MiR-221 as a pre- and postoperative plasma biomarker for larynx cancer patients.

Abstract

In order to identify a plasma microRNA (miRNA) signature of larynx cancer (LCa), we examined miRNAs profile of plasma samples obtained from 30 LCa patients (preoperative and postoperative serum samples) and 30 healthy controls. Basic science research study. MicroRNA profiling of eight plasma samples (four from preoperative, four from control individuals) were performed using miRNA microarray. Two of the significantly deregulated miRNAs were selected for further confirmation in the remaining samples using quantitative reverse-transcription polymerase chain reaction (qRT-PCR). Microarray profiling and qRT-PCR analysis showed that miR-221 was upregulated in LCa plasma samples. Further qRT-PCR analysis demonstrated that miR-221 was at normal levels in postoperative plasma samples. Plasma miR-221 may have a potential as a novel diagnostic/prognostic marker and might be considered as a therapeutic target in LCa. N/A.