Plasma miR-185 as a predictive biomarker for prognosis of malignant glioma

Introduction: Specific microRNA (miRNA) expression signatures have been identified in a variety of human cancers. More recently, increasing evidence shows that miRNAs exist in human blood serum and plasma. Materials and Methods: Levels of miR-185 in plasma were measured by quantitative reverse-transcriptase polymerase chain reaction in 66 glioma patients, 11 pituitary adenoma patients, 32 meningioma patients, and 14 acoustic neuroma patients. Results: The plasma levels of miR-185 were significantly altered in glioma patients compared to normal controls. However, its levels were not observably changed in patients with other brain tumors such as meningioma, acoustic neuroma, or pituitary adenoma. Furthermore, the plasma levels of miR-185 in glioblastoma multiforme patients with operation and chemo-radiation almost revived to normal levels. Finally, we also demonstrated that low plasma miR-185 levels are correlated with poor survival in glioma patients. Conclusion: These findings suggest that plasma miR-185 has become potential biomarkers for glioma and may be useful in clinical management for glioma patients.