PBMCs: a new source of diagnostic and prognostic biomarkers

• Published in: Archives of physiology and biochemistry Vol. 128; no. 4; pp. 1081 - 1087
• Main Authors: Mosallaei, Meysam, Ehtesham, Naeim, Rahimirad, Shima, Saghi, Mostafa, Vatandoost, Nasim, Khosravi, Sharifeh
• Format: Journal Article
• Language: English
• Published: England Taylor & Francis 04.07.2022
• Subjects: biomarker; diagnosis; PBMCs; prognosis; diagnosis; biomarker; PBMCs; prognosis
• ISSN: 1381-3455; 1744-4160; 1744-4160
• DOI: 10.1080/13813455.2020.1752257

There are various types of molecular biomarkers that are derived from distinct starting materials. Although many indirect biomarkers are found in blood, their detection remains a challenging issue because of the high degree of fragmentation, minute quantity and a vast amount of non-specific background. The present review points out the sensitivity and specificity of peripheral blood mononuclear cells (PBMCs) as an intact source of biomarkers in a variety of diseases. Multiple recent studies that have used PBMCs as a source of biomarkers reveal the alteration of mRNAs/microRNAs (miRNAs) signature and methylation profile in many kinds of disorders; for instance, dysregulation of mRNAs/miRNAs in schizophrenia, diabetes and different types of cancers and change in the methylation status of LINE-1 in neoplasms. In conclusion with a strong probability, PBMCs mimic conditions of some tissues which are in contact with them like the tumour cells, hence providing a non-invasive and suitable source of biomarkers.