Related Experiment Video
Updated: Jun 20, 2026
Quantitative Immunohistochemistry of the Cellular Microenvironment in Patient Glioblastoma Resections
Published on: July 31, 2017
HOTAIR expression as a biomarker in glioblastoma multiforme: a comprehensive meta-analysis of current evidence
Arefeh Bahranian1,2, Mehdi Koshki3, Fargol Farahmandi1,2
1School of Medicine, Shahid Beheshti University of Medical Sciences, Tehran, Iran.
Purpose:
Glioblastoma multiforme (GBM) is an aggressive brain tumor. This meta-analysis investigates the association between HOTAIR expression levels and GBM.
Methods:
We searched the literature for studies on HOTAIR expression in GBM patients. A meta-analysis of nine studies assessed standardized mean difference (SMD) and 95% confidence intervals (CIs) using a random-effects model. Subgroup analyses were performed based on sample source, country, and study design. Additionally, we conducted meta-regression and publication bias analyses.
Results:
The meta-analysis found a significant positive association between elevated HOTAIR expression and GBM (SMD = 8.3, 95% CI 5.8-10.8, p = 0.00). Considerable heterogeneity was observed (Q-value: 1174.2, df = 9, I2 = 99.2%, p = 0.00). Subgroup analyses indicated significant associations in tissue samples and studies from the USA and China. Meta-regression revealed that study design and country contributed to the observed heterogeneity, with no significant publication bias detected.
Conclusion:
This analysis confirms the significant link between HOTAIR expression and GBM, highlighting HOTAIR as a potential therapeutic target and biomarker. Further research is necessary to clarify the biological mechanisms involved in this association.
