Correlation between long non-coding RNA MAFG-AS1 and cancer prognosis: a meta-analysis.

Background: MAF transcription factor G antisense RNA 1 (MAFG-AS1), a novel long non-coding RNA discovered recently, was proved to be useful in predicting malignancy prognosis. Nevertheless, its association with cancer prognosis has been inconsistent. Therefore, this meta-analysis aimed to explore the clinicopathological and prognostic significance of MAFG-AS1 in diverse carcinomas.

Methods: Studies focused on MAFG-AS1 expression as a prognostic role in cancers were thoroughly searched in six electronic databases. The value of MAFG-AS1 in malignancies was assessed by hazard ratios (HRs) or odds ratios (ORs). Additionally, the GEPIA database was utilized to further strengthen our conclusion.

Results: A total of 15 studies involving 1187 cases and nine types of cancers were recruited into this meta-analysis. High MAFG-AS1 expression was significantly related to advanced tumor stage (OR = 0.52, 95%CI [0.39, 0.69], P < 0.00001), earlier lymph node metastasis (OR = 3.62, 95%CI [2.19, 5.99], P < 0.00001), worse tumor differentiation (OR = 0.64, 95%CI [0.43, 0.95], P = 0.03), and poor overall survival (HR = 1.94, 95%CI [1.72, 2.19], P < 0.00001). No significant heterogeneity and publication bias was detected across studies. Meanwhile, MAFG-AS1 was significantly elevated in ten kinds of cancers based on the validation of the GEPIA database.

Conclusion: The results of this meta-analysis indicated that high MAFG-AS1 expression is dramatically correlated with unfavorable prognosis in cancers. MAFG-AS1 may be served as a promising biomarker for malignancies.