Circulating plasma microRNAs dysregulation and metabolic endotoxemia induced by a high-fat high-saturated diet

Plasma Extracellular MicroRNAs Associated With Cardiovascular Disease Risk Factors in Middle-Aged and Older Adults

BACKGROUND

Extracellular microRNAs (miRNAs) are a class of noncoding RNAs that remain stable in the extracellular milieu, where they contribute to various physiological and pathological processes by facilitating intercellular signaling. Previous studies have reported associations between miRNAs and cardiovascular diseases (CVDs); however, the plasma miRNA signatures of CVD and its risk factors have not been fully elucidated at the population level.

METHODS AND RESULTS

Plasma miRNA levels were measured in 4440 FHS (Framingham Heart Study) participants. Linear regression analyses were conducted to test the cross-sectional associations of each miRNA with 8 CVD risk factors. Prospective analyses of the associations of miRNAs with new-onset obesity, hypertension, type 2 diabetes, CVD, and all-cause mortality were conducted using proportional hazards regression. Replication was carried out in 1999 RS (Rotterdam Study) participants. Pathway enrichment analyses were conducted and target genes were predicted for miRNAs associated with ≥5 risk factors in the FHS. In the FHS, 6 miRNAs (miR-193b-3p, miR-122-5p, miR-365a-3p, miR-194-5p, miR-192-5p, and miR-193a-5p) were associated with ≥5 risk factors. This miRNA signature was enriched for pathways associated with CVD and several genes annotated to these pathways were predicted targets of the identified miRNAs. Furthermore, miR-193b-3p, miR-194-5p, and miR-193a-5p were each associated with ≥2 risk factors in the RS. Prospective analysis revealed 8 miRNAs associated with all-cause mortality in the FHS.

CONCLUSIONS

These findings highlight associations between miRNAs and CVD risk factors that may provide valuable insights into the underlying pathogenesis of CVD.

Plant foods, healthy plant-based diets, and type 2 diabetes: a review of the evidence

Type 2 diabetes (T2D) is a metabolic chronic disease in which insulin resistance and insufficient insulin production lead to elevated blood glucose levels. The prevalence of T2D is growing worldwide, mainly due to obesity and the adoption of Western diets. Replacing animal foods with healthy plant foods is associated with a lower risk of T2D in prospective studies. In randomized controlled trials, the consumption of healthy plant foods in place of animal foods led to cardiometabolic improvements in patients with T2D or who were at high risk of the disease. Dietary patterns that limit or exclude animal foods and focus on healthy plant foods (eg, fruits, vegetables, whole grains, nuts, legumes), known as healthy, plant-based diets, are consistently associated with a lower risk of T2D in cohort studies. The aim of this review is to examine the differential effects of plant foods and animal foods on T2D risk and to describe the existing literature about the role of healthy, plant-based diets, particularly healthy vegan diets, in T2D prevention and management. The evidence from cohort studies and randomized controlled trials will be reported, in addition to the potential biological mechanisms that seem to be involved.

Intestinal GSTpi deficiency exacerbates the severity of experimental hyperlipidemic acute pancreatitis

Intestinal dysfunction plays a pivotal role in the development of acute pancreatitis (AP), however, the underlying mechanisms of intestinal dysfunction on severity of hyperlipidemic acute pancreatitis (HLAP) are still unclear. Herein, we explored the role of intestinal function on the severity of HLAP. We found that HLAP patients exhibit higher lipid and inflammatory response than AP patients. Hyperlipidemia significantly elevates serum lipids and worsen pancreatic damage in AP mice. In addition, significant exacerbated intestinal barrier damage and inflammation were observed in experimental HLAP mice, as evidenced by increased serum amylase and lipase levels, and pancreatic edema. Further, RNA-Seq showed that a markedly decrease of glutathione S-transferase pi (GSTpi) in colonic tissue of HLAP mice compared with AP mice, accompanied with increased serum lipopolysaccharides level. However, colonic GSTpi overexpression by adeno-associated virus significantly attenuated intestinal damage and subsequent pancreatic inflammation in HLAP mice. Mechanistically, GSTpi mitigated HLAP-mediated colonic NLRP3 inflammasome activation and barrier dysfunction. These results suggest that intestinal GSTpi deficiency exacerbates the severity of experimental HLAP, providing new insights for the clinical treatment of HLAP.

Human MicroRNAs Modulated by Diet: A Scoping Review

Because of their role in regulating and fine-tuning gene expression in the posttranscriptional period, microRNA (miRNA) may represent a mediating factor that connects diet and metabolic regulation. Given the vast number of miRNAs and that modulations in miRNA happen in response to a variety of stimuli, a comprehensive registry of miRNAs impacted by diet and the food items that modulate them, would have utility in the identification of miRNA complements for analysis of diet interventions and in helping to establish linkages between the specific impacts of diet components. A scoping literature search of online databases (PubMed, SCOPUS, EMBASE, and Web of Science) was performed. Only studies in human populations, those that used a diet intervention or meal challenge, and those that measured miRNA profiles in the same subject at multiple time points were included. Of the 6167 studies screened, only 25 met the study criteria and were included in the review. Seven studies examined miRNA following a meal challenge, whereas 18 investigated miRNA following a sustained diet intervention. The results demonstrated that miRNA are modulated following a variety of diet interventions and that intensity of miRNA response is greater in metabolically healthy subjects. Heterogeneity in the intensity and length of the diet intervention, the study populations being observed, and the methodology through which target miRNA are identified contribute to a lack of comparability across studies. The findings of this review highlight the need for more study of miRNA responsiveness to intake and provide recommendations for future research.

Subpar reporting of pre-analytical variables in RNA-focused blood plasma studies

Extracellular RNA (cell-free RNA; exRNA) from blood-derived liquid biopsies is an appealing, minimally invasive source of disease biomarkers. As pre-analytical variables strongly influence exRNA measurements, their reporting is essential for meaningful interpretation and replication of results. The aim of this review was to chart to what extent pre-analytical variables are documented, to pinpoint shortcomings and to improve future reporting. In total, 200 blood plasma exRNA studies published in 2018 or 2023 were reviewed for annotation of 22 variables associated with blood collection, plasma preparation, and RNA purification. Our results show that pre-analytical variables are poorly documented, with only three out of 22 variables described in over half of the publications. The percentage of variables reported ranged from 4.6% to 54.6% (mean 24.84%) in 2023 and from 4.6% to 57.1% (mean 28.60%) in 2018. Recommendations and guidelines (i.e., BRISQ, ASCO-CAP, BloodPAC, PPMPT, and CEN standards) have currently not resulted in improved reporting. In conclusion, our results highlight the lack of reporting pre-analytical variables in exRNA studies and advocate for a consistent use of available standards, endorsed by funders and journals.

P-MSC-derived extracellular vesicles facilitate diabetic wound healing via miR-145-5p/ CDKN1A-mediated functional improvements of high glucose-induced senescent fibroblasts

Background

Persistent hyperglycaemia in diabetes causes functional abnormalities of human dermal fibroblasts (HDFs), partially leading to delayed skin wound healing. Extracellular vesicles (EVs) containing multiple pro-healing microRNAs (miRNAs) have been shown to exert therapeutic effects on diabetic wound healing. The present study aimed to observe the effects of EVs derived from placental mesenchymal stem cells (P-MSC-EVs) on diabetic wound healing and high glucose (HG)-induced senescent fibroblasts and to explore the underlying mechanisms.

Methods

P-MSC-EVs were isolated by differential ultracentrifugation and locally injected into the full-thickness skin wounds of diabetic mice, to observe the beneficial effects on wound healing in vivo by measuring wound closure rates and histological analysis. Next, a series of assays were conducted to evaluate the effects of low (2.28 x 1010 particles/ml) and high (4.56 x 1010 particles/ml) concentrations of P-MSC-EVs on the senescence, proliferation, migration, and apoptosis of HG-induced senescent HDFs in vitro. Then, miRNA microarrays and real-time quantitative PCR (RT-qPCR) were carried out to detect the differentially expressed miRNAs in HDFs after EVs treatment. Specific RNA inhibitors, miRNA mimics, and small interfering RNA (siRNA) were used to evaluate the role of a candidate miRNA and its target genes in P-MSC-EV-induced improvements in the function of HG-induced senescent HDFs.

Results

Local injection of P-MSC-EVs into diabetic wounds accelerated wound closure and reduced scar widths, with better-organized collagen deposition and decreased p16INK4a expression. In vitro, P-MSC-EVs enhanced the antisenescence, proliferation, migration, and antiapoptotic abilities of HG-induced senescent fibroblasts in a dose-dependent manner. MiR-145-5p was found to be highly enriched in P-MSC-EVs. MiR-145-5p inhibitors effectively attenuated the P-MSC-EV-induced functional improvements of senescent fibroblasts. MiR-145-5p mimics simulated the effects of P-MSC-EVs on functional improvements of fibroblasts by suppressing the expression of cyclin-dependent kinase inhibitor 1A and activating the extracellular signal regulated kinase (Erk)/protein kinase B (Akt) signaling pathway. Furthermore, local application of miR-145-5p agomir mimicked the effects of P-MSC-EVs on wound healing.

Conclusions

These results suggest that P-MSC-EVs accelerate diabetic wound healing by improving the function of senescent fibroblasts through the transfer of miR-145-5p, which targets cyclin-dependent kinase inhibitor 1A to activate the Erk/Akt signaling pathway. P-MSC-EVs are promising therapeutic candidates for diabetic wound treatment.

Blood orange juice intake modulates plasma and PBMC microRNA expression in overweight and insulin-resistant women: impact on MAPK and NFκB signaling pathways

Blood orange consumption presents potential health benefits and may modulate epigenetic mechanisms such as microRNAs (miRNAs) expression. MiRNAs are non-coding RNAs responsible for post-transcriptional gene regulation, and these molecules can also be used as biomarkers in body fluids. This study was designed to investigate the effect of chronic blood orange juice (BOJ) intake on the inflammatory response and miRNA expression profile in plasma and blood cells in overweight women. The study cohort was comprised of twenty women aged 18-40 years old, diagnosed as overweight, who consumed 500 mL/d of BOJ for four weeks. Clinical data were collected at baseline and after 4 weeks of juice consumption, e.g., anthropometric and hemodynamic parameters, food intake, blood cell count, and metabolic and inflammatory biomarkers. BOJ samples were analyzed and characterized. Additionally, plasma and blood cells were also collected for miRNA expression profiling and evaluation of the expression of genes and proteins in the MAPK and NFκB signaling pathways. BOJ intake increased the expression of miR-144-3p in plasma and the expression of miR-424-5p, miR-144-3p, and miR-130b-3p in peripheral blood mononuclear cells (PBMC). Conversely, the beverage intake decreased the expression of let-7f-5p and miR-126-3p in PBMC. Computational analyses identified different targets of the dysregulated miRNA on inflammatory pathways. Furthermore, BOJ intake increased vitamin C consumption and the pJNK/JNK ratio and decreased the expression of IL6 mRNA and NFκB protein. These results demonstrate that BOJ regulates the expression of genes involved in the inflammatory process and decreases NFкB-protein expression in PBMC.

Acute green tea intake attenuates circulating microRNA expression induced by a high-fat, high-saturated meal in obese women: A randomized crossover study

The objective of this study was to assess whether acute green tea (GT) supplementation attenuates inflammatory and oxidative stress biomarkers induced by high-fat, high-saturated (HFHS) meals in obese women, and to assess its ability to modulate circulating microRNA (miRNA) expression. This was a randomized, double-blind, crossover study. The study included obese women over 18 years old who had no comorbidities. In the first moment, patients were instructed to take 2 capsules of placebo or GT (738 mg) at 10:00 p.m. and to fast overnight. The next morning, a blood sample was collected, and an HFHS meal was offered to the patients. Another blood sample was collected 5 hours after the meal. In the second moment, patients who received placebo in the first moment now received the GT and vice-versa. Serum inflammatory and oxidative stress biomarkers were measured, and circulating levels of miRNA were evaluated. Fifteen women with mean age of 35.5±9.9 years were included in the final analysis. There was no difference regarding inflammatory and oxidative stress biomarkers. However, patients who consumed GT had lower circulating expression of 62 miRNAs compared with patients who did not consume GT. Predictive analysis of target genes showed 1,757 targets regulated by the 62 miRNAs. Notably, 5 miRNAs (miR-1297, miR-192-5p, miR-373-3p, miR-595 and miR-1266-5p) regulate genes associated with TGF-beta, CARM1, RSK, and BMP pathways. Our study showed that GT inhibited the expression of miRNAs induced by HFHS meal intake. These results shed light on the mechanisms involved in the beneficial effects of GT ingestion.

Relationship between the Dietary Inflammatory Index and Cardiovascular Health among Children

BACKGROUND

The aim of this study was to evaluate the relationship between the Dietary Inflammatory Index (DII®) and cardiovascular health indicators in children.

METHODS

The sample consisted of 365 schoolchildren aged 8 to 12 from the Region of Madrid. Anthropometric and hemodynamic measurements were collected. Variables relating to habits and lifestyles, parental level of education, and data on their diet, through three 24 h food recall surveys, were also collected. The diet quality indicators considered are the DII based on 25 nutrients and the KIDMED index.

RESULTS

Children with a more pro-inflammatory diet came from families with lower levels of parental education (p < 0.05). Predictive models show that in the group with a more pro-inflammatory diet (>P50), the likelihood of developing hypertension in childhood is 2.1 times higher (OR = 2.085 (1.107-3.927)) and they have more than twice the risk of developing obesity (OR = 2.3) or developing obesity and hypertension simultaneously (OR = 1.290 (1.316-3.985)). Furthermore, predictive models showed that the children with a pro-inflammatory diet (>P50) had higher values for BFM% (β = 1.957; p = 0.026) and BMI (β = 0.015; p = 0.012) than children with a lower inflammatory diet (

CONCLUSIONS

Higher values on the DII are related to poorer nutritional status and cardiovascular health in childhood. Thus, a pro-inflammatory diet is also associated with a lower socio-economic level and poorer diet quality.

Collapse

Key Words

• 24 h recall surveys
• KIDMED
• blood pressure
• body fat mass
• cardiovascular health
• children
• dietary inflammatory index
• lifestyles

Collapse

MESH Headings

• Child
• Humans
• Body Mass Index
• Inflammation/epidemiology
• Diet
• Obesity
• Hypertension/epidemiology

Collapse

Grants Collapse

Affiliation(s)

Ana Isabel Mora-Urda Departamento de Didácticas Específicas, Facultad de Formación del Profesorado, Universidad Autónoma de Madrid, 28049 Madrid, Spain
Francisco Javier Martín-Almena Facultad de Ciencias de la Salud, Universidad Católica de Ávila, 05005 Avila, Spain
María del Pilar Montero López Departamento de Biología, Facultad de Ciencias, Universidad Autónoma de Madrid, 28049 Madrid, Spain

Collapse

Natural history of circulating miRNAs in Duchenne disease: Association with muscle injury and metabolic parameters

OBJECTIVES

This study aimed to evaluate whether the expression of circulating dystromiRs and a group of oxidative stress-related (OS-R) miRNAs is associated with muscle injury and circulating metabolic parameters in Duchenne muscular dystrophy (DMD) patients.

METHODS

Twenty-four DMD patients were included in this cross-sectional study. Clinical scales to evaluate muscle injury (Vignos, GMFCS, Brooke, and Medical Research Council), enzymatic muscle injury parameters (CPK, ALT, and AST), anthropometry, metabolic indicators, physical activity, serum dystromiRs (miR-1-3p, miR-133a-3p, and miR-206), and OS-R miRNAs (miR-21-5p, miR-31-5p, miR-128-3p, and miR-144-3p) levels were measured in ambulatory and non-ambulatory DMD patients.

RESULTS

DystromiRs (except miR-1-3p) and miRNAs OS-R levels were lower (p-value <.05) in the non-ambulatory group than the ambulatory group. The expression of those miRNAs correlated with Vignos scale score (For instance, rho = -0.567, p-value <0.05 for miR-21-5p) and with other scales scores of muscle function and strength. CPK, AST, and ALT concentration correlated with expression of all miRNAs (For instance, rho = 0.741, p-value <.05 between miR-206 level and AST concentration). MiR-21-5p level correlated with glucose concentration (rho = -0.369, p-value = .038), and the miR-1-3p level correlated with insulin concentration (rho = 0.343, p-value = .05).

CONCLUSIONS

Non-ambulatory DMD patients have lower circulating dystromiRs and OS-R miRNAs levels than ambulatory DMD patients. The progressive muscle injury is associated with a decrease in the expression of those miRNAs, evidencing DMD progress. These findings add new information about the natural history of DMD.

Quantitative Prediction of Steatosis in Patients with Non-Alcoholic Fatty Liver by Means of Hepatic MicroRNAs Present in Serum and Correlating with Hepatic Fat

Non-alcoholic fatty liver disease (NAFLD) is the most prevalent form of chronic liver disease worldwide, but a reliable non-invasive method to quantify liver steatosis in primary healthcare is not available. Circulating microRNAs have been proposed as biomarkers of severe/advanced NAFLD (steatohepatitis and fibrosis). However, the use of circulating miRNAs to quantitatively assess the % of liver fat in suspected NAFLD patients has not been investigated. We performed global miRNA sequencing in two sets of samples: human livers from organ donors (n = 20), and human sera from biopsy-proven NAFLD patients (n = 23), both with a wide range of steatosis quantified in their liver biopsies. Partial least squares (PLS) regression combined with recursive feature elimination (RFE) was used to select miRNAs associated with steatosis. Moreover, regression models with only 2 or 3 miRNAs, with high biological relevance, were built. Comprehensive microRNA sequencing of liver and serum samples resulted in two sets of abundantly expressed miRNAs (418 in liver and 351 in serum). Pearson correlation analyses indicated that 18% of miRNAs in liver and 14.5% in serum were significantly associated with the amount of liver fat. PLS-RFE models demonstrated that 50 was the number of miRNAs providing the lowest error in both liver and serum models predicting steatosis. Comparison of the two miRNA subsets showed 19 coincident miRNAs that were ranked according to biological significance (guide/passenger strand, relative abundance in liver and serum, number of predicted lipid metabolism target genes, correlation significance, etc.). Among them, miR-10a-5p, miR-98-5p, miR-19a-3p, miR-30e-5p, miR-32-5p and miR-145-5p showed the highest biological relevance. PLS regression models with serum levels of 2−3 of these miRNAs predicted the % of liver fat with errors <5%.

Nutrition for precision health: The time is now

Precision nutrition has emerged as a boiling area of nutrition research, with a particular focus on revealing the individual variability in response to diets that is determined mainly by the complex interactions of dietary factors with the multi-tiered "omics" makeups. Reproducible findings from the observational studies and diet intervention trials have lent preliminary but consistent evidence to support the fundamental role of gene-diet interactions in determining the individual variability in health outcomes including obesity and weight loss. Recent investigations suggest that the abundance and diversity of the gut microbiome may also modify the dietary effects; however, considerable instability in the results from the microbiome research has been noted. In addition, growing studies suggest that a complicated multiomics algorithm would be developed by incorporating the genome, epigenome, metabolome, proteome, and microbiome in predicting the individual variability in response to diets. Moreover, precision nutrition would also scrutinize the role of biological (circadian) rhythm in determining the individual variability of dietary effects. The evidence gathered from precision nutrition research will be the basis for constructing precision health dietary recommendations, which hold great promise to help individuals and their health care providers create precise and effective diet plans for precision health in the future.

MicroRNAs in obesity, sarcopenia, and commonalities for sarcopenic obesity: a systematic review

Sarcopenic obesity is a distinct condition of sarcopenia in the context of obesity, with the cumulative health risks of both phenotypes. Differential expression of microRNAs (miRNAs) has been reported separately in people with obesity and sarcopenia and may play a role in the pathogenesis of sarcopenic obesity. However, this has not been explored to date. This study aimed to identify differentially expressed miRNAs reported in serum, plasma, and skeletal muscle of people with obesity and sarcopenia and whether there are any commonalities between these conditions. We performed a systematic review on Embase and MEDLINE (PROSPERO, CRD42020224486) for differentially expressed miRNAs (fold change >1.5 or P-value <0.05) in (i) sarcopenia or frailty and (ii) obesity or metabolic syndrome. The functions and targets of miRNAs commonly changed in both conditions, in the same direction, were searched using PubMed. Following deduplication, 247 obesity and 42 sarcopenia studies were identified for full-text screening. Screening identified 36 obesity and 6 sarcopenia studies for final inclusion. A total of 351 miRNAs were identified in obesity and 157 in sarcopenia. Fifty-five miRNAs were identified in both obesity and sarcopenia-by sample type, 48 were found in plasma and one each in serum and skeletal muscle. Twenty-four miRNAs were identified from 10 of the included studies as commonly changed in the same direction (22 in plasma and one each in serum and skeletal muscle) in obesity and sarcopenia. The majority of miRNA-validated targets identified in the literature search were members of the phosphoinositide 3-kinase/protein kinase B and transforming growth factor-β signalling pathways. The most common targets identified were insulin-like growth factor 1 (miR-424-5p, miR-483-3p, and miR-18b-5p) and members of the SMAD family (miR-483-3p, miR-92a-3p, and miR-424-5p). The majority of commonly changed miRNAs were involved in protein homeostasis, mitochondrial dynamics, determination of muscle fibre type, insulin resistance, and adipogenesis. Twenty-four miRNAs were identified as commonly dysregulated in obesity and sarcopenia with functions and targets implicated in the pathogenesis of sarcopenic obesity. Given the adverse health outcomes associated with sarcopenic obesity, understanding the pathogenesis underlying this phenotype has the potential to lead to effective screening, monitoring, or treatment strategies. Further research is now required to confirm whether these miRNAs are differentially expressed in older adults with sarcopenic obesity.

The Exposome and Immune Health in Times of the COVID-19 Pandemic

Growing evidence supports the importance of lifestyle and environmental exposures-collectively referred to as the 'exposome'-for ensuring immune health. In this narrative review, we summarize and discuss the effects of the different exposome components (physical activity, body weight management, diet, sun exposure, stress, sleep and circadian rhythms, pollution, smoking, and gut microbiome) on immune function and inflammation, particularly in the context of the current coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) pandemic. We highlight the potential role of 'exposome improvements' in the prevention-or amelioration, once established-of this disease as well as their effect on the response to vaccination. In light of the existing evidence, the promotion of a healthy exposome should be a cornerstone in the prevention and management of the COVID-19 pandemic and other eventual pandemics.

Postprandial plasma lipidome responses to a high-fat meal among healthy women

Postprandial lipemia consists of changes in concentrations and composition of plasma lipids after food intake, commonly presented as increased levels of triglyceride-rich lipoproteins. Postprandial hypertriglyceridemia may also affect high-density lipoprotein (HDL) structure and function, resulting in a net decrease in HDL concentrations. Elevated triglycerides (TG) and reduced HDL levels have been positively associated with risk of cardiovascular diseases development. Here, we investigated the plasma lipidome composition of 12 clinically healthy, nonobese and young women in response to an acute high-caloric (1135 kcal) and high-fat (64 g) breakfast meal. For this purpose, we employed a detailed untargeted mass spectrometry-based lipidomic approach and data was obtained at four sampling points: fasting and 1, 3 and 5 h postprandial. Analysis of variance revealed 73 significantly altered lipid species between all sampling points. Nonetheless, two divergent subgroups have emerged at 5 h postprandial as a function of differential plasma lipidome responses, and were thereby designated slow and fast TG metabolizers. Late responses by slow TG metabolizers were associated with increased concentrations of several species of TG and phosphatidylinositol (PI). Lipidomic analysis of lipoprotein fractions at 5 h postprandial revealed higher TG and PI concentrations in HDL from slow relative to fast TG metabolizers, but not in apoB-containing fraction. These data indicate that modulations in HDL lipidome during prolonged postprandial lipemia may potentially impact HDL functions. A comprehensive characterization of plasma lipidome responses to acute metabolic challenges may contribute to a better understanding of diet/lifestyle regulation in the metabolism of lipid and glucose.

Circulating MicroRNA Responses to Postprandial Lipemia with or without Prior Exercise

Repeated exposure to a high-fat meal triggers inflammation and oxidative stress, contributing to the onset of cardiometabolic diseases. Regular exercise prevents cardiometabolic diseases and a prior bout of acute endurance exercise can counteract the detrimental cardiovascular effects of a subsequent high-fat meal. Circulating microRNAs (ci-miRs) are potential mediators of these vascular effects through regulation of gene expression at the posttranscriptional level. Therefore, we investigated the expression of ci-miRs related to vascular function (miR-21, miR-92a, miR-126, miR-146a, miR-150, miR-155, miR-181b, miR-221, miR-222) in plasma from healthy, recreationally to highly active, Caucasian adult men after a high-fat meal with (EX) and without (CON) a preceding bout of cycling exercise. Ci-miR-155 was the only ci-miR for which there was a significant interaction effect of high-fat meal and exercise (p=0.050). Ci-miR-155 significantly increased in the CON group at two (p=0.007) and four hours (p=0.010) after the high-fat meal test, whereas it significantly increased in the EX group only four hours after the meal (p=0.0004). There were significant main effects of the high-fat meal on ci-miR-21 (p=0.01), ci-miR-126 (p=0.02), ci-miR-146a (p=0.02), ci-miR-181b (p=0.02), and ci-miR-221 (p=0.008). Collectively, our results suggest that prior exercise does not prevent high-fat meal-induced increases in vascular-related ci-miRs.

High fructose exposure modifies the amount of adipocyte-secreted microRNAs into extracellular vesicles in supernatants and plasma

Background

High fructose exposure induces metabolic and endocrine responses in adipose tissue. Recent evidence suggests that microRNAs in extracellular vesicles are endocrine signals secreted by adipocytes. Fructose exposure on the secretion of microRNA by tissues and cells is poorly studied. Thus, the aim of this study was to evaluate the effect of fructose exposure on the secretion of selected microRNAs in extracellular vesicles from 3T3-L1 cells and plasma from Wistar rats.

Methods

3T3-L1 cells were exposed to 550 µM of fructose or standard media for four days, microRNAs levels were determined in extracellular vesicles of supernatants and cells by RT-qPCR. Wistar rats were exposed to either 20% fructose drink or tap water for eight weeks, microRNAs levels were determined in extracellular vesicles of plasma and adipose tissue by RT-qPCR.

Results

This study showed that fructose exposure increased the total number of extracellular vesicles released by 3T3-L1 cells (p = 0.0001). The levels of miR-143-5p were increased in extracellular vesicles of 3T3-L1 cells exposed to fructose (p = 0.0286), whereas miR-223-3p levels were reduced (p = 0.0286). Moreover, in plasma-derived extracellular vesicles, miR-143-5p was higher in fructose-fed rats (p = 0.001), whereas miR-223-3p (p = 0.022), miR-342-3p (p = 0.0011), miR-140-5p (p = 0.0129) and miR-146b-5p (p = 0.0245) were lower.

Conclusion

Fructose exposure modifies the levels of microRNAs in extracellular vesicles in vitro and in vivo. In particular, fructose exposure increases miR-143-5p, while decreases miR-223-3p and miR-342-3p.

Prospective Study on Plasma MicroRNA-4286 and Incident Acute Coronary Syndrome

Background Mounting evidence suggests that circulating microRNAs (miRNAs) are critical indicators of cardiovascular disease. However, prospective studies linking circulating miRNAs to incident acute coronary syndrome (ACS) are limited, and the underlying effect of associated miRNA on incident ACS remains unknown. Methods and Results Based on a 2-stage prospective nested case-control design within the Dongfeng-Tongji cohort, we profiled plasma miRNAs from 23 pairs of incident ACS cases and controls by microarray and validated the candidate miRNAs in 572 incident ACS case-control pairs using quantitative real-time polymerase chain reaction. We observed that plasma miR-4286 was associated with higher risk of ACS (adjusted odds ratio according to an interquartile range increase, 1.26 [95% CI, 1.07-1.48]). Further association analysis revealed that triglyceride was positively associated with plasma miR-4286, and an interquartile range increase in triglyceride was associated with an 11.04% (95% CI, 3.77%-18.83%) increase in plasma miR-4286. In addition, the Mendelian randomization analysis suggested a potential causal effect of triglyceride on plasma miR-4286 (β coefficients: 0.27 [95% CI, 0.01-0.53] and 0.27 [95% CI, 0.07-0.47] separately by inverse variance-weighted and Mendelian randomization-pleiotropy residual sum and outlier tests). Moreover, the causal mediation analysis indicated that plasma miR-4286 explained 5.5% (95% CI, 0.7%-17.0%) of the association of triglyceride with incident ACS. Conclusions Higher level of plasma miR-4286 was associated with an increased risk of ACS. The upregulated miR-4286 in plasma can be attributed to higher triglyceride level and may mediate the effect of triglyceride on incident ACS.

Effects of exercise and diet intervention on appetite-regulating hormones associated with miRNAs in obese children

AIMS

This study investigated the effects of exercise and diet intervention on appetite-regulating hormones and subjective appetite changes in obese children and examined expressions of specific key microRNAs (miRNA, miR).

METHODS

16 obese children were included in a training program consisting of exercise and diet intervention for 6 weeks. Before and after the intervention, fasting blood was collected to determine appetite-regulating hormones (leptin, ghrelin, and orexin) and miRNA (miR-103a-3p and miR-200a-3p) levels; eating behavior of the children was reported using the Children Eating Behavior Questionnaire (CEBQ).

RESULTS

The level of orexin was significantly decreased (P < 0.05), while ghrelin was significantly enhanced (P < 0.05) after 6 weeks. The scores of food responsiveness (FR) and enjoyment of food (EF) of the CEBQ were significantly decreased (P < 0.05) after intervention. The changes of leptin and that of SR were significantly correlated (r = - 0.455, P < 0.05), and the correlation between the alterations of orexin and that of EF was moderate with significance (r = 0.625, P < 0.05). miR-103a-3p expression was not statistically changed, while miR-200a-3p was significantly inhibited after 6-week intervention (P < 0.05). The correlation between relative changes of miR-103a-3p and that of leptin and orexin were both with significant difference (r = 0.413, P < 0.05; r = 0.409, P < 0.05), whereas the alterations of miR-200a-3p were not correlative with hormones or appetite sensation.

CONCLUSION

Exercise combined with diet intervention for 6 weeks was effective in regulating appetite sensations and hormones in obese children, and miR-103a-3p and miR-200a-3p might provide a foundation for target biomarkers of appetite trait in modulating the energy balance control by exercise and dietary intervention.

LEVEL OF EVIDENCE

Level III, case-control analytic study.

TRIAL REGISTRATION

The trial was registered in ClinicalTrials.gov (NCT03762629).

Adipose Tissue Macrophage Polarization in Healthy and Unhealthy Obesity

Over 650 million adults are obese (body mass index ≥ 30 kg/m²) worldwide. Obesity is commonly associated with several comorbidities, including cardiovascular disease and type II diabetes. However, compiled estimates suggest that from 5 to 40% of obese individuals do not experience metabolic or cardiovascular complications. The existence of the metabolically unhealthy obese (MUO) and the metabolically healthy obese (MHO) phenotypes suggests that underlying differences exist in both tissues and overall systemic function. Macrophage accumulation in white adipose tissue (AT) in obesity is typically associated with insulin resistance. However, as plastic cells, macrophages respond to stimuli in their microenvironments, altering their polarization between pro- and anti-inflammatory phenotypes, depending on the state of their surroundings. The dichotomous nature of MHO and MUO clinical phenotypes suggests that differences in white AT function dictate local inflammatory responses by driving changes in macrophage subtypes. As obesity requires extensive AT expansion, we posit that remodeling capacity with adipose expansion potentiates favorable macrophage profiles in MHO as compared with MUO individuals. In this review, we discuss how differences in adipogenesis, AT extracellular matrix deposition and breakdown, and AT angiogenesis perpetuate altered AT macrophage profiles in MUO compared with MHO. We discuss how non-autonomous effects of remote organ systems, including the liver, gastrointestinal tract, and cardiovascular system, interact with white adipose favorably in MHO. Preferential AT macrophage profiles in MHO stem from sustained AT function and improved overall fitness and systemic health.

Significant Changes in Serum MicroRNAs after High Tibial Osteotomy in Medial Compartmental Knee Osteoarthritis: Potential Prognostic Biomarkers

High tibial osteotomy (HTO) is an effective alternative for medial compartmental knee osteoarthritis (OA). Circulating microRNAs (miRNAs) are known to serve as OA-related biomarkers. The present study investigated the differential expression of serum miRNAs before and after HTO to identify potential miRNAs as prognostic biomarkers. miRNA-polymerase chain reaction (PCR) arrays were used to screen for miRNAs in the serum at preoperative and 6-month postoperative time points from six patients, and the differentially expressed miRNAs identified in the profiling stage were validated using real-time PCR at post-operative months 6 and 18 in 27 other HTO-treated patients. Among 84 miRNAs involved in the inflammatory process, three (miR-19b-3p, miR-29c-3p, and miR-424-5p) showed differential expression patterns in the profiling stage (p = 0.011, 0.015, and 0.021, respectively). Levels of these three and four other miRNAs (miR-140-3p, miR-454-3p, miR-let-7e-5p, and miR-885-5p) known to be related to OA progression were evaluated in the serum of 27 patients. Only four miRNAs (miR-19b-3p, miR-140-3p, miR-454-3p, and miR-let-7e-5p) were significantly upregulated at postoperative month 6 (p = 0.003, 0.005, 0.004, and 0.004, respectively), and only miR-140-3p was significantly upregulated up to 18 months after operation (p = 0.003). Together, this study reveals the significantly upregulated serum miRNAs after HTO as potential prognostic biomarkers; however, further studies are warranted to elucidate their clinical implications.

Lifestyle interventions for the prevention and treatment of hypertension

Hypertension affects approximately one third of the world's adult population and is a major cause of premature death despite considerable advances in pharmacological treatments. Growing evidence supports the use of lifestyle interventions for the prevention and adjuvant treatment of hypertension. In this Review, we provide a summary of the epidemiological research supporting the preventive and antihypertensive effects of major lifestyle interventions (regular physical exercise, body weight management and healthy dietary patterns), as well as other less traditional recommendations such as stress management and the promotion of adequate sleep patterns coupled with circadian entrainment. We also discuss the physiological mechanisms underlying the beneficial effects of these lifestyle interventions on hypertension, which include not only the prevention of traditional risk factors (such as obesity and insulin resistance) and improvements in vascular health through an improved redox and inflammatory status, but also reduced sympathetic overactivation and non-traditional mechanisms such as increased secretion of myokines.

Impact of Phenol-Enriched Virgin Olive Oils on the Postprandial Levels of Circulating microRNAs Related to Cardiovascular Disease

SCOPE

We investigate the postprandial modulation of cardiovascular-related microRNAs elicited by extra virgin olive oil (EVOOs) containing different levels of their own polyphenols.

METHODS AND RESULTS

It is randomized, postprandial, parallel, double-blind study. Twelve healthy participants consumed 30 mL of EVOO containing low (L-EVOO; 250 mg total phenols kg-1 of oil), medium (M-EVOO; 500 mg total phenols kg-1 of oil), and high (H-EVOO; 750 mg total phenols kg-1 of oil) enriched EVOOs. Postprandial plasma microRNAs levels are analyzed by real-time quantitative PCR. The results show that L-EVOO intake is associated with decreased let-7e-5p and miR-328a-3p levels and increased miR-17-5p and miR-20a-5p, concentrations. M-EVOO decreases plasma let-7e-5p and increases miR-17-5p, miR-20a-5p, and miR-192-5p levels. Finally, H-EVOO decreases let-7e-5p, miR-10a-5p, miR-21-5p, and miR-26b-5p levels.

CONCLUSION

During the postprandial state, the levels of let-7e-5p decrease with EVOO regardless of polyphenol content suggesting a general response to the fatty acid composition of EVOO or/and the presence of at least 250 mg polyphenol kg-1 olive oil. Moreover, the miR-17-92 cluster increases by low and medium polyphenol content suggesting a role in fatty acid metabolism and nutrient sensing. Thus, postprandial modulation of circulating microRNAs levels could be a potential mechanism for the cardiovascular benefits associated with EVOO intake.

Nutritional genomics, inflammation and obesity

The Human Genome Project has significantly broadened our understanding of the molecular aspects regulating the homeostasis and the pathophysiology of different clinical conditions. Consequently, the field of nutrition has been strongly influenced by such improvements in knowledge - especially for determining how nutrients act at the molecular level in different conditions, such as obesity, type 2 diabetes, cardiovascular disease, and cancer. In this manner, characterizing how the genome influences the diet and vice-versa provides insights about the molecular mechanisms involved in chronic inflammation-related diseases. Therefore, the present review aims to discuss the potential application of Nutritional Genomics to modulate obesity-related inflammatory responses. Arch Endocrinol Metab. 2020;64(3):205-22.

The Metabolic Concept of Meal Sequence vs. Satiety: Glycemic and Oxidative Responses with Reference to Inflammation Risk, Protective Principles and Mediterranean Diet

With increasing exposure to eating opportunities and postprandial conditions becoming dominant states, acute effects of meals are garnering interest. In this narrative review, meal components, combinations and course sequence were questioned vis-à-vis resultant postprandial responses, including satiety, glycemic, oxidative and inflammatory risks/outcomes vs. protective principles, with reference to the Mediterranean diet. Representative scientific literature was reviewed and explained, and corresponding recommendations discussed and illustrated. Starting meals with foods, courses and/or preloads high in innate/added/incorporated water and/or fibre, followed by protein-based courses, delaying carbohydrates and fatty foods and minimizing highly-processed/sweetened hedonic foods, would increase satiety-per-calorie vs. obesogenic passive overconsumption. Similarly, starting with high-water/fibre dishes, followed by high-protein foods, oils/fats, and delayed/reduced slowly-digested whole/complex carbohydrate sources, optionally closing with simpler carbohydrates/sugars, would reduce glycaemic response. Likewise, starting with foods high in innate/added/incorporated water/fibre/antioxidants, high monounsaturated fatty acid foods/oils, light proteins and whole/complex carbohydrate foods, with foods/oils low in n-6 polyunsaturated fatty acids (PUFA) and n-6:n-3 PUFA ratios, and minimal-to-no red meat and highly/ultra-processed foods/lipids, would reduce oxidative/inflammatory response. Pyramids illustrating representative meal sequences, from most-to-least protective foods, visually communicate similarities between axes, suggesting potential unification for optimal meal sequence, consistent with anti-inflammatory nutrition and Mediterranean diet/meal principles, warranting application and outcome evaluation.