Long noncoding RNAs as biomarkers for the diagnosis of hepatocellular carcinoma: A meta-analysis

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BackgroundLong non-coding RNAs (lncRNAs) are often aberrantly expressed in hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC). The role of lncRNAs in the diagnosis of HCC has attracted increasing attention. Hence, we performed a meta-analysis based on current studies to assess the diagnostic value of lncRNAs for HCC. MethodsA systematic search was performed using PubMed, Web of Science, and Embase databases for relevant studies. The quality of the studies was assessed with the Quality Assessment of Diagnostic Accuracy Studies 2 (QUADAS-2). A fixed-effect model was used if the value of I2 statistics < 50%; otherwise, a bivariate random effects model was applied (I2 ≥ 50%). In addition, subgroup analysis and meta-regression analysis were conducted to explore the sources of heterogeneity. Statistical analyses were based on Meta-Disc statistical software (Version 1.4) and STATA software (Version 15.1). ResultsA total of 52 studies in 20 related articles were selected for this meta-analysis, including 4930 patients and 4614 controls. The pooled sensitivity, specificity, positive likelihood ratio (PLR), negative likelihood ratio (NLR), diagnostic odds ratio (DOR), and area under the curve (AUC) were 0.85 [95% confidence interval (CI) 0.82–0.88], 0.76 (95% CI 0.73–0.80), 3.6 (95% CI 3.1–4.2), 0.19 (95% CI 0.16–0.24), 19 (95% CI 14–26), and 0.88 (95% CI 0.85–0.91), respectively. The publication bias was evaluated by the Deek’s funnel plot in our meta-analysis. ConclusionsLncRNAs can serve as feasible HCC diagnostic biomarkers. However, further studies are necessary to confirm its diagnostic and clinical value.