High Serum Mir-421 Is Associated With Metabolic Dysregulation And Inflammation In Patients With Metabolic Syndrome

Aim: To explore the association of circulating miRNAs with adiposity, metabolic status and inflammatory biomarkers in patients with metabolic syndrome (MetS). Patients & methods: Serum levels of 372 miRNAs were measured in patients with (n = 6) and without MetS (n = 6) by quantitative PCR array, and dysregulated miRNAs were validated in a larger cohort (MetS, n = 89; non-MetS, n = 144). Results: In the screening study, seven miRNAs were dysregulated in patients with MetS, and miR-421 remained increased in the validation study. miR-421 was associated with a high risk of MetS and insulin resistance and hypertension and correlated with glycated hemoglobin, triacylglycerols, high-sensitivity C-reactive protein, IL-6, resistin and adiponectin (p < 0.05). Conclusion: Circulating miR-421 is a potential biomarker for insulin resistance, metabolic dysregulation and inflammatory status in patients with MetS.Lay abstractThis study aimed to explore the association of circulating regulatory small molecules (miRNAs) with obesity, metabolic alterations and inflammation in patients with metabolic syndrome (MetS). Levels of 372 miRNAs were measured in blood serum of patients with and without MetS using molecular biology techniques. Seven miRNAs were altered in patients with MetS, and one of them (miR-421) was associated with a high risk of MetS, insulin resistance and hypertension. miR-421 was also correlated with glycated hemoglobin (used for glycemia monitoring), serum lipids and inflammatory molecules. Circulating miR-421 is a small molecule with potential biomarker for insulin resistance, metabolic dysregulation and inflammatory status in patients with MetS.