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.