Investigation of the Correlation Between Selected miRNAs, Proinflammatory Cytokines, and Serum Trace Elements in Bladder Cancer Development and Progression

TL;DR

This study explores how certain miRNAs, cytokines, and trace elements in the blood are linked to bladder cancer development and progression.

Contribution

The study identifies specific miRNA and cytokine correlations with trace elements in bladder cancer patients.

Findings

miRNA-21 and miRNA-155 levels were significantly higher in bladder cancer patients.

miRNA-34a levels were significantly lower in bladder cancer patients.

Copper levels and the copper-to-zinc ratio were elevated in bladder cancer patients.

Abstract

In our study, we aimed to investigate the relationship between miRNA-21, miRNA-155, miRNA-34a, IL-6, TGF-β, and TNF-α expression levels and serum trace element levels in the development and progression of bladder cancer. RT-PCR was used to establish miRNA-21, miRNA-155, and miRNA-34a expression levels while serum IL-6, TGF-β, and TNF-α levels were determined using the ELISA and measured with an atomic absorption spectrophotometer. In the patient group, miRNA-21 and miRNA-155 expression levels were significantly higher compared with the healthy control group (p < 0.001). Furthermore, in the patient group, miRNA-34a expression was significantly lower compared with the control group (p < 0.001). IL-6, TNF-α, TGF-β, copper levels, and the copper to zinc ratio were significantly higher in the patient group (p < 0.001). Serum iron and zinc levels in the patient group were significantly lower compared with the control group (p < 0.001). There was a significant positive correlation between miRNA-155 and IL-6 and TNF-α (r = 0.279, p = 0.015*; r = 0.325**, p = 0.004). A significant positive correlation was detected between miRNA-34a and IL-6 and TGF-β (r = 0.294*, p = 0.010; r = 0.447**, p < 0.001). By evaluating these important biomarkers together, it might be possible to implement clinical applications for bladder cancer treatment and develop individual therapeutic strategies.

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