Serum miR-21, miR-26a and miR-101 as potential biomarkers of hepatocellular carcinoma.

Summary Aim This study aimed to investigate the expressions of serum miR-21, miR-26a and miR-101 in hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) and their diagnostic value. Methods Serum levels of miR-21, miR-26a and miR-101 were detected by quantitative real-time polymerase chain reaction (qRT-PCR) in 52 HCC patients, 42 chronic hepatitis (CH) patients and 43 healthy controls. ROC curve analysis was performed to evaluate the diagnostic value. Clinical parameters were collected. Results Serum level of miR-21 was higher while miR-26a and miR-101 were significantly lower in HCC patients than those in healthy controls ( P P P P P Conclusions Serum miR-21, miR-26a and miR-101 are deregulated in HCC and can serve as potential biomarkers. Combination of these miRNAs and AFP provide a better detection than AFP alone. Serum miR-26a is a promising biomarker for early detection of HCC.