Plasma microRNA expression and its associations with cardiometabolic biomarkers, and diet in elderly participants of a population-based study (ISA Capital)

Author(s)

Gabrielli Barbosa de Carvalho

• Document type: Doctoral Thesis
• Press: São Paulo.
• Institution: Universidade de São Paulo (USP). Faculdade de Saúde Pública (FSP/CIR)
• Defense date: 2024-02-21

Examining board members

Marcelo Macedo Rogero; Ludmila Rodrigues Pinto Ferreira Camargo; Maria Aderuza Horst; Carla Barbosa Nonino

• Advisor: Marcelo Macedo Rogero

Abstract

Introduction: The development of noncommunicable diseases (NCD) in older adults is related, among other factors, to the dysregulation of microRNAs (miRNAs) expression, which can be modulated by environmental factors, including dietary patterns. Objectives: To assess the plasma expression profile of miRNAs and its relationships with cardiometabolic biomarkers and diet of older adults participating in the ISA Capital population-based study. Methods: Cross-sectional study, with a sub-sample of 200 older adults participating in ISA Nutrition. The expression profile of 21 plasma miRNAs was evaluated. Subjects were evaluated for anthropometric measurements and systemic blood pressure; glycemic, lipid and inflammatory biomarkers; and food consumption. Furthermore, the chronic and low-grade inflammation score (SIS) was calculated based on the concentrations of 10 inflammatory biomarkers. The plasma expression of circulating miRNAs was analyzed using the Fluidigm method. The evaluated individuals were distributed into two groups according to the presence or absence of metabolic syndrome (MetS), and the adjusted Wald test was used to compare the expression of miRNAs between the groups. Using Kendall\'s tau-a coefficient, correlations between miRNAs expression and variables of interest were estimated. The Wilcoxon-Mann-Whitney test was used to determine differences in SIS based on the distribution of individuals according to sex and the presence of MetS. The Spearman correlation test estimated correlations between SIS, leptin concentrations, miRNAs and other variables of interest. Furthermore, generalized linear models were used to deepen the associations found. All analyzes were performed using Stata/SE (version 17.0) and R (version 4.2.3) software, considering a significance level of 0.05. Results: The final sample of this study consisted of 193 individuals, (69.1 (0.5) years), 50.4% of whom were female, and 64.7% with MetS. Plasma expression of miR-30a and miR-122 was higher in individuals with MetS than in those without MetS, and their expression correlated with fasting glycemia and insulinemia, HOMA1-IR, HDL-c, VLDL-c, LDL-c, non-HDL cholesterol and triacylglycerols. Furthermore, negative associations between five miRNAs (miR-15a, miR-16, miR-223, miR-363, miR-532), leptin concentration and/or SIS were observed. In addition, the consumption of different food groups influenced the plasma expression of miRNAs. Daily consumption of 100 g of fruits was related to a reduction in the expression of miR-16, miR-30a, miR-126, miR-130b, miR-363, miR-375, miR-486, miR-532. On the other hand, red meat consumption was associated with an increase in the plasma expression of four miRNAs (miR-126, miR-150, miR-223 and miR-376a). Furthermore, it was observed that the daily consumption of 100 g of vegetables was associated with a 7 times greater chance of the individuals evaluated not having MetS. Conclusions: The increase in the plasma expression of miR-21, miR-30a and miR-122 suggests a greater cardiometabolic risk, while the reduction in the expression of miR-15a, miR-16, miR-223, miR-363 and miR-532 suggests lower cardiometabolic risk in the elderly. Furthermore, the results found emphasize the importance of adopting healthy eating habits in regulating the expression of miRNAs and, consequently, in reducing the risk of developing NCD. (AU)

• FAPESP's process: 20/03104-5 - Plasma microRNA expression and its relationship with inflammatory biomarkers, nutritional status and dietary pattern in elderly people participating in a population-based study (ISA capital)
• Grantee: Gabrielli Barbosa de Carvalho
• Support Opportunities: Scholarships in Brazil - Doctorate