarkers.
Area of Science:
- Endocrinology
- Molecular Biology
- Oncology
Background:
- Abnormal microRNA (miRNA) expression is linked to tumor development and progression.
- The specific role of miRNAs in non-functional pituitary adenoma (NFPA) remains unclear.
- This study investigates four specific miRNAs in relation to NFPA.
Purpose of the Study:
- To compare miRNA expression levels between NFPA patients and healthy controls.
- To explore the expression patterns of miRNA-26b, miRNA-138, miRNA-206, and miRNA-let-7e in NFPA.
- To identify potential miRNA biomarkers for NFPA diagnosis and treatment.
Main Methods:
- Quantitative real-time PCR (qPCR) was used to detect miRNA levels.
- Peripheral blood samples were collected from 10 NFPA patients and 10 healthy controls.
- Statistical analysis was performed to determine significant differences in miRNA expression.
Main Results:
- Levels of miRNA-26b, miRNA-138, miRNA-206, and miRNA-let-7e were significantly lower in NFPA patients compared to normal subjects (P < 0.05).
Conclusions:
- The investigated miRNAs (miRNA-26b, miRNA-138, miRNA-206, miRNA-let-7e) may be involved in the occurrence and progression of NFPA.
- These miRNAs could potentially act as tumor suppressors in NFPA.
- The findings provide a basis for further research into pituitary adenoma tumor markers.
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