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The potential diagnostic accuracy of circulating microRNAs for Alzheimer's disease: A meta-analysis
W T Zhang1, G X Zhang2, S S Gao1
1Xi'an Daxing Hospital, Shaanxi, China; International Doctoral School, University of Seville, Spain.
Background & Objective:
Alzheimer's disease (AD) is a progressive and irreversible neurodegenerative disease that seriously affects cognitive ability and has become a key public health problem. Many studies have identified the possibility of peripheral blood microRNA as effective non-invasive biomarkers for AD diagnosis, but the results are inconsistent. Therefore, we carried out this meta-analysis to evaluate the diagnostic accuracy of circulating microRNAs in the diagnosis of AD patients.
Methods:
We performed a systematic literature search of the following databases: PubMed, EMBASE, Web of Science, Cochrane Library, Wanfang database and China National Knowledge Infrastructure, updated to March 15, 2021. A random effects model was used to pool the sensitivity, specificity, positive likelihood ratio, negative likelihood ratio, diagnostic odds ratio and area under the curve. Meta-regression and subgroup analysis were performed to explore the sources of heterogeneity, and Deeks' funnel plot was used to assess whether there was publication bias.
Results:
62 studies from 18 articles were included in this meta-analysis. The pooled sensitivity was 0.82 (95% CI: 0.78-0.85), specificity was 0.80 (95% CI: 0.76-0.83), PLR was 4. 1 (95% CI: 3.4-4.9), NLR was 0.23 (95% CI: 0.19-0.28), DOR was 18 (95% CI: 13-25) and AUC was 0.88 (95% CI: 0.84-0.90). Subgroup analysis shows that the microRNA clusters of plasma type performed a better diagnostic accuracy of AD patients. In addition, publication bias was not found.
Conclusions:
Circulating microRNAs can be used as a promising non-invasive biomarker in AD diagnosis.
Insights
Peripheral blood microRNAs show promise as non-invasive biomarkers for Alzheimer's disease (AD) diagnosis. This meta-analysis confirms their diagnostic accuracy, offering a potential tool for early detection of AD.
Area of Science:
- Biomarkers
- Neurodegenerative Diseases
- Genetics
Background:
- Alzheimer's disease (AD) is a progressive neurodegenerative disorder with significant public health impact.
- Peripheral blood microRNAs are investigated as potential non-invasive biomarkers for AD.
- Previous studies show inconsistent results regarding their diagnostic accuracy.
Purpose of the Study:
- To evaluate the diagnostic accuracy of circulating microRNAs for Alzheimer's disease.
- To synthesize evidence from existing literature through a meta-analysis.
Main Methods:
- Systematic literature search across multiple databases (PubMed, EMBASE, Web of Science, etc.) up to March 2021.
- Random effects model used to pool sensitivity, specificity, likelihood ratios, and AUC.
- Meta-regression, subgroup analysis, and Deeks' funnel plot assessed heterogeneity and publication bias.
Main Results:
- Included 62 studies from 18 articles.
- Pooled sensitivity: 0.82, specificity: 0.80, AUC: 0.88.
- Plasma microRNA clusters demonstrated superior diagnostic accuracy for AD; no publication bias detected.
Conclusions:
- Circulating microRNAs represent a promising non-invasive biomarker for Alzheimer's disease diagnosis.
- Further validation may lead to clinical application for early AD detection.
