Mirna-17-3/5p In Prostate Cancer Tissues Predicts Clinical Characteristics And Is Associated With Pten

Prostate cancer is a common malignant tumor in men. Current diagnostic markers do not accurately reflect the progression and risk of prostate cancer. miRNA-17 may function through the degradation of the phosphatase and tensin homologue (PTEN) protein. However, the downregulation of PTEN in prostate cancer limits its application as a biomarker. Thus, we investigated the possibility that miRNA-17 may serve as a biomarker of prostate cancer. A total of 81 formalin-fixed paraffin-embedded (FFPE) specimens (35 benign tissues and 46 prostate cancer tissues) were collected from October 2013 to January 2015. PTEN was detected using immunohistochemistry, and miRNA17-3/5p was amplified. The differential expression of PTEN/miRNA-17-3/5p between benign and malignant tissues, nonprogressive and progressive tumors, and low-risk and high-risk prostate cancer was evaluated. miRNA-17-3/5p expression levels showed negative correlations with PTEN expression. miRNA-17-3/5p expression levels exhibited gradual increases from benign to malignant tissues, nonprogressive to progressive tumors, and low-risk to high-risk prostate cancer. The sensitivity and specificity of miRNA-17-3/5p as an indicator to distinguish between benign and malignant tissues, nonprogressive and progressive tumors, and low-risk and high-risk prostate cancer were superior to those of prostate-specific antigen (PSA). Furthermore, the combination of the miRNA-17-3/5p markers showed better results than the individual markers alone. miRNA-17-3/5p may serve as an independent and stable biomarker to diagnose prostate cancer, distinguish between nonprogressive and progressive prostate cancer, and confirm the risk of prostate cancer. These results provide useful information for prognosis and treatment.