Innovative targets of the lncRNA-miR-mRNA network in response to low-dose aspirin in breast cancer patients

Abstract

This study aimed to investigate innovative targets in breast cancer patients by considering the interaction of the lncRNA-miR-mRNA network in response to low-dose aspirin. The candidate miRs were first taken from the GEO and TCGA databases. Then, the candidate network was constructed using the high-throughput sequencing data. The expression levels of candidate targets were finally measured using Real-Time PCR in luminal A breast cancer patients undergoing aspirin (80 mg daily for three months) and non-aspirin groups during chemotherapy after surgery. The expression levels of TGFβ, IL-17, IFNγ, and IL-β proteins were measured using the ELISA technique. 5 lncRNAs, 12 miRs, and 10 genes were obtained in the bioinformatic phase. A significant expression increase of the candidate tumor suppressor lncRNAs, miRs, and genes and a substantial expression decrease of the candidate onco-lncRNAs, oncomiRs, and oncogenes were achieved after the aspirin consumption. Unlike the non-aspirin group, the expression levels of TGFβ, IL-17, IFNγ, and IL-β proteins were significantly decreased following aspirin consumption. The Kaplan–Meier analysis indicated a longer overall survival rate in the patients after aspirin consumption. Our results showed that the lncRNA-miR-mRNA network might be a significant target for aspirin; their expression changes may be a new strategy with potential efficacy for cancer therapy or prevention.