Exosomal MicroRNA Expression Profiling in Patients with Lung Adenocarcinoma-associated Malignant Pleural Effusion

Abstract

Background/aim: Cytological analysis for diagnosing malignant pleural effusion associated with lung adenocarcinoma (Ad-MPE) shows limited sensitivity and novel diagnostic biomarkers are needed. The aim of this study was to evaluate the profile of four microRNAs (miRNAs) in exosomes in Ad-MPE and benign (non-neoplastic) pleural effusion (BPE).

Materials and methods: A total of 56 pleural effusion samples from patients with lung adenocarcinoma and benign diseases were collected. Exosomal miRNA expressions were evaluated using real-time quantitative reverse transcription polymerase chain reaction (RT-PCR).

Results: The expression levels of miR-182 and miR-210 were significantly higher in the Ad-MPE than in the BPE samples. The receiver operating characteristics curve analyses of miR-182 and miR-210 for diagnosis of Ad-MPE yielded areas under the receiver operating characteristic curves of 0.87 and 0.81, respectively.

Conclusion: These miRNA signatures may have a diagnostic potential for differentiating Ad-MPE from BPE.

Keywords: Exosome; diagnosis; lung adenocarcinoma; microRNA; pleural effusion.