Evaluation of microRNAs-29a, 92a and 145 in colorectal carcinoma as candidate diagnostic markers: An Egyptian pilot study

Summary Background Colorectal cancer (CRC) is one of the most common malignant neoplasms in Egypt, and interestingly in young age. Adenomatous polyps and inflammatory bowel diseases (IBD) are considered the commonest pre-malignant lesions for CRC. A possible diagnostic role for different microRNAs on CRC has been suggested by numerous studies. Aim of work To assess the serum expression of 3 microRNA markers (miR-29a, miR-92a and miR-145) in pre-malignant and malignant colorectal lesions. Patients and methods The 60 patients studied were divided into 4groups: CRC group (25patients), IBD group (11patients), adenomatous polyps group (14 patients) and control group (10 patients). The serum expression of the 3 markers (miR-29a, miR-92a and miR-145) has been assessed by RT-PCR. Results All CRCs were sporadic cases. Significant downregulation of miR-145 in CRC group was reported at all levels, i.e. when compared to normal, among the 3 studied groups, and when compared between CRC and non-CRC groups. Significant upregulation of miR-29a in CRC was reported when compared to normal, but no significant difference existed either among the 3 studied groups or between CRC and the other 2 groups. All 3 miRNAs studied were positively inter-correlated. Conclusions miR-145 may be considered a promising non-invasive reliable diagnostic marker in CRC. Extended studies are needed to ascertain the diagnostic role of miRNAs in CRC.