Correlation analysis and prognostic value of miR-29a-3p expression and CYP2C19 genotypes in exfoliated cells from tongue coating of patients with gastroesophageal reflux disease

Abstract

Background: Gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD) is a highly prevalent and troublesome disease. Several differentially expressed microRNAs (miRNAs) have been found in GERD.

Objective: This study was to analyze the correlation of miR-29a-3p expression and CYP2C19 genotypes in exfoliated cells from tongue coating of GERD patients and its prognostic value.

Methods: Tongue coating specimens were collected from 130 GERD patients and 70 healthy volunteers and their clinical baseline information was recorded. miR-29a-3p expression in exfoliated cells from tongue coating was determined via RT-qPCR, and its diagnostic efficiency on GERD was evaluated via receiver operating characteristic curve. CYP2C19 genotypes and their correlation with miR-29a-3p were analyzed via polymerase chain reaction restriction fragment length polymorphism technique. The adverse events of patients were documented via 12-month follow-up. The impact of miR-29a-3p expression on the healing rate of patients was analyzed via Kaplan-Meier method. Qualification of miR-29a-3p as an independent prognostic factor of GERD patients was analyzed via multivariate Cox regression analysis.

Results: miR-29a-3p was highly-expressed in exfoliated cells from tongue coating of GERD patients. miR-29a-3p expression had high specificity and sensitivity in diagnosing GERD. CYP2C19 genotypes in GERD patients comprised rapid metabolizers, intermedia metabolizers, and poor metabolizers. miR-29a-3p expression showed a correlation with CYP2C19 genotypes. Higher miR-29a-3p expression predicted higher cumulative incidences of adverse outcomes. Highly-expressed miR-29a-3p was an independent prognostic factor for adverse outcomes of GERD patients.

Conclusion: High expression of miR-29a-3p aided the diagnosis and predicted poor prognosis of GERD patients.

Keywords: CYP2C19; Cox regression model; Exfoliated cells from tongue coating; Gastroesophageal reflux disease; Genotype; Prognostic value; Receiver operating characteristic curve; miR-29a-3p.