The Correlation of the MicroRNA129-2 and SOX4 Genes Expression in HPV-infected Cervical Cancer Patients

Background: Cervical cancer is one of the most common neoplasias in females worldwide. The miRNAs affect cell proliferation and apoptosis in cancers. Low levels of the miR129-2 expression have been linked to human cancer while the SOX4 gene expression has been identified as a necessary factor in cell proliferation and survival. The purpose of the present study was to determine the correlation of MicroRNA129-2 and SOX4 genes expression in cervical cancer patients infected with HPV and compare the expression level with not infected patients and control group.

Materials and Methods: The total of samples were including 30 HPV infected cervical cancer, 30 cervical cancer patients with no infection and 20 normal Pap smear were collected from Mirzakochak Khan Hospital, Tehran, Iran in 2015. RNA was extracted; MIR129-2 and SOX4 genes expression was investigated. Cervical cancer was determined by Pap smear and tissue sampling test. HPV 16 and 18 infections assessed by RT High-Risk HPV assay. The RNA was extracted and the expression of the MIR129-2 and SOX4 genes was determined using Real Time PCR. The data was analyzed using Graph pad prism.

Results: According to the results, there was a decreased MIR129-2 expression in HPV positive cervical cancer compare to control and not infected patients (P=0.0001, P=0.0002 respectively). Although there was a decrease in MIR129-2 gene expression in not infected cervical cancer patients compare to control group but, statistically it was not significant (P=0.0728). Also, the SOX4 gene expression was increased in HPV infected cervical cancer patients compare to control and not infected patients which statistically was significant (P=0.0001, P=0.0032 respectively). Comparison of SOX4 gene expression among patients showed an increased significant association in not HPV infected patients compare to control group (P=0.0439). Also, no significant difference observed on MIR129-2 and SOX4 genes expression on the base of age and stage of disease.

Conclusion: Decreased MIR129-2 expression might increase SOX4 gene expression. So, determining of the MIR129-2 and SOX4 expression levels might be a useful indicator for prognosis of the HPV-infected cervical cancer.