The microRNAs (miRNAs) are known to be commonly expressed in papillary thyroid carcinoma. The BRAF^V600E mutation is the most common genetic mutation in thyroid cancer. The main aim of this study was to determine the possible association between expression of the three miRNAs and that of BRAF^V600E mutation and the clinicopathological features in papillary thyroid carcinoma.

This study was conducted on 51 paraffin-embedded tissues (42 thyroid cancer, 9 benign tumor) obtained from patients undergoing thyroidectomy at the Endocrine Center of OOO University Hospital.

miRNAs expression was significantly high in patients with cervical lymph node metastasis and advanced TNM stage. In addition, miR-146b expression levels were significantly higher in papillary thyroid carcinoma patients with BRAF^V600E mutation. The relative quantification (2-^ΔΔCt) of miR-146b was also high among the miRNAs. Individually, the AUCs for miRNA-146b was 0.923 (cutoff value −1.97, sensitivity 88.9%, specificity 85.7%).

Especially, expression of miR-146b increased higher in PTC patients with BRAF^V600E mutation. These findings showed a role of miR-146b as potential biomarkers in differentiating PTC from benign tumor and as a prognostic indicator of PTCs. Further investigation will need for the roles of miRNAs in the pathogenesis of papillary thyroid carcinomas.