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Updated: Sep 26, 2025
miRNA Expression Analyses in Prostate Cancer Clinical Tissues
Published on: September 8, 2015
Diagnostic Value of microRNA-375 as Future Biomarker for Prostate Cancer Detection: A Meta-Analysis
Diana Nitusca1,2, Anca Marcu1, Edward Seclaman1,2
1Department of Biochemistry and Pharmacology, Victor Babes University of Medicine and Pharmacy, Pta Eftimie Murgu Nr. 2, 300041 Timisoara, Romania.
Abstract:
Background and Objectives: Responding to the need for additional biomarkers for the diagnosis of prostate cancer (PCa), mounting studies show that microRNAs (miRNAs/miRs) possess great potential as future promising diagnostic tools. However, the usefulness of these miRNAs is still highly debated, as the degree of inconsistency between study designs and results is still elevated. Herein, we present a meta-analysis evaluating the diagnostic value and accuracy of circulating miR-375, as it is one of the most studied types of miRs in PCa. Materials and Methods: The diagnostic accuracy of miR-375 was evaluated using the QUADAS-2 tool, analyzing different statistical parameters. The seven studies (from six articles) that matched our selection included 422 PCa patients and 212 controls (70 healthy volunteers + 142 with benign prostate diseases). Results and Conclusion: We obtained a p-value of 0.76 for sensitivity, 0.83 for specificity, 16 for DOR, 4.6 for LR+, 0.29 for LR-, and 0.87 for AUC (95% CI 0.83-0.89). Our results confirm that miRNA-375 has high diagnostic potential for PCa, suggesting its usefulness as a powerful biomarker. More comprehensive studies are warranted to better assess its true value as a diagnostic biomarker for this urologic disease.
Insights
MicroRNAs (miRNAs) show promise as prostate cancer (PCa) biomarkers. This meta-analysis confirms circulating miR-375 has high diagnostic potential for PCa detection.
Area of Science:
- Biomarkers and diagnostics
- Molecular oncology
- Urologic oncology
Background:
- Prostate cancer (PCa) diagnosis requires improved biomarkers.
- MicroRNAs (miRNAs) are emerging as potential diagnostic tools for PCa.
- Existing miRNA studies show inconsistencies, necessitating meta-analysis.
Purpose of the Study:
- To evaluate the diagnostic value and accuracy of circulating miR-375 in prostate cancer.
- To synthesize evidence from multiple studies on miR-375 as a PCa biomarker.
Main Methods:
- A meta-analysis was conducted on seven studies (six articles) involving 422 PCa patients and 212 controls.
- Diagnostic accuracy was assessed using the QUADAS-2 tool and statistical parameters.
- Key metrics included sensitivity, specificity, DOR, LR+, LR-, and AUC.
Main Results:
- The meta-analysis yielded an Area Under the Curve (AUC) of 0.87 (95% CI 0.83-0.89).
- Sensitivity and specificity values indicate strong diagnostic performance.
- Diagnostic Odds Ratio (DOR) was 16, and Likelihood Ratios (LR+, LR-) were 4.6 and 0.29, respectively.
Conclusions:
- Circulating miR-375 demonstrates significant potential as a diagnostic biomarker for prostate cancer.
- miR-375 could serve as a valuable tool for PCa detection.
- Further comprehensive studies are recommended to solidify its role in diagnosing this urologic disease.
