MicroRNA and Diabetic Bone Disease

Abstract

Purpose of Review The incidence of diabetes is increasing worldwide. Diabetes mellitus is characterized by hyperglycemia, which in the long-term damages the function of many organs including the eyes, the vasculature, the nervous system, and the kidneys, thereby imposing an important cause of morbidity for affected individuals. More recently, increased bone fragility was also noted in patients with diabetes. While patients with type 1 diabetes mellitus (T1DM) have low bone mass and a 6-fold risk for hip fractures, patients with type 2 diabetes mellitus (T2DM) have an increased bone mass, yet still display a 2-fold elevated risk for hip fractures. Although the underlying mechanisms are just beginning to be unraveled, it is clear that diagnostic tools are lacking to identify patients at risk for fracture, especially in the case of T2DM, in which classical tools to diagnose osteoporosis such as dual X-ray absorptiometry have limitations. Thus, new biomarkers are urgently needed to help identify patients with diabetes who are at risk to fracture. Recent Findings Previously, microRNAs have received great attention not only for being involved in the pathogenesis of various chronic diseases, including osteoporosis, but also for their value as biomarkers. Summary Here, we summarize the current knowledge on microRNAs and their role in diabetic bone disease and highlight recent studies on miRNAs as biomarkers to predict bone fragility in T1DM and T2DM. Finally, we discuss future directions and challenges for their use as prognostic markers.

Links among Obesity, Type 2 Diabetes Mellitus, and Osteoporosis: Bone as a Target

“…From the text mentioned above, it appears that diagnostic tools for identifying patients at risk of fracture are insufficient in both obesity and T2DM. Therefore, it is necessary to specify novel biomarkers that will help determine bone fragility in these diseases [181]. MicroRNAs (miRNAs) are currently receiving considerable attention as biomarkers for various diseases, including obesity, T2DM, and osteoporosis [182].…”

MiR-144-5p and miR-21-5p do not drive bone disease in a mouse model of type 1 diabetes mellitus

“…Previous research has indicated the significant impact of miRNAs on T1DM-induced osteoporosis. 12 MicroRNAs, known as post-transcriptional gene regulators, 13 , 14 have been found to be dysregulated in patients with T1DM 15-17 and in patients with osteoporosis, 18 , 19 potentially contributing to impaired bone health. Previous studies have identified an upregulation of miR-144-5p 20 and miR-21-5p, 21 , 22 among other miRNAs, in patients with T1DM.…”

Plant molecules reinforce bone repair: Novel insights into phenol-modified bone tissue engineering scaffolds for the treatment of bone defects

“…Moreover, previous studies have revealed that the efficacy of BTE scaffolds can be undermined by the harsh microenvironment in bone defect sites, including reactive oxygen species (ROS) accumulation, inflammation storm, bacterial infection [ 10 ], blood supply disruption and tumor recurrence [ 11 ]. Various functional molecules have been consequently induced into BTE scaffolds to address these challenges.…”