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Updated: Jul 9, 2025
An In Vitro Protocol for Evaluating MicroRNA Levels, Functions, and Associated Target Genes in Tumor Cells
Published on: May 21, 2019
A PRISMA meta-analysis for diagnostic value of microRNA-21 in head and neck squamous cell carcinoma along with
Chen-Xi Li1,2,3,4, Ying Su5, Zheng-Ye Wang6
1Oncological Department of Oral and Maxillofacial Surgery, Xinjiang Medical University Affiliated First Hospital, No. 137 Liyushan South Road, Urumqi, 830054, China. lichenxiuke@gmail.com.
Objectives:
The use of miR-21 expression remains vague in diagnosis of head and neck squamous cell carcinoma (HNSCC). This study aimed to systematically evaluate the diagnostic potential of the miR-21 expression in patients with HNSCCs through investigating and summarizing the results reported in the literature.
Methods:
Extant medical databases were examined for articles of clinical study assessing the miR-21 expression in HNSCC cases, published in the past 20 years. Bioinformatics research was also performed for finding miR-21 targets differentially expressed in HNSCC so as to present their biological behaviors.
Results:
Our meta-analysis comprised 11 studies including 622/450 cases in HNSCC/control group. Forest plots displayed miR-21 which possessed significantly good specificity (0.76, p < 0.001) and sensitivity (0.80, p < 0.001). Diagnostic odds ratio was 2.46 (95% CI 1.87-3.24). Positive and negative likelihood ratio was 3.40 (95% CI 1.94-5.97) and 0.26 (95% CI 0.18-0.38), respectively. Area under the receiver operating characteristic curve was 0.85.
Conclusion:
This study is the highest level of evidence presently available in diagnosing HNSCC. This PRISMA meta-analysis indicated that the pooled results were robust, confirming the oncogenic potential of miR-21 that could be used successfully as a screening biomarker in HNSCC patients. Specifically, the overexpression of miR-21 in these patients presents a worse survival outcome.
