Prognostic value of miR-130, miR-148, miR-194 and miR-605 serum expression in glioblastoma patients

INTRODUCTION

In modern neurooncology, molecular and clinical-morphological markers are used to assess prognosis and select treatment strategies for glioblastoma. Currently, researchers are focusing on microRNAs in biological fluids that can predict outcomes of disease.

OBJECTIVE

To analyze serum expression of miR-130, miR-148, miR-194, and miR-605 in patients with glioblastoma depending on clinical and molecular genetic parameters of tumor.

MATERIAL AND METHODS

The study included 39 patients with newly diagnosed glioblastoma (IDH-wildtype, WHO Grade 4) between 2021 and 2023 (median age 55 years; 95% CI 47—61). Expression of miR-130, miR-148, miR-194, and miR-605 was assessed in serum samples collected before chemoradiotherapy. Patients underwent combined therapy: maximal tumor resection, chemoradiotherapy (60 Gy) with temozolomide and adjuvant chemotherapy. MicroRNA levels were determined by real-time PCR. MGMT methylation, TP53 and Ki-67 expression, recurrence-free survival and tumor metabolic activity (SPECT) were analyzed.

RESULTS

There was a significant association between miR-148 expression and MGMT promoter methylation (increase by 1.6 times). MiR-194 expression decreased by 1.2 times. MiR-130 increased by 1.5 times with MGMT methylation and Ki-67 >25%. In patients with TP53 expression >10%, MiR-130 increased by 3 times. No association was found between expression of microRNAs and SPECT data.

CONCLUSION

MiR-148 is associated with MGMT methylation and can have prognostic significance. Reduced miR-194 with MGMT methylation and increased miR-130 with high Ki-67 and TP53 indicate involvement of these microRNAs in formation of aggressive glioblastoma phenotype and their potential as prognostic biomarkers.