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Circulating Plasma MicroRNA in Patients With Active Acromegaly
Alexander Lutsenko1, Zhanna Belaya1, Alexey Nikitin2
1Department of Neuroendocrinology and Bone Diseases, Endocrinology Research Centre, Moscow, Russia.
The Journal of Clinical Endocrinology and Metabolism
|September 22, 2021
Summary
Acromegaly patients show lower levels of specific circulating microRNAs (miRNAs), including miR-4446-3p and miR-215-5p. These findings suggest potential new biomarkers for diagnosing growth hormone overproduction disorders.
Area of Science:
- Endocrinology
- Molecular Biology
- Biomarker Discovery
Background:
- Acromegaly results from excessive growth hormone, causing multiorgan changes potentially linked to epigenetic factors.
- MicroRNAs (miRNAs) are implicated in various biological processes and diseases.
Purpose of the Study:
- To investigate differences in circulating miRNAs in adults with acromegaly due to chronic growth hormone overproduction.
- To identify potential miRNA biomarkers for acromegaly.
Main Methods:
- A two-phase study involving a discovery phase (next-generation sequencing) and a validation phase (RT-qPCR).
- Case-control design with patients diagnosed with acromegaly and age/sex-matched healthy controls.
- Quantification and comparison of plasma miRNA levels between groups.
Main Results:
- Three plasma miRNAs (miR-4446-3p, miR-215-5p, miR-342-5p) were found to be downregulated in acromegaly patients.
- Validation confirmed downregulation of miR-4446-3p and miR-215-5p, with significant diagnostic potential (AUC 0.862 and 0.829, respectively).
Conclusions:
- Plasma miR-4446-3p and miR-215-5p are downregulated in acromegaly patients compared to healthy individuals.
- These miRNAs show promise as potential biomarkers for acromegaly, warranting further investigation.
