EXPLORING THE ROLE OF MIR-133A AND TPD52 IN PANCREATIC CANCER: IMPLICATIONS FOR ATHLETE HEALTH MANAGEMENT

Abstract

Objective: This study examines the expression and clinical relevance of microRNA-133a (miR-133a) and tumor protein D52 (TPD52) in pancreatic cancer, focusing on their potential impact on athletes who are managing long-term health risks associated with intense physical activity. Methods: A total of 100 pairs of pancreatic cancer tissues and adjacent non-cancerous tissues were analyzed from the pathology center at our hospital. Real-time PCR was employed to measure the expression of miR-133a, while immunohistochemical staining was used to assess TPD52 protein levels. Expression differences were stratified based on the pathological characteristics of the pancreatic cancer samples. Additionally, the interaction between miR-133a and TPD52 and their role in modulating pancreatic cancer pathophysiology were investigated through in vitro experiments. Results: Clinical samples revealed a lower expression of miR-133a in pancreatic cancer tissues compared to adjacent non-cancerous tissues, while TPD52 protein was significantly more expressed in cancer tissues. Expression levels of miR-133a and TPD52 did not differ significantly across samples differing by age, gender, tumor location, and size. However, miR-133a levels were notably lower in high-malignancy pancreatic cancer (poorly differentiated, stages III and IV, lymph node metastasis, nerve invasion, and portal vein invasion) compared to lower malignancy cases. Conversely, TPD52 expression was higher in high-malignancy cases. In vitro, increased miR-133a expression significantly reduced pancreatic cancer cell proliferation, migration, invasion, and increased apoptosis, while cell cycle analysis showed a reduction in the S phase. The targeted binding relationship between miR-133a and TPD52 was confirmed. Conclusion: The differential expression of miR-133a and TPD52 in pancreatic cancer tissues is associated with the malignancy and progression of the disease. Understanding these biomarkers may provide insights into the long-term health management of athletes, particularly those potentially exposed to factors that could influence pancreatic health. The targeting relationship between miR-133a and TPD52 suggests a potential therapeutic target for managing pancreatic cancer progression.