Serum Circ-DLGAP4 and miR-9 as Potential Biomarkers in Pancreatic Cancer.

BACKGROUND: Pancreatic cancer remains one of the malignancies characterized by the most insidious onset and dire prognosis. Preliminary diagnostic biomarkers are essential for timely identification and improved prognosis. CircularRNA-DLGAP4 (Circ-DLGAP4) and microRNA-9 (miR-9) are intriguing, easily accessible genetic indicators for numerous diseases. AIM: To quantify serum expression levels of Circ-DLGAP4 and miR-9 in pancreatic cancer patients and juxtapose these values with those of control persons to assess their potential as diagnostic biomarkers. It also aims to correlate their expression levels with the clinicopathological features of the disease. METHOD: Quantitative analysis of serum samples collected from 40 pancreatic cancer patients and 40 control subjects with RT-PCR. RESULTS: There were statistically significant elevations in blood levels of Circ-DLGAP4 and miR-9 in pancreatic cancer patients compared to healthy persons, with median (range) values of 8.2 (0.39-17.32), p-value < 0.001, and 9.5 (4.06-14.7), respectively. The blood level of Circ-DLGAP4 exhibited a significant positive correlation with the serum concentration of miR-9 (r = 0.89, p = 0.001). CONCLUSIONS: Circ-DLGAP4 and miR-9 serve as diagnostic biomarkers for pancreatic cancer.