Diagnostic accuracy of non-coding RNA for detecting endometriosis: A systematic review and meta-analysis
Abstract
OBJECTIVES: Endometriosis diagnosis currently relies on invasive laparoscopy, creating a need for non-invasive alternatives. This study evaluates microRNAs (miRNAs) as potential diagnostic biomarkers for endometriosis through systematic evidence synthesis and performance analysis.
METHODS: We systematically reviewed studies (1992-2025) from seven databases (Pub-Med/MEDLINE, Web of Science, Scopus, etc.) using endometriosis- and ncRNA-related keywords.
INCLUDED STUDIES: (1) used qRT-PCR for miRNA/lncRNA detection, (2) con-firmed endometriosis via laparoscopy, and (3) provided data to construct 2 × 2 contingency tables. All human biospecimens were eligible; no restrictions were applied to study design or language. Exclusions included non-RNA biomarkers or non-PCR methods. QUADAS-1 assessed methodological quality. To avoid multiplicity, diagnostic accuracy metrics (sensitivity, specificity) were calculated and synthesized separately for each biomarker. Evidence certainty was evaluated with GRADE.
RESULTS: Among 28 qualifying studies (most with QUADAS-1 scores ≥7), mir-8 showed optimal accuracy (sensitivity: 94.8 %, 95 % CI 58.0-99.6 %; specificity: 91.9 %, 95 % CI 71.7-98.1 %) with favorable likelihood ratios (PLR > 5, NLR 90 %). mir - 122 demonstrated more consistent performance with narrower confidence intervals.
CONCLUSIONS: While mir-8 exhibits superior diagnostic accuracy, mir - 122 expression must be validated in a patient cohort to underline its clinical utility.…
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