Association between nutrient intake, cardiometabolic biomarkers and plasma microRNA expression in adolescents participating in a population-based study in the city of São Paulo.

• Grant number: 24/07904-7
• Support Opportunities: Scholarships in Brazil - Doctorate (Direct)
• Start date: February 01, 2025
• End date: February 28, 2029
• Field of knowledge: Health Sciences - Nutrition - Nutritional Analysis of Population
• Principal Investigator: Marcelo Macedo Rogero
• Grantee: Helen Cristina Vidal
• Host Institution: Faculdade de Saúde Pública (FSP). Universidade de São Paulo (USP). São Paulo , SP, Brazil
• Associated research grant: 17/05125-7 - Lifestyle, biochemical and genetic markers as cardiometabolic risk factors: Health Survey in São Paulo City, AP.TEM

Abstract

Introduction: Chronic non-communicable diseases (NCDs) have a multifactorial etiology, related to the interaction between genetics and the environment. Diet, which represents a controllable environmental factor, can reduce the risk of developing NCDs. Adolescence is a phase in which dietary determinants can affect health status in adulthood. MicroRNAs (miRNA) regulate gene expression through post-transcriptional mechanisms. In certain clinical conditions, the plasma expression of miRNA is altered, which supports its use as a biomarker, and also as an alternative for therapeutic purposes. However, there is a lack of studies that cover the relationship between miRNA expression, nutrition in adolescents and NCDs. Objective: To investigate the association between nutrient intake, cardiometabolic biomarkers and plasma microRNA expression in adolescents participating in a population-based study in the city of São Paulo. Methods: This is a cross-sectional, population-based study with a probabilistic sample of 187 adolescents, living in households belonging to the urban area of São Paulo. The expression profile of 21 plasma microRNAs related to glycemic and lipid metabolism, obesity and the inflammatory response will be evaluated. The variables considered will be analyzed according to their type. The pattern of correlation between the expression profile of plasma miRNAs and the other variables considered in the study will be explored in greater depth using regression models.