Combined serum miR‐29c and miR‐149 expression analysis as diagnostic genetic markers for colorectal cancer

Circulating miRNAs gathered much interest in cancer research as noninvasive biomarkers. The aim of this study was to analyze the expression of miR‐29c and miR‐149 among colorectal cancer (CRC) patients and to explore their diagnostic and prognostic potentials in relation to the clinical and pathological features. The expression levels of miR‐29c and miR‐149 were evaluated in the sera of 80 CRC patients, 80 colorectal adenoma (CRA) patients, and 80 healthy controls using quantitative real time polymerase chain reaction (PCR). Carcinoembryonic antigen serum levels were assayed using enzyme‐linked immunosorbent assay. miR‐29c and miR‐149 were significantly downregulated among CRC patients compared with CRA and controls (miR‐29c, 0.54 ± 0.19 vs. 0.86 ± 0.12, 0.99 ± 0.07, P