Dual Role of miR-150 in Colorectal Cancer Progression: A Quantitative Real-Time PCR Study

Background: Colorectal cancer (CRC) is the second leading cause of cancer-related deaths and the third most common cancer globally. Non-coding RNAs, including miRNAs, regulate the tumor microenvironment of CRC and play key roles in its progression. Abnormal levels of miR-150 are associated with cancer cell migration, invasion, and angiogenesis. The expression of miR-150 in fundamental biological processes is influenced by cancer cell expression profiles. Objectives: The present study aimed to estimate the level of miR-150-3p and miR-150-5p expression in CRC patients. Methods: The study involved 50 CRC patients and 50 control participants. Liver enzyme levels and renal functions were evaluated. miRNA was extracted from blood samples, followed by complementary DNA synthesis. The gene expression levels of miR-150-3p and miR-150-5p were measured. Results: The study found a significant increase in ALT and ALP levels in CRC patients, with highly significant differences of 0.01 and 0.001, respectively, while AST levels showed no significant difference between groups. Urea and creatinine levels also showed no significant differences. Gene expression analysis revealed that miR-150-3p levels were similar between patients and controls (non-significant fold change of 1.161), whereas miR-150-5p expression was reduced in CRC patients (fold change of 0.88). Conclusions: miR-150-5p is downregulated in CRC patients, highlighting its potential as a diagnostic biomarker. However, no significant changes were observed in miR-150-3p levels. The results may be affected by factors such as treatment protocols and disease stages.