Serum microRNAs as potential biomarkers of mandibular prognathism

Abstract

Objectives: The aim of the study was to determine whether the expression levels of specific circulating serum microRNAs (miRNAs) are associated with mandibular prognathism (MP). Methods: Sixty subjects in the early permanent dentition stage and 23 in the mixed dentition stage with MP were identified. Sixty-eight normal control subjects in the early permanent dentition stage and 24 in the mixed dentition stage were recruited for comparison. According to the microarray-based expression profiling, four serum miRNAs (let-7i-3p, miR-595, miR-16-2-3p, and miR-367-5p) were validated. Results: In the MP groups, let-7i-3p was significantly over-expressed in subjects in the early permanent (P < 0.0005) and mixed (P < 0.001) dentitions, and miR-595 was significantly under-expressed (P < 0.004) in subjects in the early permanent (P < 0.004) and mixed (P < 0.0005) dentitions, compared with normal control groups. Multiple logistic regression analysis and receiver operating characteristic curve analysis revealed that let-7i-3p and miR-595 were able to significantly discriminate MP subjects from normal controls. Conclusion: Let-7i-3p and miR-595 could be potential, non-invasive biomarkers for the accurate early detection and diagnosis of MP, which may result in improved clinical management. © 2013 John Wiley & Sons A/S.