Circulating microRNA-122, microRNA-126-3p and microRNA-146a are associated with inflammation in patients with pre-diabetes and type 2 diabetes mellitus: A case control study.

The prevalence of type 2 diabetes mellitus (T2DM) is increasing dramatically worldwide. Dysregulation of microRNA (miRNA) as key regulators of gene expression, has been reported in numerous diseases including diabetes. The aim of this study was to investigate the expression levels of miRNA-122, miRNA-126-3p and miRNA-146a in diabetic and pre-diabetic patients and in healthy individuals, and to determine whether the changes in the level of these miRNAs are reliable biomarkers in diagnosis, prognosis, and pathogenesis of T2DM. Additionally, we examined the relationship between miRNA levels and plasma concentrations of inflammatory factors including tumor necrosis factor alpha (TNF-α) and interleukin 6 (Il-6) as well as insulin resistance. In this case-control study, participants (n = 90) were allocated to three groups (n = 30/group): T2DM, pre-diabetes and healthy individuals as control (males and females, age: 25-65, body mass index: 25-35). Expression of miRNA was determined by real-time polymerase chain reaction (RT-PCR). Furthermore, plasma concentrations of TNF-α, IL-6 and fasting insulin were measured by enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay. Homeostatic model assessment for insulin resistance (HOMA-IR) was calculated as an indicator of insulin resistance. MiRNA-122 levels were higher while miRNA-126-3p and miRNA-146a levels were lower in T2DM and pre-diabetic patients compared to control (p<0.05). Furthermore, a positive correlation was found between miRNA-122 expression and TNF-α (r = 0.82), IL-6 (r = 0.83) and insulin resistance (r = 0.8). Conversely, negative correlations were observed between miRNA-126-3p and miRNA-146a levels and TNF-α (r = -0.7 and r = -0.82 respectively), IL-6 (r = -0.65 and r = -0.78 respectively) as well as insulin resistance (r = -0.67 and r = -0.78 respectively) (all p<0.05). Findings of this study suggest the miRNAs can potentially contribute to the pathogenesis of T2DM. Further studies are required to examine the reproducibility of these findings.

Effects of synbiotic supplementation on gut microbiome, serum level of TNF-α, and expression of microRNA-126 and microRNA-146a in patients with type 2 diabetes mellitus: study protocol for a double-blind controlled randomized clinical trial.

BACKGROUND: The dramatic increase in the prevalence of type 2 diabetes mellitus (T2DM) is a global major challenge to health. Circulating microRNAs have been suggested as promising biomarkers for different disorders such as diabetes. Imbalances in the gut microbiome have been revealed to contribute to the progression of multiple diseases including T2DM. Recently, the consumption of probiotics and synbiotics in the treatment of various diseases has shown a substantial growth. The anti-diabetes and anti-inflammatory effects of synbiotics have been indicated, which may be due to their beneficial effects on the gut microbiome. However, further research is needed to assess the effects of synbiotics on the microbiota and their impacts on expression of microRNAs relating to T2DM. Thus, we will aim to assess the effects of synbiotics on microbiota, serum level of tumor necrosis factor-α (TNF-α), and expression of microRNA-126 and microRNA-146a in patients with T2DM. METHODS: Seventy-two patients with T2DM will be recruited in this double-blind randomized parallel placebo-controlled clinical trial. After block matching based on age and sex, participants will be randomly assigned to receive 1000 mg/day synbiotic (Familact) or placebo for 12 weeks. The microRNA-126 and microRNA-146a expression levels will be measured by real-time polymerase chain reaction and serum TNF-α level will be assessed by enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay kit at the beginning and at the end of the study. Determination of the gut microbiota will be done by quantitative polymerase chain reaction methods at baseline and at the end of the trial. Biochemical assessments (glycemic and lipid profiles) will also be conducted at onset and end of the study. DISCUSSION: This is the first randomized controlled trial that will determine the effect of synbiotic supplementation on the gut microbiota and its probable impacts on serum levels of TNF-α and expression of related microRNAs in patients with T2DM. TRIAL REGISTRATION: Iranian Registry of Clinical Trials: IRCT20180624040228N2. Registered on 27 March 2019. http://www.irct.ir/trial/38371.

Relation between Lifestyle and Socio-Demographic Factors and Body Composition among the Elderly.

BACKGROUND: Aging is accompanied by various changes that can cause changes in diet and body composition resulting sometimes in malnutrition and disability in the elderly. Changes in body composition among the elderly are mainly the result of physical inactivity and nutrition. This study was designed to examine the relationship between lifestyle and socio-demographic factors and body composition. METHOD: A cross-sectional study was carried out with 380 elderly people aged 60 and over in district 5 of Tehran, Iran. Their body composition was measured by Bioelectrical Impedance Analysis and the Actigraph device was used for assessing physical activity patterns. A three-day food recall was conducted to measure their intake of energy and macronutrients. Lifestyle and socio-demographic information were collected by interview using a pretested questionnaire. RESULTS: Overweight, obesity and central obesity were more prevalent in women than in men (p<0.001). Moreover, 57.1% and 18.7% of participants had high and very high fat mass index, respectively. High fat mass index was seen in 47% of men and 37.5% of women who had normal body mass index (BMI). Meanwhile, age, gender, physical activity, energy intake, the percentage of energy from fat and protein, educational level, job, television watching time, smoking, chronic diseases, and taking medicine were significantly associated with anthropometric measurements (p<0.05). CONCLUSION: Overweight, obesity and high body fat percentage were common among the aged. Considering the factors that are significantly associated with body composition, programs that can increase their awareness about the dietary balance and suitable physical activity should be organized to address these problems.