Identification of Novel miRNA Biomarkers for Epilepsy: A qRT-PCR-Based Profiling Study

Epilepsy is a widespread neurological disorder affecting over 70 million individuals globally, with approximately 4.9 million new cases diagnosed annually. Despite extensive research, the underlying mechanisms of epilepsy remain incompletely elucidated. MicroRNAs (miRNAs) are being increasingly utilized as crucial biomarkers in various disorders, and their targeting of proteins involved in disease pathogenesis represents a promising therapeutic strategy. This study aimed to identify novel candidate miRNAs associated with epilepsy and evaluate their diagnostic potential. The expression profiles of 84 miRNAs were analyzed in plasma samples from 20 epilepsy patients and 25 controls using qRT-PCR on the BioMarkTM 96.96 Dynamic Array (Fluidigm Corporation) system. In the epilepsy group, a total of 44 miRNAs exhibited decreased expression compared to the control group, of which 24 were statistically significant. Notably, 18 miRNAs demonstrated a highly significant reduction in expression levels ( p< 0.0001 ). These miRNAs include hsa-let-7e-5p, hsa-miR-105-5p, hsa-miR-106b-5p, hsa-miR-107, hsa-miR-125b-5p, hsa-miR-128, hsa-miR-135b-5p, hsa-miR-138-5p, hsa-miR-152, hsa-miR-15a-5p, hsa-miR-193b-3p, hsa-miR-203a, hsa-miR-339-5p, hsa-miR-381-3p, hsa-miR-409-3p, hsa-miR-511, hsa-miR-539-5p, and hsa-miR-7-5p . In the epilepsy group, a total of 40 miRNAs exhibited increased expression compared to the control group, among which 28 were statistically significant. Notably, 23 miRNAs demonstrated a highly significant increase in expression levels ( p < 0.0001 ). These miRNAs include hsa-miR-101-3p, hsa-miR-130a-3p, hsa-miR-132-3p, hsa-miR-146a-5p, hsa-miR-146b-5p, hsa-miR-181a-5p, hsa-miR-212-3p, hsa-miR-27a-3p, hsa-miR-28-5p, hsa-miR-302b-5p, hsa-miR-337-3p, hsa-miR-338-3p, hsa-miR-34a-5p, hsa-miR-455-5p, hsa-miR-485-5p, hsa-miR-487a, hsa-miR-499a-5p, hsa-miR-509-3p, hsa-miR-512-3p, hsa-miR-518b, hsa-miR-652-3p, hsa-miR-9-3p, and hsa-miR-95 . These findings suggest that miRNAs hold significant potential as innovative, non-invasive biomarkers for the early detection and diagnosis of epilepsy, offering a promising avenue for advancing clinical practices.