Statistical analysis
The results are presented as a mean ± standard error for continuous
variables, and as numbers (percentages) for categorical variables. A
one-way multivariate analysis of covariance was used to control the
pretest differences, followed by Dunnett’s post hoc comparison for
multiple comparisons between the groups and paired-sample student t
tests for comparisons within each group. Finally, the data were tested
for normality using the Kolmogorov–Smirnov test. Because of the
non-normality of the studied variables (positively skewed distribution),
logarithmic transformation was performed and homogeneity of the
covariance matrix was examined using Box’s M statistics. Levels of
relative expression of the miRNAs were evaluated using 2−ΔΔCT method.
The comparison between groups was carried out with the one‐way ANOVA or
Kruskal‐Wallis test was performed with a Turkey or Dunn’s post‐test
pairwise comparison. All statistical analyses were performed using SPSS,
(Version 20, SPSS Inc., Chicago, IL), and significance was set at P
< 0.05.