Evaluation of hsa-mir-675-5p expression and its diagnostic and prognostic relevance in oral cancer

Abstract

Introduction: Oral cancer is the most common subtype of cancer in the head and neck region, with an increasing incidence worldwide. Unfortunately, no specific biomarkers are used in everyday clinical practice. Small non-coding RNA molecules, microRNA (miRNA), are considered sensitive biomarkers for early diagnosis as well as prognosis in patients with oral cancer. Especially, microRNA derived from the H19 locus are poorly investigated for their potential role in oral cancer. Aim: The aim of this study was to evaluate expression of hsa-miR675-5p in tumor and non-tumor tissues of oral cancer patients and to associate it with pathohistological features. Material and Methods: The study group consisted of 35 patients with oral cancer. Tumor and surrounding non-tumor tissues were taken from each patient. Relative expression was measured using the quantitative reverse transcription - real time PCR method. Results: The relative expression of hsa-miR-675-5p was lower in oral cancer tumor than in non-tumor tissue suggesting its tumor suppressive role. hsa-miR-675-5p has diagnostic potential for sensitive distinction of tumor and non-tumor tissues in oral cancer patients. There was no difference in overall survival rates between patients with low and high hsa-miR-675-5pexpression, confirming that hsa-miR-675-5p cannot be used as a prognostic biomarker in patients with oral cancer. Conclusion: hsa-miR-675-5p can be considered as a potential diagnostic but not a prognostic molecular biomarker in oral cancer.