Epigenetic markers correlated with obesity in patients with familial hypercholesterolemia: standardization of lncRNA MALAT1 and H19 in plasma

• Grant number: 23/10964-9
• Support Opportunities: Scholarships in Brazil - Scientific Initiation
• Start date: September 01, 2023
• End date: August 31, 2024
• Field of knowledge: Health Sciences - Pharmacy - Toxicological Analysis
• Principal Investigator: Mario Hiroyuki Hirata
• Grantee: Mário Gomes de Souza
• Host Institution: Faculdade de Ciências Farmacêuticas (FCF). Universidade de São Paulo (USP). São Paulo , SP, Brazil
• Associated research grant: 16/12899-6 - Genomics, epigenomics and pharmacogenomics characterization of familial hypercholesterolemia in the Brazilian population, AP.TEM

Abstract

Obesity is an escalating global concern, acting as a precursor to several diseases, including cardiovascular diseases and type 2 diabetes. It is gauged by the Body Mass Index (BMI), with any value above 30 Kg/m^2 deemed as obesity. Notably, obesity is tied to Familial Hypercholesterolemia (FH), a genetic disorder marked by high levels of LDL in the plasma. Brazilian studies indicate that over half of the adult population is overweight, highlighting an urgent need for effective public policies. Obesity arises from a caloric imbalance influenced by various factors, both genetic and environmental. Fat accumulation, especially in the abdominal area, triggers an inflammatory response in the body, heightening the risk of metabolic complications. The aim of the present study is to assess the expression of LncRNA MALAT1 and H19 in the plasma of obese and non-obese patients with familial hypercholesterolemia. Understanding the intricacies of obesity and FH is pivotal for devising more effective treatments, and in this vein, the inclusion of obese individuals in research is essential. Such studies can unveil biological and metabolic markers related to FH, leading the way for new diagnoses and interventions.