Regulatory effects of miRNA in epithelial ovarian cancer patients: A case-control study from Eastern India

Current biomarkers of epithelial ovarian cancer (EOC) lack the required sensitivity and specificity for early detection. MicroRNAs (miRNAs) are implicated in cancer progression, and their serum expression could serve as a non-invasive diagnostic tool. This study focuses on evaluating the expression of serum miR-200a, miR-200b, and miR-200c and their association with clinico-pathological characteristics in EOC patients.

Ninety-eight EOC patients and 96 age-matched healthy women participated. RNA was extracted from serum, and reverse transcription followed by quantitative real-time polymerase chain reaction (qPCR) assessed miRNA (miR) expression. Correlations with clinico-pathological parameters, including FIGO staging and tumor, node, and metastasis (TNM) grading, were explored.

Serum levels of miR-200a, miR-200b, and miR-200c were significantly higher in EOC compared to controls (P < 0.01). When correlated with clinico-pathological parameters, miR-200c positively correlated with cancer severity (FIGO staging and TNM grading). In contrast, miR-200a and miR-200b showed no significant associations with clinical severity. Receiver operating characteristic curve analysis demonstrated miR-200a_Ct as the most promising parameter (area under the curve [AUC] = 0.997, P < 0.001), with high sensitivity (100%) and specificity (99%) at a cut-off value of >19.50.

The study reveals the overexpression of miR-200a, miR-200b, and miR-200c in EOC patients. MiR-200a and miR-200b expression was correlating with early stage, while miR-200c emerged as a prognostic marker, correlating with cancer severity. This suggests regulatory role; however, further investigation into epithelial-to-mesenchymal transition-related factors is warranted to have a deeper understanding of the differential expression of miRNAs. The study underscores the diagnostic potential of serum miRNAs in EOC and the need for a reliable early detection method.