Circulating MicroRNA-503 as a Potential Novel Diagnostic Biomarker for Prostate Carcinoma: Insights from an Iraqi Patient Cohort

Abstract

Background: Prostate cancer is still considered as one of the most common health problems globally and in Iraq as well, and there are limitations associated with current diagnosis which make early detection impossible. Circulating microRNAs (miRNAs) have potential as noninvasive biomarkers because of their stability in body fluids and involvement in cancer molecular pathways.

Objective: The aim of the present study was to assess the possible diagnostic value of circulating microRNA-503 (miR-503) in Iraqi patients with prostate carcinoma.

Methodology: Overall, 100 serum samples were tested consisting of 50 patients diagnosed with prostate cancer and 50 controls that were age matched. The relative expression of serum miR-503 was detected by real-time quantitative polymerase chain reaction (RT-qPCR). The relative expression levels were calculated by the 2⁻ΔΔCt method and U6 was adopted as endogenous control for normalization. Data analysis Expression data from the two groups were analyzed statistically.

Results: Plasma level of miR-503 was significantly lower in patients with prostate cancer than in normal offspring controls (p < 0.001). Low miR-503 levels were also correlated with clinical factors per more aggressive profile.

Conclusion: Consistent expression in patients from the largest two medical centers in Baghdad considers miR-503 an accurate cancer thermometry probe that should be taken into account as part of diagnostic modalities. Because of the lack of effective means for early diagnosis and clinical management in prostate cancer in Iraq, miR-503 may provide a significant advance in this respect.

Bangladesh Journal of Infectious Diseases, December 2025; 12(2):215-221