Microarray-based differential expression profiling of long noncoding RNAs and messenger RNAs in formalin-fixed paraffin-embedded human papillary thyroid carcinoma samples.

BACKGROUND: Long noncoding RNAs (lncRNAs) can regulate the expression of genes at almost every level. The altered expression of lncRNAs was observed in many kinds of cancers. Until recently, few studies have focused on the function of lncRNAs in the context of papillary thyroid carcinoma (PTC). METHODS: In the current study, we collected seven PTC and nodular goiter tissue samples and explored mRNA and lncRNA expression patterns in these samples by microarray. RESULTS: We observed aberrant expression of 94 lncRNAs and 99 mRNAs in the seven PTC samples as compared to the nodular goiter tissue [fold change (FC) ≥2.0; P<0.01]. To confirm these microarray results, quantitative polymerase chain reaction (q-PCR) was performed to assess the expression of three randomly selected differentially expressed mRNAs and lncRNAs, confirming our microarray findings significantly. We then performed gene ontology (GO) and kyoto encyclopedia of genes and genomes (KEGG) analyses to systematically characterize the twelve significantly differential genes. A co-expression analysis revealed that the lncRNAs n382996, n342483, and n409114 were closely related to the regulation of MT1G, MT1H, and MT1F. CONCLUSIONS: In the present study a string of novel lncRNAs associated with PTC were identified. Further study of these lncRNAs should be performed to identify novel target molecules which may improve diagnosis and treatment of PTC.

Dynamic profile of differentiated thyroid cancer in male and female patients with thyroidectomy during 2000-2013 in China: a retrospective study.

The study aimed to investigate the gender-related differences of disease onset, age distribution, blood type, clinical characteristics, and malignant behaviors of differentiated thyroid carcinoma (DTC) in Chinese patients. A total of 7385 consecutive thyroid cancer patients who underwent thyroidectomy were retrospectively reviewed. 4087 (55.3%) were diagnosed as benign and the other (3298, 44.7%) were as malignant. DTC accounted for 97.6% in the malignant tumor. More single nodules turned out to be DTC in male compared to multiple nodules (46.9% vs. 40.4%, P = 0.004). The proportion increased along with the increase of year during 2000-2013, which was from 7.5% to 68.1% in males and from 16.2% to 66.7% in females. The level of preoperative TSH was significantly higher in patients with DTC compared to the patients with benign (1.97 vs. 1.57 mIU/L, P < 0.001). The proportion of thyroid cancer was dominated in blood type B and the lowest incidence in blood type A in male, the difference was not statistically significant. The results showed that age, nodule number, BMI and serum TSH were the related factors for DTC. More aggressive behaviors of DTC were observed in male patients, and more attention should be focused on the timely diagnosis and treatment of these patients.

Characterization of papillary thyroid microcarcinomas using sonographic features in malignant papillary thyroid cancer: a retrospective analysis.

The diagnosis of malignant thyroid nodules is still a clinical challenge. This study aimed to determine the ultrasonographic characteristics of papillary thyroid carcinoma. The ultrasonographic and pathological data of 2453 thyroid nodules in a cohort of 1895 Chinese patients who underwent thyroidectomy from January 2010 to December 2012 were retrospectively reviewed. Anteroposterior and transversal (AP/TR) diameters ≥1, solid structure, infiltrative margins, hypoechoic appearance, and microcalcifications were more common in malignant nodules than in benign nodules (P < 0.01). These ultrasonographic features were independent risk factors of malignancy (P < 0.01) as determined by logistic regression analysis. Based on multivariate analysis, these characteristics were also present in large nodules (diameter >10 mm). However, in small nodules (diameter ≤10 mm), only AP/TR ≥1 and infiltrative margins were independent risk factors of malignancy (P < 0.01). Ultrasonography is of high diagnostic value for malignant thyroid nodules and may help to improve the differential diagnosis. Small and large nodules have distinct ultrasonographic features.