Real-Time PCR-Based Analysis of the Human Bile MicroRNAome Identifies miR-9 as a Potential Diagnostic Biomarker for Biliary Tract Cancer
2011

Bile miR-9 as a Biomarker

Sample size: 18 publication Evidence: moderate

Author Information

Author(s): Shigehara Kengo, Yokomuro Shigeki, Ishibashi Osamu, Mizuguchi Yoshiaki, Arima Yasuo, Kawahigashi Yutaka, Kanda Tomohiro, Akagi Ichiro, Tajiri Takashi, Yoshida Hiroshi, Takizawa Toshihiro, Uchida Eiji

Primary Institution: Nippon Medical School, Tokyo, Japan

Hypothesis

Can miRNAs in human bile serve as diagnostic biomarkers for biliary tract cancer?

Conclusion

Bile miRNAs, particularly miR-9, may be useful diagnostic indicators for biliary tract cancer.

Supporting Evidence

  • 10 of the 667 miRNAs were significantly more highly expressed in the malignant group than in the benign group.
  • miR-9 and miR-145* showed high sensitivity levels for diagnosing biliary tract cancer.
  • Bile miRNAs were confirmed to be stable and localized to biliary epithelial cells.

Takeaway

Doctors can find tiny pieces of RNA in bile that might help them tell if someone has a type of cancer called biliary tract cancer.

Methodology

Bile samples were collected from patients, and miRNA expression was analyzed using high-throughput real-time PCR-based microarrays.

Limitations

The study is small and requires validation with larger populations.

Participant Demographics

18 patients with biliary disease, including 9 with malignant and 9 with benign conditions.

Statistical Information

P-Value

p<0.0005

Statistical Significance

p<0.0005

Digital Object Identifier (DOI)

10.1371/journal.pone.0023584

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