MicroRNAs as the promising markers of comorbidities in childhood obesity—A systematic review

Abstract

Introduction: Rising child obesity rate creates a need for tools quantifying changes in children suffering from obesity, for purposes of detection or prevention of comorbidities. A candidate for such a role seems to be microRNAs, which in vivo serve as the suppressing factors in gene expression.Objectives: This study aimed at reviewing recent discoveries in this field and concluding directions of research or application of studied molecules.Methods: Repeated browsing of databases and screening of results, led to final approval of 16 articles. Filtered studies examined differences in microRNA expression between subjects with obesity and children suffering from its comorbidities. Results: Studies concerning endothelial dysfunction identified molecules miR-320a and miR-630 as a possible diagnosis and treatment option. Search for the alternative markers in diagnosis of non-alcoholic fatty liver disease suggested value of molecules: miR-199a-5p and miR-122. miR-486, miR-146b, and miR-15b may serve in grading the development of type 2 diabetes in children, although further research raised doubts. Panel of molecules was indicated as useful in early detection of metabolic syndrome and insulin resistance associated alterations. No valid link between studied microRNAs and atherosclerosis was found.Conclusions: MicroRNAs seem to be promising prognostic markers for diagnosis of endothelial dysfunction, non-alcoholic fatty liver disease, type 2 diabetes, metabolic syndrome and insulin resistance in children.

Visceral Adipose Tissue Molecular Networks and Regulatory microRNA in Pediatric Obesity: An In Silico Approach

“…Larger cohort studies are needed for the verification of our findings. The miRNA expression in obesity may also be gender-dependent, as shown in previous studies on different ethnicities [ 10 , 51 ]. This needs to be explored further in other populations.…”

“…Furthermore, microRNAs (miRNAs), well-known for their role in diabetes and its complications [ 8 , 9 ], have shown promise as markers of endothelial dysfunction, type 2 diabetes, metabolic syndrome, and IR in children [ 10 ]. The miRNAs produced by AT depots can affect the metabolism of distant tissues because they are easily transported into the bloodstream.…”

Role of microRNA in non-alcoholic fatty liver disease (NAFLD) and non-alcoholic steatohepatitis (NASH): a comprehensive review

“…95 Two miRNAs, miRNA-199a-5p and miRNA-122, were also significantly overexpressed in children with NAFLD compared with healthy controls. 96 Decreased expression of miRNA-139-5p, miRNA-30b-5p, miRNA-122-5p, and miRNA-422a, and increased miRNA-146b-5p has been observed in obese patients with NAFLD compared with sex, age, and weight-matched controls. 97 Activation of AMPK in hepatocytes stimulates fatty acid uptake and oxidation, while it switches off anabolic pathways, such as the synthesis of glucose, glycogen, and lipids.…”

Genetics, epigenetics and transgenerational transmission of obesity in children

“…Tissue and circulating miRNAs were extensively studied in the context of pediatric obesity ( 123 , 124 ) but there are no studies on their pre-pregnancy modulation and effects on the obese phenotype on offspring. A work by López and colleagues showed that two miRNAs associated with inflammation and iron homeostasis (miR-155 and miR-122) were upregulated in sperm cells of obese subjects compared to subjects with normal weight ( 125 ).…”