Association between plasma microRNA expression, nutrient intake and glycemic and lipid control in adult and elderly individuals from a population-based study (ISA-Capital 2015)

• Grant number: 24/07903-0
• Support Opportunities: Scholarships in Brazil - Doctorate (Direct)
• Start date: June 01, 2025
• End date: February 28, 2029
• Field of knowledge: Health Sciences - Nutrition
• Principal Investigator: Marcelo Macedo Rogero
• Grantee: Natália Ellen Delmicon
• 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

The Westernized diet promotes an increased cardiometabolic risk through alterations in glycemic and lipid biomarkers. This fact is associated with the dysregulation of epigenetic mechanisms, such as changes in the expression of microRNAs (miRNAs), which are modulated by dietary factors. In this context, the aim of the present project is to investigate the association between the intake of nutrients present in the diet and the plasma expression of miRNAs, as well as their relationships with glycemic control and lipid profile in individuals participating in the population-based study ISA-Capital 2015. Therefore, a cross-sectional study will be carried out, in which a subsample of 192 adults and 193 elderly people will be evaluated regarding socioeconomic, demographic, lifestyle, and health aspects; food consumption; anthropometric measurements; and systemic blood pressure. In addition, glycemic and lipid biomarkers will also be analyzed. Subsequently, individuals will be evaluated for plasma expression of 21 microRNAs. Quantitative and continuous variables will be evaluated using the Shapiro-Wilk test and measures of central tendency, as well as measures of dispersion. Pearson or Spearman calculation will be performed according to the normality of the data and subsequent tests will be chosen accordingly. The correlation between the expression profile of plasma miRNAs and the other variables considered in the study will be investigated further using regression models. The analyzes will be carried out using the R software (v 4.3.3), with a significance level of 0.05.