Changes in circulating miRNAs in healthy overweight and obese subjects: Effect of diet composition and weight loss

Advances in Diet and Physical Activity in Breast Cancer Prevention and Treatment

There is currently a growing interest in diets and physical activity patterns that may be beneficial in preventing and treating breast cancer (BC). Mounting evidence indicates that indeed, the so-called Mediterranean diet (MedDiet) and regular physical activity likely both help reduce the risk of developing BC. For those who have already received a BC diagnosis, these interventions may decrease the risk of tumor recurrence after treatment and improve quality of life. Studies also show the potential of other dietary interventions, including fasting or modified fasting, calorie restriction, ketogenic diets, and vegan or plant-based diets, to enhance the efficacy of BC therapies. In this review article, we discuss the biological rationale for utilizing these dietary interventions and physical activity in BC prevention and treatment. We highlight published and ongoing clinical studies that have applied these lifestyle interventions to BC patients. This review offers valuable insights into the potential application of these dietary interventions and physical activity as complimentary therapies in BC management.

Specific circulating miRNAs are associated with plasma lipids in a healthy American cohort

Low-density lipoprotein cholesterol (LDL-c) is both a therapeutic target and a risk factor for cardiovascular disease (CVD). MicroRNA (miRNA) has been shown to regulate cholesterol homeostasis, and miRNA in blood circulation has been linked to hypercholesterolemia. However, few studies to date have associated miRNA with phenotypes like LDL-c in a healthy population. To this end, we analyzed circulating miRNA in relation to LDL-c in a healthy cohort of 353 participants using two separate bioinformatic approaches. The first approach found that miR-15b-5p and miR-16-5p were upregulated in individuals with at-risk levels of LDL-c. The second approach identified two miRNA clusters, one that positively and a second that negatively correlated with LDL-c. Included in the cluster that positively correlated with LDL-c were miR-15b-5p and miR-16-5p, as well as other miRNA from the miR-15/107, miR-30, and let-7 families. Cross-species analyses suggested that several miRNAs that associated with LDL-c are conserved between mice and humans. Finally, we examined the influence of diet on circulating miRNA. Our results robustly linked circulating miRNA with LDL-c, suggesting that miRNA could be used as biomarkers for hypercholesterolemia or targets for developing cholesterol-lowering drugs.NEW & NOTEWORTHY This study explored the association between circulating microRNA (miRNA) and low-density lipoprotein cholesterol (LDL-c) in a healthy population of 353 participants. Two miRNAs, miR-15b-5p and miR-16-5p, were upregulated in individuals with at-risk LDL-c levels. Several miRNA clusters were positively and negatively correlated with LDL-c and are known to target mRNA involved in lipid metabolism. The study also investigated the influence of diet on circulating miRNA, suggesting potential biomarkers for hypercholesterolemia.

Circulating non-coding RNA biomarkers of endocrine tumours

Circulating non-coding RNA (ncRNA) molecules are being investigated as biomarkers of malignancy, prognosis and follow-up in several neoplasms, including endocrine tumours of the pituitary, parathyroid, pancreas and adrenal glands. Most of these tumours are classified as neuroendocrine neoplasms (comprised of neuroendocrine tumours and neuroendocrine carcinomas) and include tumours of variable aggressivity. We consider them together here in this Review owing to similarities in their clinical presentation, pathomechanism and genetic background. No preoperative biomarkers of malignancy are available for several forms of these endocrine tumours. Moreover, biomarkers are also needed for the follow-up of tumour progression (especially in hormonally inactive tumours), prognosis and treatment efficacy monitoring. Circulating blood-borne ncRNAs show promising utility as biomarkers. These ncRNAs, including microRNAs, long non-coding RNAs and circular RNAs, are involved in several aspects of gene expression regulation, and their stability and tissue-specific expression could make them ideal biomarkers. However, no circulating ncRNA biomarkers have yet been introduced into routine clinical practice, which is mostly owing to methodological and standardization problems. In this Review, following a brief synopsis of these endocrine tumours and the biology of ncRNAs, the major research findings, pathomechanisms and methodological questions are discussed along with an outlook for future studies.

Antagonism of let-7c reduces atherosclerosis and macrophage lipid accumulation by promoting PGC-1α/LXRα/ABCA1/G1 pathway

Changes in circulating let-7c were significantly associated with the alter in lipid profile, but its role in intracellular lipid metabolism remains unknown. This work was conducted to explore the effects of let-7c on the lipid accumulation in macrophages and uncover the underlying mechanism. Our results showed that let-7c inhibition relieved atherosclerosis progression in apoE-/- mice. In ox-LDL-treatment macrophages, let-7c knockdown suppressed lipid accumulation but does no affect cholesterol intake. Consistent with this, overexpression of let-7c promoted lipid accumulation by reducing the expression of LXRα and ABCA1/G1. Mechanistically, let-7c targeted PGC-1α to repress the expression of LXRα and ABCA1/G1, thereby regulating cholesterol homeostasis in macrophages. Taken together, these findings suggest that antagonism of let-7c reduces atherosclerosis and macrophage lipid accumulation through the PGC-1α/LXRα/ABCA1/G1 axis.

Early Life Programming of Adipose Tissue Remodeling and Browning Capacity by Micronutrients and Bioactive Compounds as a Potential Anti-Obesity Strategy

The early stages of life, especially the period from conception to two years, are crucial for shaping metabolic health and the risk of obesity in adulthood. Adipose tissue (AT) plays a crucial role in regulating energy homeostasis and metabolism, and brown AT (BAT) and the browning of white AT (WAT) are promising targets for combating weight gain. Nutritional factors during prenatal and early postnatal stages can influence the development of AT, affecting the likelihood of obesity later on. This narrative review focuses on the nutritional programming of AT features. Research conducted across various animal models with diverse interventions has provided insights into the effects of specific compounds on AT development and function, influencing the development of crucial structures and neuroendocrine circuits responsible for energy balance. The hormone leptin has been identified as an essential nutrient during lactation for healthy metabolic programming against obesity development in adults. Studies have also highlighted that maternal supplementation with polyunsaturated fatty acids (PUFAs), vitamin A, nicotinamide riboside, and polyphenols during pregnancy and lactation, as well as offspring supplementation with myo-inositol, vitamin A, nicotinamide riboside, and resveratrol during the suckling period, can impact AT features and long-term health outcomes and help understand predisposition to obesity later in life.

Circulating myomiRNAs as biomarkers in patients with Cushing's syndrome

PURPOSE

Impairment of skeletal muscle mass and strength affects 40-70% of patients with active Cushing's syndrome (CS). Glucocorticoid excess sustains muscle atrophy and weakness, while muscle-specific microRNAs (myomiRs) level changes were associated with muscle organization and function perturbation. The aim of the current study is to explore changes in circulating myomiRs in CS patients compared to healthy controls and their involvement in IGFI/PI3K/Akt/mTOR pathway regulation in skeletal muscle.

METHODS

C2C12, mouse myocytes, were exposed to hydrocortisone (HC), and atrophy-related gene expression was investigated by RT-qPCR, WB and IF to assess HC-mediated atrophic signalling. miRNAs were evaluated in HC-treated C2C12 by PCR Arrays. MyomiRs significantly overexpressed in C2C12 were investigated in 37 CS patients and 24 healthy controls serum by RT-qPCR. The anti-anabolic role of circulating miRNAs significantly upregulated in CS patients was explored in C2C12 by investigating the IGFI/PI3K/Akt/mTOR pathway regulation.

RESULTS

HC induced higher expression of atrophy-related genes, miR-133a-3p, miR-122-5p and miR-200b-3p in C2C12 compared to untreated cells. Conversely, the anabolic IGFI/PI3K/Akt/mTOR signalling was reduced and this effect was mediated by miR-133a-3p. In CS patients miR-133a-3p and miR-200b-3p revealed higher circulating levels (p < 0.0001, respectively) compared to controls. ROC curves for miR-133a-3p (AUC 0.823, p < 0.0001) and miR-200b-3p (AUC 0.850, p < 0.0001) demonstrated that both myomiRs represent potential biomarkers to discriminate between CS and healthy subjects. Pearson's correlation analysis revealed that circulating levels of miR-133a-3p are directly correlated with 24 h urinary-free cortisol level (r = 0.468, p = 0.004) in CS patients.

CONCLUSIONS

HC induces atrophic signals by miR-133a-3p overexpression in mouse myocytes and humans. Circulating miR-133a-3p is promising biomarkers of hypercortisolism.

Nutritional Approaches Targeting Gut Microbiota in Oxidative-Stress-Associated Metabolic Syndrome: Focus on Early Life Programming

Metabolic syndrome (MetS) denotes a constellation of risk factors associated with the development of cardiovascular disease, with its roots potentially traced back to early life. Given the pivotal role of oxidative stress and dysbiotic gut microbiota in MetS pathogenesis, comprehending their influence on MetS programming is crucial. Targeting these mechanisms during the early stages of life presents a promising avenue for preventing MetS later in life. This article begins by examining detrimental insults during early life that impact fetal programming, ultimately contributing to MetS in adulthood. Following that, we explore the role of oxidative stress and the dysregulation of gut microbiota in the initiation of MetS programming. The review also consolidates existing evidence on how gut-microbiota-targeted interventions can thwart oxidative-stress-associated MetS programming, encompassing approaches such as probiotics, prebiotics, postbiotics, and the modulation of bacterial metabolites. While animal studies demonstrate the favorable effects of gut-microbiota-targeted therapy in mitigating MetS programming, further clinical investigations are imperative to enhance our understanding of manipulating gut microbiota and oxidative stress for the prevention of MetS.

Modulation of miR-29a and miR-29b Expression and Their Target Genes Related to Inflammation and Renal Fibrosis by an Oral Nutritional Supplement with Probiotics in Malnourished Hemodialysis Patients

Malnutrition is prevalent in patients with chronic kidney disease (CKD), especially those on hemodialysis. Recently, our group described that a new oral nutritional supplement (ONS), specifically designed for malnourished (or at risk) hemodialysis patients with a "similar to the Mediterranean diet" pattern, improved caloric-protein intake, nutritional status and biomarkers of inflammation and oxidation. Our aim in this study was to evaluate whether the new ONS, associated with probiotics or not, may produce changes in miRNA's expression and its target genes in malnourished hemodialysis patients, compared to individualized diet recommendations. We performed a randomized, multicenter, parallel-group trial in malnourished hemodialysis patients with three groups (1: control (C) individualized diet (n = 11); 2: oral nutritional supplement (ONS) + placebo (ONS-PL) (n = 10); and 3: ONS + probiotics (ONS-PR) (n = 10)); the trial was open regarding the intake of ONS or individualized diet recommendations but double-blinded for the intake of probiotics. MiRNAs and gene expression levels were analyzed by RT-qPCR at baseline and after 3 and 6 months. We observed that the expression of miR-29a and miR-29b increased significantly in patients with ONS-PR at 3 months in comparison with baseline, stabilizing at the sixth month. Moreover, we observed differences between studied groups, where miR-29b expression levels were elevated in patients receiving ONS-PR compared to the control group in the third month. Regarding the gene expression levels, we observed a decrease in the ONS-PR group compared to the control group in the third month for RUNX2 and TNFα. TGFB1 expression was decreased in the ONS-PR group compared to baseline in the third month. PTEN gene expression was significantly elevated in the ONS-PR group at 3 months in comparison with baseline. LEPTIN expression was significantly increased in the ONS-PL group at the 3-month intervention compared to baseline. The new oral nutritional supplement associated with probiotics increases the expression levels of miR-29a and miR-29b after 3 months of intervention, modifying the expression of target genes with anti-inflammatory and anti-fibrotic actions. This study highlights the potential benefit of this oral nutritional supplement, especially associated with probiotics, in malnourished patients with chronic renal disease on hemodialysis.

Association between circulating micro-ribonucleic acids and metabolic syndrome in older adults from a population-based study

BACKGROUND AND AIMS

Aging is a major factor in development of chronic non-communicable diseases (NCD). Epigenetic causes are risk factors in NCD development since studies indicate that the expression of micro-ribonucleic acids (miRs) is altered under different clinical conditions. This study aimed to analyze the expression profile of circulating miRs and investigate their association with biomarkers of cardiometabolic risk in older adults living in São Paulo municipality, Brazil.

METHODS

A cross-sectional study was conducted based on the analysis of data from 200 older adults, with a mean age of 69.1 (0.5) years old participating in the ISA-Nutrition. The expression profiles of 21 plasma miRs related to glycemic and lipid metabolism, adiposity, and inflammation were evaluated in relation to cardiometabolic risk. Individuals were distributed into groups according to diagnosis of metabolic syndrome (MetS). The Stata Somersd module was used to calculate confidence intervals for Kendall's tau-a to estimate the correlations among variables.

RESULTS

Differences in the plasma expression were observed in two of the 21 miRs evaluated according to the MetS presence in participants. Individuals with MetS showed higher expression of miR-30a and miR-122 than individuals without MetS.

CONCLUSIONS

Considering that miR-30, and miR-122 were altered due to MetS, these miRs may be potential biomarkers for MetS in older adults.

Tissue and Circulating MicroRNAs 378 and 142 as Biomarkers of Obesity and Its Treatment Response

Promising approaches to the treatment of obesity include increasing energy expenditure and slowing down fibrogenesis of adipose tissue. The neurotransmitter reuptake inhibitor sibutramine affects appetite and activates lipolysis in a catecholaminergic way. MicroRNAs (miRs) are considered as biomarkers of molecular genetic mechanisms underlying various processes. The profile of a number of miRs is altered in obesity, both in the circulation and in adipose tissue. The aim of this study was to assess the expression levels of miRs (hsa-miR-378a-3p, hsa-miR-142-3p) by real-time polymerase chain reaction in subcutaneous adipose tissue (SAT) and in plasma in patients with different degrees and duration of obesity and during sibutramine therapy. This study included 51 obese patients and 10 healthy subjects with normal weight who formed a control group. The study found that, before treatment, obese patients had no significant difference in the expression level of miR-378 in SAT and plasma compared to the control group, while the expression of miR-142 was significantly decreased in SAT and increased in plasma. A significant elevation in miR-378 expression level was noted in patients with first-degree obesity and duration of less than 10 years, and the decline in miR-142 increased with the duration of obesity. These data indicate a maximal increase in the expression of the adipogenesis inducer miR-378 in the early stages of obesity, a progressive decrease in the expression of the fibrogenesis inhibitor miR-142 in SAT with growth of duration of obesity and the likely presence of antifibrogenic effects of sibutramine realized through miR-142 activation.

Circulating microRNAs Showed Specific Responses according to Metabolic Syndrome Components and Sex of Adults from a Population-Based Study

MicroRNAs (miRNAs) regulate several metabolic pathways and are potential biomarkers for early risk prediction of metabolic syndrome (MetS). Our aim was to evaluate the levels of 21 miRNAs in plasma according to MetS components and sex in adults. We employed a cross-sectional study of 192 adults aged 20 to 59 years old from the 2015 Health Survey of São Paulo with Focus in Nutrition. Data showed reduced levels of miR-16 and miR-363 in women with MetS; however, men with one or more risk factors showed higher levels of miR-let-7c and miR-30a. Individuals with raised waist circumference showed higher levels of miR-let-7c, miR-122, miR-30a, miR-146a, miR-15a, miR-30d and miR-222. Individuals with raised blood pressure had higher miR-30a, miR-122 and miR-30a levels. Plasma levels of four miRNAs (miR-16, miR-363, miR-375 and miR-486) were lower in individuals with low HDL-cholesterol concentrations. In addition, plasma levels of five miRNAs (miR-122, miR-139, miR-let-7c, miR-126 and miR-30a) were increased in individuals with high fasting plasma glucose and/or insulin resistance. Our results suggest that the pattern of miRNA levels in plasma may be a useful early biomarker of cardiometabolic components of MetS and highlight the sex differences in the plasma levels of miRNAs in individuals with MetS.

Extracellular Vesicles and Their Emerging Roles as Cellular Messengers in Endocrinology: An Endocrine Society Scientific Statement

During the last decade, there has been great interest in elucidating the biological role of extracellular vesicles (EVs), particularly, their hormone-like role in cell-to-cell communication. The field of endocrinology is uniquely placed to provide insight into the functions of EVs, which are secreted from all cells into biological fluids and carry endocrine signals to engage in paracellular and distal interactions. EVs are a heterogeneous population of membrane-bound vesicles of varying size, content, and bioactivity. EVs are specifically packaged with signaling molecules, including lipids, proteins, and nucleic acids, and are released via exocytosis into biofluid compartments. EVs regulate the activity of both proximal and distal target cells, including translational activity, metabolism, growth, and development. As such, EVs signaling represents an integral pathway mediating intercellular communication. Moreover, as the content of EVs is cell-type specific, it is a "fingerprint" of the releasing cell and its metabolic status. Recently, changes in the profile of EV and bioactivity have been described in several endocrine-related conditions including diabetes, obesity, cardiovascular diseases, and cancer. The goal of this statement is to highlight relevant aspects of EV research and their potential role in the field of endocrinology.

Circulating Noncoding RNAs in Pituitary Neuroendocrine Tumors-Two Sides of the Same Coin

Pituitary neuroendocrine tumors (PitNET) are common intracranial neoplasms. While in case of hormone secreting tumors pituitary hormone measurements can be used for monitoring the disease, in non-functional tumors there is a need to discover non-invasive biomarkers. Non-coding RNAs (ncRNAs) are popular biomarker candidates due to their stability and tissue specificity. Among ncRNAs, miRNAs, lncRNAs and circRNAs have been investigated the most in pituitary tumor tissues and in circulation. However, it is still not known whether ncRNAs are originated from the pituitary, or whether they are casually involved in the pathophysiology. Additionally, there is strong diversity among different studies reporting ncRNAs in PitNET. Therefore, to provide an overview of the discrepancies between published studies and to uncover the reasons why despite encouraging experimental data application of ncRNAs in clinical routine has not yet taken hold, in this review available data are summarized on circulating ncRNAs in PitNET. The data on circulating miRNAs, lncRNAs and circRNAs are organized according to different PitNET subtypes. Biological (physiological and pathophysiological) factors behind intra- and interindividual variability and technical aspects of detecting these markers, including preanalytical and analytical parameters, sample acquisition (venipuncture) and type, storage, nucleic acid extraction, quantification and normalization, which reveal the two sides of the same coin are discussed.

Extracellular miRNAs as mediators of obesity-associated disease

Extracellular miRNAs are found in a variety of body fluids and mediate intercellular and interorgan communication, thus regulating gene expression and cellular metabolism. These miRNAs are secreted either in small vesicles/exosomes (sEV) or bound to proteins such as Argonaute and high-density lipoprotein. Both exosomal and protein-bound circulating miRNAs are altered in obesity. Although all tissues can contribute to changes in circulating miRNAs, adipose tissue itself is an important source of these miRNAs, especially those in sEVs. These are derived from both adipocytes and macrophages and participate in crosstalk between these cells, as well as peripheral tissues, including liver, skeletal muscle and pancreas, whose function may be impaired in obesity. Changes in levels of circulating miRNAs have also been linked to the beneficial effects induced by weight loss interventions, including diet, exercise and bariatric surgery, further indicating a role for these miRNAs as mediators of disease pathogenesis. Here, we review the role of circulating miRNAs in the pathophysiology of obesity and explore their potential use as biomarkers and in therapy of obesity-associated metabolic syndrome.

Faecal miRNA profiles associated with age, sex, BMI, and lifestyle habits in healthy individuals

For their stability and detectability faecal microRNAs represent promising molecules with potential clinical interest as non-invasive diagnostic and prognostic biomarkers. However, there is no evidence on how stool miRNA profiles change according to an individual’s age, sex, and body mass index (BMI) or how lifestyle habits influence the expression levels of these molecules. We explored the relationship between the stool miRNA levels and common traits (sex, age, BMI, and menopausal status) or lifestyle habits (physical activity, smoking status, coffee, and alcohol consumption) as derived by a self-reported questionnaire, using small RNA-sequencing data of samples from 335 healthy subjects. We detected 151 differentially expressed miRNAs associated with one variable and 52 associated with at least two. Differences in miR-638 levels were associated with age, sex, BMI, and smoking status. The highest number of differentially expressed miRNAs was associated with BMI (n = 92) and smoking status (n = 84), with several miRNAs shared between them. Functional enrichment analyses revealed the involvement of the miRNA target genes in pathways coherent with the analysed variables. Our findings suggest that miRNA profiles in stool may reflect common traits and lifestyle habits and should be considered in relation to disease and association studies based on faecal miRNA expression.

The association of circulating miR-191 and miR-375 expression levels with markers of insulin resistance in overweight children: an exploratory analysis of the I.Family Study

Background

In recent years, the exciting emergence of circulating miRNAs as stable, reproducible, and consistent among individuals has opened a promising research opportunity for the detection of non-invasive biomarkers. A firm connection has been established between circulating miRNAs and glycaemic as well as metabolic homeostasis, showing that levels of specific miRNAs vary under different physio-pathological conditions.

Objective

In this pilot study, we investigated the expression of candidate miRNAs, hsa-miR-191-3p and hsa-miR-375, in relation to biomarkers associated with insulin sensitivity in a subgroup (n=58) of subjects participating to the European I.Family Study, a project aimed to assess the determinants of eating behaviour in children and adolescents and related health outcomes. The sample included overweight/obese children/adolescents since overweight/obesity is a known risk factor for impaired glucose homeostasis and metabolic disorders. Biological targets of candidate miRNAs were also explored in silico.

Results

We observed a significant association of the two miRNAs and early changes in glycaemic homeostasis, independent of covariates including country of origin, age, BMI z-score, puberty status, highest educational level of parents, total energy intake, energy from fats, energy from carbohydrates, and energy from proteins.

Conclusion

Identification of circulating miRNAs associated with insulin impairment may offer novel approaches of assessing early variations in insulin sensitivity and provide evidence about the molecular mechanisms connected to early changes in glycaemic homeostasis.

Trial registration

ISRCTN, ISRCTN62310987. Retrospectively registered, http://isrctn.com/ISRCTN62310987

Supplementary Information

The online version contains supplementary material available at 10.1186/s12263-021-00689-1.

Tissue and circulating microRNAs as biomarkers of response to obesity treatment strategies

BACKGROUND

Obesity, characterized by an increased amount of adipose tissue, is a metabolic chronic alteration which has reached pandemic proportion. Lifestyle changes are the first line therapy for obesity and a large variety of dietary approaches have demonstrated efficacy in promoting weight loss and improving obesity-related metabolic alterations. Besides diet and physical activity, bariatric surgery might be an effective therapeutic strategy for morbid obese patients. Response to weight-loss interventions is characterised by high inter-individual variability, which might involve epigenetic factors. microRNAs have critical roles in metabolic processes and their dysregulated expression has been reported in obesity.

AIM

The aim of this review is to provide a comprehensive overview of current studies evaluating changes in microRNA expression in obese patients undergoing lifestyle interventions or bariatric surgery.

RESULTS

A considerable number of studies have reported a differential expression of circulating microRNAs before and after various dietary and bariatric surgery approaches, identifying several candidate biomarkers of response to weight loss. Significant changes in microRNA expression have been observed at a tissue level as well, with entirely different patterns between visceral and subcutaneous adipose tissue. Interestingly, relevant differences in microRNA expression have emerged between responders and non-responders to dietary or surgical interventions. A wide variety of dysregulated microRNA target pathways have also been identified, helping to understand the pathophysiological mechanisms underlying obesity and obesity-related metabolic diseases.

CONCLUSIONS

Although further research is needed to draw firm conclusions, there is increasing evidence about microRNAs as potential biomarkers for weight loss and response to intervention strategies in obesity.

Vegetarian diets, circulating miRNA expression and healthspan in subjects living in the Blue Zone

A long-term vegetarian diet plays a role in the longevity and maintenance of the healthspan, but the underlying mechanisms for these observations are largely unknown. Particularly, it is not known whether a long-term vegetarian dietary pattern may affect the circulating miRNA expression in such a way as to modulate the healthspan. The Adventist Health Study-2 (AHS-2) cohort includes a large number of older adults who primarily follow vegetarian dietary patterns and reside in Loma Linda, California, one of five “Blue Zones” in the world in which a higher proportion of the population enjoys a longer than average lifespan. We performed miRNA-seq in 96 subjects selected from the AHS-2 cohort with different dietary patterns. We identified several differentially expressed miRNAs between vegetarians and non-vegetarians, which are involved in immune response and cytokine signaling, cell growth and proliferation as well as age-related diseases such as cardiovascular diseases and neurodegenerative diseases. Overall, our study showed that a vegetarian diet modulates aging-associated circulating miRNAs in a sex-dependent manner of differential expression for certain miRNAs, which may be related in a beneficial manner to the healthspan. Further investigation is needed to validate these miRNAs as potential biomarkers for diet-modulated longevity in humans.

Changes in miRNA expression with two weight-loss dietary strategies in a population with metabolic syndrome

OBJECTIVES

This study aimed to analyze the expression pattern of microRNAs (miRNAs) in white blood cells (WBC) in response to two different energy-restricted diets in patients with metabolic syndrome in the Metabolic Syndrome Reduction in Navarra-Spain (RESMENA) study.

METHODS

A subsample of 24 patients with metabolic syndrome features from the randomized, prospective, parallel-designed RESMENA study was selected for this analysis. The RESMENA study consisted of two dietary strategies with a 30% energy restriction: RESMENA (high meal frequency and high adherence to the Mediterranean diet) and control (based on recommendations from the American Heart Association) groups. Anthropometric and biochemical parameters as well as miRNA expression in WBC by miRNA-seq were measured before and after 8 wk of intervention.

RESULTS

A total of 49 miRNAs were differentially expressed after 8 wk of dietary intervention, 35 from the American Heart Association and 14 from the RESMENA diet. MiR-410, miR-637, miR-214, and miR-190 evidenced the most significant expression changes due to the weight loss intervention (P < 0.01). MiR-2115, -587, and -96 showed differential expressions between the two dietary strategies after 8 wk of intervention. The expression of several miRNAs was significantly associated with anthropometric and biochemical parameters: miR-410 levels positively correlated with circulating leptin and body mass index (BMI), and miR-587 expression was associated with vascular cell adhesion protein 1.

CONCLUSIONS

Different dietary patterns induce specific changes in miRNA expression in WBC. The associations of specific miRNAs with biochemical and anthropometric parameters suggest that these miRNAs might be directly or indirectly involved in the effects of weight-loss diets with different foods and macronutrient composition, and participate in the regulation of metabolic diseases.

Identification of Modulated MicroRNAs Associated with Breast Cancer, Diet, and Physical Activity

Simple Summary

Healthy diet and physical activity are able to induce beneficial molecular modifications that have been associated with a lower risk of breast cancer (BC) incidence and a better prognosis for BC patients. Although the beneficial effects of healthy lifestyle have been described, the beneficial epigenetic modifications induced by dietary and exercise intervention in BC patients have not been elucidated yet. On these bases, the aim of the present study was to computationally identify microRNAs (miRNAs) strictly associated with BC progression and with dietary and exercise interventions. Through several computational approaches, a set of miRNAs modulated by diet and exercise and useful as diagnostic and prognostic biomarkers for BC was identified. The results obtained represent the starting point for further validation analyses performed on BC patients undergoing lifestyle interventions to propose the miRNAs here identified as novel biomarkers for BC management.

Abstract

Background: Several studies have shown that healthy lifestyles prevent the risk of breast cancer (BC) and are associated with better prognosis. It was hypothesized that lifestyle strategies induce microRNA (miRNA) modulation that, in turn, may lead to important epigenetic modifications. The identification of miRNAs associated with BC, diet, and physical activity may give further insights into the role played by lifestyle interventions and their efficacy for BC patients. To predict which miRNAs may be modulated by diet and physical activity in BC patients, the analyses of different miRNA expression datasets were performed. Methods: The GEO DataSets database was used to select miRNA expression datasets related to BC patients, dietary interventions, and physical exercise. Further bioinformatic approaches were used to establish the value of selected miRNAs in BC development and prognosis. Results: The analysis of datasets allowed the selection of modulated miRNAs associated with BC development, diet, and physical exercise. Seven miRNAs were also associated with the overall survival of BC patients. Conclusions: The identified miRNAs may play a role in the development of BC and may have a prognostic value in patients treated with integrative interventions including diet and physical activity. Validation of such modulated miRNAs on BC patients undergoing lifestyle strategies will be mandatory.

Perioperative Heart-Brain Axis Protection in Obese Surgical Patients: The Nutrigenomic Approach

The number of obese patients undergoing cardiac and noncardiac surgery is rapidly increasing because they are more prone to concomitant diseases, such as diabetes, thrombosis, sleep-disordered breathing, cardiovascular and cerebrovascular disorders. Even if guidelines are already available to manage anesthesia and surgery of obese patients, the assessment of the perioperative morbidity and mortality from heart and brain disorders in morbidly obese surgical patients will be challenging in the next years. The present review will recapitulate the new mechanisms underlying the Heart-brain Axis (HBA) vulnerability during the perioperative period in healthy and morbidly obese patients. Finally, we will describe the nutrigenomics approach, an emerging noninvasive dietary tool, to maintain a healthy body weight and to minimize the HBA propensity to injury in obese individuals undergoing all types of surgery by personalized intake of plant compounds that may regulate the switch from health to disease in an epigenetic manner. Our review provides current insights into the mechanisms underlying HBA response in obese surgical patients and how they are modulated by epigenetically active food constituents.

Expression of microRNA in follicular fluid in women with and without PCOS

Several studies have shown the expression of small non-coding microRNA (miRNA) changes in PCOS and their expression in follicular fluid has been described, though the number of studies remains small. In this prospective cohort study, miRNA were measured using quantitative polymerase chain reaction (qPCR) in 29 weight and aged matched anovulatory women with PCOS and 30 women without from follicular fluid taken at the time of oocyte retrieval who were undergoing in vitro fertilization (IVF); miRNA levels were determined from a miRNA data set. 176 miRNA were detected, of which 29 differed significantly between normal women and PCOS women. Of these, the top 7 (p < 0.015) were miR-381-3p, miR-199b-5p, miR-93-3p, miR-361-3p, miR-127-3p, miR-382-5p, miR-425-3p. In PCOS, miR-382-5p correlated with age and free androgen index (FAI), miR-199b-5p correlated with anti-mullerian hormone (AMH) and miR-93-3p correlated with C-reactive protein (CRP). In normal controls, miR-127-3p, miR-382-5p and miR-425-3p correlated with the fertilisation rate; miR-127-3p correlated with insulin resistance and miR-381-3p correlated with FAI. Ingenuity pathway assessment revealed that 12 of the significantly altered miRNA related to reproductive pathways, 12 miRNA related to the inflammatory disease pathway and 6 were implicated in benign pelvic disease. MiRNAs differed in the follicular fluid between PCOS and normal control women, correlating with age, FAI, inflammation and AMH in PCOS, and with BMI, fertilization rate (3 miRNA), insulin resistance, FAI and inflammation in control women, according to Ingenuity Pathway Analysis.

The Involvement of Peripheral and Brain Insulin Resistance in Late Onset Alzheimer's Dementia

Nowadays, Alzheimer's disease (AD) is a severe sociological and clinical problem. Since it was first described, there has been a constant increase in its incidence and, for now, there are no effective treatments since current approved medications have only shown short-term symptomatic benefits. Therefore, it is imperative to increase efforts in the search for molecules and non-pharmacological strategies that are capable of slowing or stopping the progress of the disease and, ideally, to reverse it. The amyloid cascade hypothesis based on the fundamental role of amyloid has been the central hypothesis in the last 30 years. However, since amyloid-directed treatments have shown no relevant beneficial results other theories have been postulated to explain the origin of the pathology. The brain is a highly metabolically active energy-consuming tissue in the human body. It has an almost complete dependence on the metabolism of glucose and uses most of its energy for synaptic transmission. Thus, alterations on the utilization or availability of glucose may be cause for the appearance of neurodegenerative pathologies like AD. In this review article, the hypothesis known as Type 3 Diabetes (T3D) will be evaluated by summarizing some of the data that has been reported in recent years. According to published research, the adherence over time to low saturated fatty acids diets in the context of the Mediterranean diet would reduce the inflammatory levels in brain, with a decrease in the pro-inflammatory glial activation and mitochondrial oxidative stress. In this situation, the insulin receptor pathway would be able to fine tune the mitochondrial biogenesis in neuronal cells, regulation the adenosine triphosphate/adenosine diphosphate intracellular balance, and becoming a key factor involved in the preservation of the synaptic connexions and neuronal plasticity. In addition, new targets and strategies for the treatment of AD will be considered in this review for their potential as new pharmacological or non-pharmacological approaches.

Deduction of Novel Genes Potentially Involved in Keratinocytes of Type 2 Diabetes Using Next-Generation Sequencing and Bioinformatics Approaches

Keratinocytes constitute the major cell type of epidermis, which participates in re-epithelialization during wound repair and the immune defense response to pathogens. The aim of the current study was to explore the differentially expressed genes and novel microRNA (miRNA) regulations that are potentially involved in diabetic keratinocytes through next-generation sequencing (NGS) and bioinformatics approaches. A total of 420 differentially expressed genes between normal and diabetic keratinocytes were identified, and systematic bioinformatics analyses indicated that these differentially expressed genes were functionally enriched in interferon-alpha signaling, viral defense response, and immune response. Additionally, the potential miR-340-3p-DTX3L interaction that has been systematically validated in miRNA prediction databases was proposed to participate in the disrupted skin homeostasis, altering the defense and immune response of diabetic skin. The findings may provide new insights into understanding the pathogenesis of epidermal pathologies in diabetic patients and targeting novel molecules to advance diabetic skin care in clinical practice.