microRNA circulantes e sua relação com marcadores de adiposidade corporal em mulheres com excesso de peso

Abstract

Many studies have shown that microRNAs are closely involved in the regulation of lipid metabolism, inflammation, and adipocyte differentiation, all of which are key processes in obesity. Obesity is a multifactorial condition influenced by genetic, metabolic, psychosocial, and cultural factors. Globally, it stands out as a risk factor for non-communicable chronic diseases, including cardiovascular diseases, type 2 diabetes, and cancer. The relationship between microRNA expression and anthropometric data can clarify the etiopathogenic mechanisms of obesity and its complications. The diagnosis of obesity is made through anthropometry, especially by the Body Mass Index (BMI), in addition to other measurements such as weight, height, and body circumferences. Thus, the aim of this study was to evaluate the relationship between circulating microRNAs and body adiposity parameters in overweight women. To this end, 54 women, aged 18 to 60 years, with a BMI ≥ 25.0 kg/m² were evaluated. Socioeconomic data, health history, and lifestyle habits were collected and recorded in specific forms. BMI, body fat percentage, circumference measurements, conicity index, visceral adiposity index, and waist-hip ratio were assessed. Waist circumference values and the conicity index reveal high levels of body fat, especially abdominal fat. MicroRNA expression was performed in plasma samples by real-time PCR. Analysis of the microRNAs showed that miR-150-5p and miR-205-5p have negative correlations with body fat. Lipid profile determination was performed through serum analysis. The diagnosis of Metabolic Syndrome was made according to the criteria proposed by Alberti et al. (2009). Statistical analysis was performed using SPSS software version 26. Data normality was assessed by the Kolmogorov-Smirnov test. Correlations between anthropometric data and microRNAs were made using Spearman or Pearson tests, considering significant results with P < 0.05. The findings of the study suggest that miR-150-5p and miR-205-5p are related to the concentration of adipose tissue and may influence cardiovascular risk in overweight women. However, further studies are needed to explore the epigenetic mechanisms involved in the signaling pathways of lipid metabolism and to confirm the potential of these microRNAs as effective clinical biomarkers.