Salivary miRNAs Research Articles

A novel 3-miRNA network regulates tumour progression in oral squamous cell carcinoma

BackgroundLate diagnosis is one of the major confounders in oral squamous cell carcinoma (OSCC). Despite recent advances in molecular diagnostics, no disease-specific biomarkers are clinically available for early risk prediction of OSCC. Therefore, it is important to identify robust biomarkers that are detectable using non-invasive liquid biopsy techniques to facilitate the early diagnosis of oral cancer. This study identified potential salivary exosome-derived miRNA biomarkers and crucial miRNA-mRNA networks/underlying mechanisms responsible for OSCC progression.MethodsSmall RNASeq (n = 23) was performed in order to identify potential miRNA biomarkers in both tissue and salivary exosomes derived from OSCC patients. Further, integrated analysis of The Cancer Genome Atlas (TCGA) datasets (n = 114), qPCR validation on larger patient cohorts (n = 70) and statistical analysis with various clinicopathological parameters was conducted to assess the effectiveness of the identified miRNA signature. miRNA-mRNA networks and pathway analysis was conducted by integrating the transcriptome sequencing and TCGA data. The OECM-1 cell line was transfected with the identified miRNA signature in order to observe its effect on various functional mechanisms such as cell proliferation, cell cycle, apoptosis, invasive as well as migratory potential and the downstream signaling pathways regulated by these miRNA-mRNA networks.ResultsSmall RNASeq and TCGA data identified 12 differentially expressed miRNAs in OSCC patients compared to controls. On validating these findings in a larger cohort of patients, miR-140-5p, miR-143-5p, and miR-145-5p were found to be significantly downregulated. This 3-miRNA signature demonstrated higher efficacy in predicting disease progression and clinically correlated with poor prognosis (p < 0.05). Transcriptome, TCGA, and miRNA-mRNA network analysis identified HIF1a, CDH1, CD44, EGFR, and CCND1 as hub genes regulated by the miRNA signature. Further, transfection-mediated upregulation of the 3-miRNA signature significantly decreased cell proliferation, induced apoptosis, resulted in G2/M phase cell cycle arrest and reduced the invasive and migratory potential by reversing the EMT process in the OECM-1 cell line.ConclusionsThus, this study identifies a 3-miRNA signature that can be utilized as a potential biomarker for predicting disease progression of OSCC and uncovers the underlying mechanisms responsible for converting a normal epithelial cell into a malignant phenotype.

Validation of a Salivary miRNA Signature of Endometriosis — Interim Data

BackgroundThe discovery of a saliva-based micro–ribonucleic acid (miRNA) signature for endometriosis in 2022 opened up new perspectives for early and noninvasive diagnosis of the disease. The 109-miRNA saliva signature is the product of miRNA biomarkers and artificial intelligence (AI) modeling. We designed a multicenter study to provide external validation of its diagnostic accuracy. We present here an interim analysis.MethodsThe first 200 patients included in the multicenter prospective ENDOmiRNA Saliva Test study (NCT05244668) were included for interim analysis. The study population comprised women from 18 to 43 years of age with a formal diagnosis of endometriosis or with suspected endometriosis. Epidemiologic, clinical, and saliva sequencing data were collected between November 2021 and March 2022. Genomewide miRNA expression profiling by small RNA sequencing using next-generation sequencing (NGS) was performed, and a random forest algorithm was used to assess the diagnostic accuracy.ResultsIn this interim analysis of the external validation cohort, with a population prevalence of 79.5%, the 109-miRNA saliva diagnostic signature for endometriosis had a sensitivity of 96.2% (95% confidence interval [CI], 93.7 to 97.3%), specificity of 95.1% (95% CI, 85.2 to 99.1%), positive predictive value of 95.1% (95% CI, 85.2 to 99.1%), negative predictive value of 86.7% (95% CI, 77.6 to 90.3%), positive likelihood ratio of 19.7 (95% CI, 6.3 to 108.8), negative likelihood ratio of 0.04 (95% CI, 0.03 to 0.07), and area under the receiver operating characteristic curve of 0.96 (95% CI, 0.92 to 0.98).ConclusionsThe use of NGS and AI in the sequencing and analysis of miRNA provided a saliva-based miRNA signature for endometriosis. Our interim analysis of a prospective multicenter external validation study provides support for its ongoing investigation as a diagnostic tool. (Funded by Ziwig and the Conseil Régional d’Ile de France [Grant EX024087]; ClinicalTrials.gov number, NCT05244668.)

Salivary micro RNAs as biomarkers for oropharyngeal cancer.

Despite the rising incidence, particularly of the human papillomavirus (HPV)-associated fraction of oropharyngeal cancer (OPC), there are no early detection methods for OPC. Considering the close association between saliva and head and neck cancers, this study was designed to investigate salivary micro RNA (miRNAs) associated with OPC, especially focusing on HPV-positive OPC. Saliva was collected from OPC patients at diagnosis and patients were clinically followed up ≤5 years. Salivary small RNA isolated from HPV-positive OPC patients (N = 6), and HPV-positive (N = 4) and negative controls (N = 6) were analysed by next-generation sequencing to identify dysregulated miRNAs. Discovered miRNAs were validated by quantitative PCR using two different assays in a separate cohort of patients (OPC = 91, controls = 92). The relative expression was calculated considering SNORD-96A as the normalizer. Candidate miRNAs with diagnostic and prognostic potential were evaluated by generalized logistic regression. A panel consisting of nine miRNAs was identified to have the best diagnostic performance to discriminate HPV-positive OPC from HPV-positive controls (AUC- validation-1 = 94.8%, validation-2 = 98%). Further, a panel consisting of six miRNAs were identified to discriminate OPC from controls regardless of the HPV status (AUC- validation-1 = 77.2%, validation-2 = 86.7%). In addition, the downregulation of hsa-miR-7-5p was significantly associated with poor overall survival of OPC patients (HR = 0.638). A panel consisting of nine miRNAs were identified for the prediction of the overall survival of the OPC patients (log-rank test-p = 0.0008). This study highlights that salivary miRNAs can play an essential role in the detection and prognostication of OPC.

Early diagnostic of endometriosis, the potential of Endotest, the salivary miRNA test

Early diagnostic of endometriosis, the potential of Endotest, the salivary miRNA test

Role of Salivary microRNAs in Oral Cancer, a Review

Head and neck cancer (HNC) is a pressing global public health concern characterized by a challenging prognosis and a higher risk of local recurrence in cases of delayed diagnosis. Oral squamous cell carcinoma (OSCC), especially prevalent, often manifests itself initially as oral potentially malignant disorders (OPMD). Despite accessibility to the oral cavity, timely identification of OSCC remains a substantial challenge. MicroRNAs (miRNAs), a subset of small noncoding RNAs, can be released in various bodily fluids, including blood, serum, tissue, and saliva. Moreover, previous research underscores the significant role of miRNAs from oral samples as biomarkers in diverse cancers. The primary objective of this research is to discern distinct salivary miRNAs in patients with head and neck squamous cell carcinoma. This study aims to offer an overview of the fundamental attributes of saliva, biomarker detection methods in different salivary analyzes, and the potential of salivary biomarkers in the screening, monitoring, and analysis of the molecular pathology of patients afflicted by HNC. It intends to explore the prospective role of salivary biomarkers in screening, monitoring, and diagnosing cancers impacting the oral cavity and beyond. Inconclusion, miRNA sampling is a less invasive method than other methods, such as blood and tissue, for the early diagnosis of lesions with a potential to turn into cancer, especially oral cancer and other cancer diagnosis with reduced anxiety and pain for the patient. Moreover, it is much easier to obtain multiple samples at various times for screening and monitoring, especially potentially malignant disorders, and cancer.

Saliva microRNA Profile in Children with and without Severe SARS-CoV-2 Infection.

Severe acute respiratory syndrome corona virus 2 (SARS-CoV-2) may impair immune modulating host microRNAs, causing severe disease. Our objectives were to determine the salivary miRNA profile in children with SARS-CoV-2 infection at presentation and compare the expression in those with and without severe outcomes. Children <18 years with SARS-CoV-2 infection evaluated at two hospitals between March 2021 and February 2022 were prospectively enrolled. Severe outcomes included respiratory failure, shock or death. Saliva microRNAs were quantified with RNA sequencing. Data on 197 infected children (severe = 45) were analyzed. Of the known human miRNAs, 1606 (60%) were measured and compared across saliva samples. There were 43 miRNAs with ≥2-fold difference between severe and non-severe cases (adjusted p-value < 0.05). The majority (31/43) were downregulated in severe cases. The largest between-group differences involved miR-4495, miR-296-5p, miR-548ao-3p and miR-1273c. These microRNAs displayed enrichment for 32 gene ontology pathways including viral processing and transforming growth factor beta and Fc-gamma receptor signaling. In conclusion, salivary miRNA levels are perturbed in children with severe COVID-19, with the majority of miRNAs being down regulated. Further studies are required to validate and determine the utility of salivary miRNAs as biomarkers of severe COVID-19.

Ultrasensitive Detection of MicroRNA in Human Saliva via Rolling Circle Amplification Using a DNA-Decorated Graphene Oxide Sensor.

MicroRNAs (miRNAs) are a family of conserved small noncoding RNAs whose expression is associated with many diseases, including cancer. Salivary miRNAs are gaining popularity as noninvasive diagnostic biomarkers for cancer and other systemic disorders, but their use is limited by their low abundance and complicated detection procedure. Herein, we present a novel self-assembly approach based on rolling circle amplification (RCA) and graphene oxide (GO) for the ultrasensitive detection of miRNA21 and miRNA16 (miRNA oral cancer biomarkers in human saliva). First, target miRNA hybridizes with the RCA template. In the presence of DNA polymerase, the RCA reaction is induced and sequences matching the template are generated. Then, a nicking enzyme cuts the long ssDNA product into tiny pieces to obtain the amplified products. The DNA-decorated GO sensor was fabricated by preabsorbing the ssDNA fluorescence-labeled probe on the GO surface, resulting in fluorescence quenching. The DNA-decorated GO sensor could detect the amplified product via the self-assembly of dsDNA, leading to the desorption and recovery of the fluorescence-labeled probe. Under optimal conditions, the proposed system exhibited ultrasensitive detection; the detection limits of miRNA16 and miRNA21 were 8.81 and 3.85 fM, respectively. It showed a wide range of detection between 10 fM and 100 pM for miRNA16 and between 10 fM and 1 nM for miRNA16. It demonstrated high selectivity, distinguishing between 1- and 3-mismatch nucleotides in target miRNA. Overall, our proposed DNA-decorated GO sensor can accurately detect the salivary miRNAs and may potentially be used for the diagnosis and screening of early-stage oral cancer.

MiRNAs as biomarkers of musculoskeletal pain in long-distance runners: the MiMuS study protocol.

miRNAs are involved in the generation and progression of musculoskeletal pain, a condition that causes significant clinical, economicand social burden. In runners, the presence of musculoskeletal pain related to aninflammatory state or ongoing underlying tissue damage may result in poor training ability and performance. This study aimsto evaluate the association between circulating and salivary miRNAs and pain in runners with and without musculoskeletal painand to observe whether dysregulated miRNAs candistinguish between responders and nonresponders to a kinesiological intervention. The possible correlation between these miRNAs and inflammatory molecules, stress parameters and individual or behavioral characteristics will beevaluated. Finally, in silico analysis will be used to characterize miRNAs function. Ethics approval was obtained.

Salivary microRNAs in pediatric eosinophilic esophagitis

Background: Diagnosis and management of eosinophilic esophagitis (EoE) occur via esophagogastroduodenoscopy with tissue biopsy. Objective: We sought to determine if salivary microribonucleic acid (miRNA) levels could differentiate children with EoE, serving as a noninvasive biomarker. Methods: Saliva was collected from children undergoing esophagogastroduodenoscopy (N = 291). miRNA analysis was conducted on 150 samples: EoE (n = 50), no pathologic alteration (n = 100). RNA was quantified with high throughput sequencing and aligned to build hg38 of the human genome using sequencing and alignment software. Quantile normalized levels of robustly expressed miRNAs (raw counts > 10 in 10% of samples) were compared across EoE and non-EoE groups with Wilcoxon rank sum testing. miRNA biomarker candidates were selected based on variable importance projection (VIP) scoring with partial least squared discriminant analysis (VIP > 1.5). Ability of these miRNAs to differentiate EoE status was assessed via logistic regression. Putative biologic targets for the miRNA candidates were determined in miRNA pathway analysis software. Results: Of the 56 salivary miRNAs reliably detected, miR-205-5p displayed the largest difference between EoE and non-EoE groups (V = 1623, adjusted p = 0.029). Six miRNAs (miR-26b-5p, miR-27b-3p, Let-7i-5p, miR-142-5p, miR-30a-5p, miR-205-5p) displayed elevated VIP scores (>1.5) and were able to differentiate EoE samples on logistic regression analysis with 70% sensitivity and 68% specificity. These six miRNAs demonstrated significant enrichment for gene targets involved in valine, leucine, and isoleucine biosynthesis (p = 0.0012), 2-oxycarboxylic acid metabolism (p = 0.043), and steroid hormone biosynthesis (p = 0.048). Conclusions: Salivary miRNAs represent a noninvasive, biologically relevant measure that may aid disease monitoring of EoE.

Circulating Biomarkers for Cancer Detection: Could Salivary microRNAs Be an Opportunity for Ovarian Cancer Diagnostics?

MicroRNAs (miRNAs) are small non-coding RNAs with the crucial regulatory functions of gene expression at post-transcriptional level, detectable in cell and tissue extracts, and body fluids. For their stability in body fluids and accessibility to sampling, circulating miRNAs and changes of their concentration may represent suitable disease biomarkers, with diagnostic and prognostic relevance. A solid literature now describes the profiling of circulating miRNA signatures for several tumor types. Among body fluids, saliva accurately reflects systemic pathophysiological conditions, representing a promising diagnostic resource for the future of low-cost screening procedures for systemic diseases, including cancer. Here, we provide a review of literature about miRNAs as potential disease biomarkers with regard to ovarian cancer (OC), with an excursus about liquid biopsies, and saliva in particular. We also report on salivary miRNAs as biomarkers in oncological conditions other than OC, as well as on OC biomarkers other than miRNAs. While the clinical need for an effective tool for OC screening remains unmet, it would be advisable to combine within a single diagnostic platform, the tools for detecting patterns of both protein and miRNA biomarkers to provide the screening robustness that single molecular species separately were not able to provide so far.

Salivary miRNA 18a-5p Expression Level in Oral Squamous Cell Carcinoma

Aim: To determine the expression level of the salivary microRNA 18a-5p in Oral squamous cell carcinoma patients and healthy individuals Methodology: This case-control study was conducted on 40 samples out of which 20 were OSCC patients and 20 were healthy control patients. Saliva was collected from patients with newly diagnosed OSCC and healthy controls after getting informed written consent. All samples were recruited from Abbasi Shaheed hospital and Ziauddin University Hospital, Karachi. We evaluated the miRNA 18a-5p expression level in the saliva by reverse transcriptase polymerase chain reaction (RT-PCR) after isolating RNA through TRIZOL method. Results: microRNA 18a-5p expression level was significantly expressed and higher in OSCC samples compared with controls moreover in the OSCC samples with the progression of stages and grades, the expression increased suggesting it tumor-promoting role in OSCC. Conclusion: Our study concludes that the microRNA18a-5p can be the potential non-invasive biomarker for early detection of OSCC. Keywords: Oral squamous cell carcinoma, microRNA, salivary biomarker

Salivary miRNAs Expression in Potentially Malignant Disorders of the Oral Mucosa and Oral Squamous Cell Carcinoma: A Pilot Study on miR-21, miR-27b, and miR-181b

(1) Background: Oral potentially malignant disorders (OPMD) represent a fundamental challenge for clinicians, considering the possibility of progression into oral epithelial dysplasia (OED) and oral squamous cell carcinoma (OSCC). Several studies have examined the expression of miRNAs in humans as diagnostic and prognostic biomarkers. Among these, miR-21, miR-27b, and miR-181b proved to be promising. This cohort study evaluated the different expressions of those miRNAs in the saliva of patients with OPMD and OSCC. (2) Methods: Patients with a clinical diagnosis of OPMD and/or OSCC were enrolled; saliva samples were collected; miRNAs were extracted and quantified via qRT-PCR was performed. Data were analyzed by subgroups based on the histopathological diagnosis (OSCC and the grade of OED) using the ΔΔCt method. Saliva from 10 healthy donors was used as the control. One-way ANOVA and Kruskal-Wallis tests were performed to assess the differences between groups. (3) Results: 23 patients for the OPMD group (6 with no dysplasia, 7 with low-grade, and 10 with high-grade dysplasia) and 10 with OSCC were analyzed. MiR-21 did not show any variation among groups; miR-27b was under-expressed in dysplastic lesions (p = 0.046); miR-181b was upregulated in high-grade dysplasia (p = 0.006), increasing with the degree of dysplasia, and decreasing in OSCCs. (4) Conclusions: Salivary miR-27b and miR-181b could be promising biomarkers for oral dysplasia. Further studies are needed to clarify their feasibility.

Identification of salivary microRNA profiles in male mouse model of chronic sleep disorder

Chronic sleep disorders (CSD) comprise a potential risk factor for metabolic and cardiovascular diseases, obesity and stroke. Thus, the identification of biomarkers for CSD is an important step in the early prevention of metabolic dysfunctions induced by sleep dysfunction. Diagnostic saliva samples can be easily and noninvasively collected. Thus, we aimed to identify whole microRNA (miRNA) profiles of saliva in control and psychophysiologically stressed CSD mouse models and compare them at Zeitgeber time (ZT) 0 (lights on) and ZT12 (lights off). The findings of two-way ANOVA revealed that the expression of 342 and 109 salivary miRNAs was affected by CSD and the time of day, respectively. Interactions were found in 122 miRNAs among which, we identified 197 (ZT0) and 62 (ZT12) upregulated, and 40 (ZT0) and seven (ZT12) downregulated miRNAs in CSD mice. We showed that miR-30c-5p, which is elevated in the plasma of patients with hypersomnia, was upregulated in the saliva of CSD mice collected at ZT0. The miRNAs, miR-10a-5p, miR-146b-5p, miR-150-5p, and miR-25-3p are upregulated in the serum of humans with poor sleep quality, and these were also upregulated in the saliva of CSD mice collected at ZT0. The miRNAs miR-30c, miR146b-5p, miR150, and miR-25-5p are associated with cardiovascular diseases, and we found that plasma concentrations of brain natriuretic peptides were significantly increased in CSD mice. The present findings showed that salivary miRNA profiles could serve as useful biomarkers for predicting CSD.

Six miRNA expressions in the saliva of smokers and non-smokers with periodontal disease.

It has been stated that microRNA (miRNA) plays an important role in development, homeostasis, and immune functions, and abnormal miRNA expression may cause faster disease progression. The aim of this study was to determine miR-203, miR-142-3p, miR-146a, miR-146b, miR-155, and miR-29b gene expressions in the saliva of smokers and non-smokers with the periodontal disease before and after non-surgical periodontal therapy (NSPT). A total of 90 individuals, 30 with periodontitis, 30 with gingivitis, and 30 periodontally healthy (control group), were included. These three groups were divided into subgroups as smoking and non-smoking individuals, with 15 people in each group. NSPT was applied to patients with periodontitis and gingivitis. Saliva samples and clinical parameters were obtained at baseline and repeated 6 weeks after NSPT. Saliva miR-203, miR-142-3p, miR-146a, miR-146b, and miR-155 gene expressions were significantly upregulated in patients with periodontal disease compared to the control group both in smokers and non-smokers, and also these miRNAs' gene expressions were significantly higher in the periodontitis group than in the gingivitis group at baseline (p < .05). A significant increase in saliva miR-142-3p expression was detected in all groups of smokers compared to non-smokers (p < .05). Although there was a decrease in salivary miRNAs gene expressions with the treatment, it was not statistically significant (p > .05). These results suggest that salivary miR-146a, miR-146b, miR142-3p, miR-155, and miR-203 gene expressions increased with the progression of periodontal disease, but unchanged after periodontal treatment. Moreover, smoking may contribute to an increase in the levels of salivary miR-142-3p in the periodontal health and disease.

The salivary exosomal microRNA as a potential biomarker in patients with periodontitis and oral cancers.

Periodontitis and oral cancers are the most common oral diseases in the human population. The early diagnosis of oral diseases allows the efficient therapy of the patient. During oral diseases, resident cells in the affected tissue secrete exosomal microRNAs (miRNAs) into saliva. As these miRNAs have a crucial role in the pathogenesis of oral diseases, they have been suggested as non-invasive and validated biomarkers in predicting periodontitis severity and cancer progression. Several attempts have been performed to evaluate the expression of salivary exosomal miRNAs in patients with periodontitis and oral cancers. Some miRNAs are differentially expressed in the saliva of the affected patients when compared to healthy individuals. These miRNAs are reviewed in this narrative review. Collectively, it seems that salivary exosomal microRNAs could be used as a diagnostic biomarker in oral diseases. However, further studies are required to validate them.

Confounding Factors Impacting microRNA Expression in Human Saliva: Methodological and Biological Considerations.

There is growing interest in saliva microRNAs (miRNAs) as non-invasive biomarkers for human disease. Such an approach requires understanding how differences in experimental design affect miRNA expression. Variations in technical methodologies, coupled with inter-individual variability may reduce study reproducibility and generalizability. Another barrier facing salivary miRNA biomarker research is a lack of recognized “control miRNAs”. In one of the largest studies of human salivary miRNA to date (922 healthy individuals), we utilized 1225 saliva samples to quantify variability in miRNA expression resulting from aligner selection (Bowtie1 vs. Bowtie2), saliva collection method (expectorated vs. swabbed), RNA stabilizer (presence vs. absence), and individual biological factors (sex, age, body mass index, exercise, caloric intake). Differential expression analyses revealed that absence of RNA stabilizer introduced the greatest variability, followed by differences in methods of collection and aligner. Biological factors generally affected a smaller number of miRNAs. We also reported coefficients of variations for 643 miRNAs consistently present in saliva, highlighting several salivary miRNAs to serve as reference genes. Thus, the results of this analysis can be used by researchers to optimize parameters of salivary miRNA measurement, exclude miRNAs confounded by numerous biologic factors, and identify appropriate miRNA controls.

REFINAMENTO DE BIOMARCADORES DE SALIVA MI-RNA PARA CONCUSSÃO RELACIONADA AO ESPORTE

ABSTRACT Introduction: The changes in brain structure caused by a sports-related concussion may initially be indistinguishable, however, the irreversible deleterious effects are noted in the long term. An early diagnosis may provide the patient with a better recovery chance and increased survival. For this purpose, this paper studies the feasibility of a diagnosis for concussion by microRNA (mi-RNA) biomarkers contained in the saliva of athletes. Objective: Verify whether salivary miRNAs could be considered good biomarkers for sports concussion. Methodology: Salivary mi-RNA levels were determined from 120 saliva samples of 120 players. There were 43 with a diagnosis of concussion and 77 without a diagnosis of concussion. Samples from players with a concussion were collected 30 minutes prior to activity, samples from individuals who did not engage in physical activity were also compared. Results: On the evaluation of 30 miRNA from individuals with a concussion between contact and non-contact sports there was high detection reliability(P&lt;.05). Both miR-532-5p and miR-182-5p showed reduced amounts of physical activity. The miRNA-532-5p and miRNA-182-5p show significant results among 43 subjects from pre-exercise to post-exercise. The miRNA-4510 showed a significant result (p &lt; 0.05) between contact and non-contact sport types. The amount of miRNA-4510 expanded in 20 individuals in the contact sport at post-exercise but remained normal in the non-contact sports group. Conclusion: The salivary miRNAs are reliable biomarkers for concussion. Evidence Level II; Therapeutic Studies – Investigating the results.

Salivary Exosomal miRNA-1307-5p Predicts Disease Aggressiveness and Poor Prognosis in Oral Squamous Cell Carcinoma Patients.

Background: Salivary exosomal miRNAs as biomarkers facilitate repeated sampling, real-time disease monitoring and assessment of therapeutic response. This study identifies a single salivary exosomal miRNA prognosticator that will aid in improved patient outcome using a liquid biopsy approach. Method: Small RNA and transcriptome sequencing profiles of tumour tissues (n = 12) and salivary exosomes (n = 8) from oral cancer patients were compared to their non-cancerous counterparts. We validated these results using The Cancer Genome Atlas database and performing Real-time PCR on a large patient cohort (n = 19 tissue samples; n = 12 salivary exosomes). Potential target genes and the miRNA–mRNA networks and enriched biological pathways regulated by this microRNA were identified using computational tools. Results: Salivary exosomes (size: 30–50 nm) demonstrated a strong expression of CD47 and detectable expression of tetraspanins CD63, CD81 and CD9 by flow cytometry. miR-1307-5p was exclusively overexpressed in tissues and salivary exosomes of oral cancer patients compared to their non-cancerous counterparts. Enhanced expression of miR-1307-5p clinically correlated with poor patient survival, disease progression, aggressiveness and chemo-resistance. Transcriptome analysis suggested that miRNA-1307-5p could promote oral cancer progression by suppressing THOP1, EHF, RNF4, GET4 and RNF114. Conclusions: Salivary exosomal miRNA-1307-5p is a potential prognosticator for predicting poor survival and poor patient outcome in oral cancers.

Concussion in Non-athletes: Assessment of Cognition and Symptomatology (CONTACTS) study protocol – an exploratory cohort study investigating the utility of sports concussion assessment tools and salivary microRNAs to diagnose concussion in NHS patients

IntroductionConcussion is a complex pathophysiological process with a wide range of non-specific signs and symptoms. There are currently no objective diagnostic tests to identify concussion, and diagnosis relies solely on...

Association of salivary miRNAs with onset and progression of oral potentially malignant disorders: Searching for noninvasive biomarkers

Background/purposeThere is an urgent need for noninvasive biomarkers to diagnose oral potentially malignant disorders (OPMD). A wide range of over 20 miRNAs in saliva of OPMD patients have been investigated in different studies. Yet, which of the ones provide a better power of discrimination for the diagnosis of OPMD onset and progression are uncertain. Materials and methodsA total of 17 eligible studies including 426 cases of OPMD and 486 control subjects (352 normal mucosa and 134 oral squamous cell carcinoma) were summarized. ResultsThe bubble chart analysis showed that the most power salivary miRNA associated with OPMD onset was miR-21, followed by miR-31 and miR-142; the better power miRNAs associated with recurrence and malignant progression of OPMD were miR-31, miR-21, and miR-184. ConclusionSalivary miRNAs, especially miR-21 and miR-31, were associated with onset and progression of OPMD, and could then serve as noninvasive biomarkers for screening OPMD and detecting malignant changes.