Circulating miRNA-146a Expression as a Diagnostic Biomarker for Tumors and Its Association with Toxoplasmosis

Document Type : New and original researches in the field of Microbiology.

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Department of Microbiology, College of Medicine, University of Al-Qadisiyah, Iraq

10.21608/ejmm.2025.420074.1852

Abstract

Background: Toxoplasmosis, caused by Toxoplasma gondii, poses significant risks to immunocompromised individuals, including cancer patients. MicroRNAs, particularly miRNA-146a, play key roles in immune regulation and oncogenesis, suggesting potential utility as biomarkers. Objective: This study aimed to evaluate circulating miRNA-146a as a diagnostic biomarker for tumors and to investigate its association with T. gondii infection in cancer patients. Methodology: A case-control study was conducted involving 50 cancer patients and 50 healthy controls. Serum samples were analyzed for T. gondii IgG antibodies using immunochromatographic rapid tests. miRNA-146a expression was quantified via stem-loop RT-qPCR, with GAPDH as the reference gene. Results: miRNA-146a expression was significantly elevated in cancer patients (median = 5.79, IQR = 1.28) compared to controls (median = 1.30, IQR = 0.26; p < 0.001). ROC analysis showed an AUC of 0.825, with 84% sensitivity and specificity at a cutoff >1.45. T. gondii seropositivity was significantly higher in patients (38%) than controls (0%; p ≤ 0.001). miRNA-146a levels were highest in lymphoma, liver, and lung cancers but did not significantly differ based on toxoplasmosis status within the patient group (p = 0.275). Conclusion: Circulating miRNA-146a demonstrates strong potential as a diagnostic biomarker for tumors, particularly in lymphoma, liver, and lung cancers. Although associated with toxoplasmosis exposure, its expression is not significantly altered by infection status alone. Further validation in larger cohorts is warranted.

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