Expression and diagnostic potential of circulating miR-107, miR-134-5p, miR-149-5p, miR-370-3p, and miR-221 in prostate cancer and benign prostatic hyperplasia: a preliminary study.

BACKGROUND

MicroRNAs (miRNAs) have shown promise as diagnostic biomarkers for prostate cancer (PCa). This study aimed to evaluate the expression of miR-107, miR-134-5p, miR-149-5p, miR-370-3p, and miR-221 in whole blood to distinguish PCa from benign prostatic hyperplasia (BPH) and potentially reduce unnecessary biopsies.

METHODS

Whole blood samples were collected from 20 PCa patients, 17 histologically-confirmed BPH patients (all with PSA >4 ng/mL), and 20 healthy controls over 60 years without symptoms suggesting prostatic disease and PSA <4 ng/mL. miRNA levels were quantified using qRT-PCR. Diagnostic potential was assessed via correlation analyses with clinical parameters and ROC curve evaluation. Statistical significance was set at p<0.05.

RESULTS

miR-107, miR-134-5p, miR-149-5p, and miR-370-3p were significantly overexpressed in PCa patients compared to BPH (p<0.0001). ROC analysis identified miR-134-5p (AUC: 0.94) and miR-149-5p (AUC: 0.93) as strong predictors of PCa. Additionally, miR-149-5p showed a positive correlation with PSA levels (r = 0.2627, p<0.05).

CONCLUSIONS

This preliminary study demonstrated that miR-107, miR-134-5p, miR-149-5p, and miR-370-3p were significantly overexpressed in PCa patients compared to the BPH group. ROC analysis highlighted their diagnostic potential in distinguishing BPH from PCa. Despite the limited sample size, these findings provide early evidence to guide future research on the diagnostic value of miRNAs in prostate cancer.