Prognostic value of miR-130, miR-148, miR-194 and miR-605 serum expression in glioblastoma patients

INTRODUCTION: In modern neurooncology, molecular and clinical-morphological markers are used to assess prognosis and select treatment strategies for glioblastoma. Currently, researchers are focusing on microRNAs in biological fluids that can predict outcomes of disease. OBJECTIVE: To analyze serum expression of miR-130, miR-148, miR-194, and miR-605 in patients with glioblastoma depending on clinical and molecular genetic parameters of tumor. MATERIAL AND METHODS: The study included 39 patients with newly diagnosed glioblastoma (IDH-wildtype, WHO Grade 4) between 2021 and 2023 (median age 55 years; 95% CI 47-61). Expression of miR-130, miR-148, miR-194, and miR-605 was assessed in serum samples collected before chemoradiotherapy. Patients underwent combined therapy: maximal tumor resection, chemoradiotherapy (60 Gy) with temozolomide and adjuvant chemotherapy. MicroRNA levels were determined by real-time PCR. MGMT methylation, TP53 and Ki-67 expression, recurrence-free survival and tumor metabolic activity (SPECT) were analyzed. RESULTS: There was a significant association between miR-148 expression and MGMT promoter methylation (increase by 1.6 times). MiR-194 expression decreased by 1.2 times. MiR-130 increased by 1.5 times with MGMT methylation and Ki-67 >25%. In patients with TP53 expression >10%, MiR-130 increased by 3 times. No association was found between expression of microRNAs and SPECT data. CONCLUSION: MiR-148 is associated with MGMT methylation and can have prognostic significance. Reduced miR-194 with MGMT methylation and increased miR-130 with high Ki-67 and TP53 indicate involvement of these microRNAs in formation of aggressive glioblastoma phenotype and their potential as prognostic biomarkers.