Circulating MiRNAs Are Associated With Low-grade Systemic Inflammation and Leptin Levels in Older Adults

Author(s)

Carvalho, Gabrielli B. ; Brandao-Lima, Paula N. ; Payolla, Tanyara B. ; Lucena, Sadraque E. F. ; Sarti, Flavia M. ; Fisberg, Regina M. ; Rogero, Marcelo M.

• Document type: Journal article
• Source: Inflammation; v. N/A, p. 15-pg., 2023-07-19.

Abstract

Inflammaging refers to the low-grade systemic inflammation that occurs with aging present in chronic non-communicable diseases. MicroRNAs (miRNAs) are potential biomarkers for these diseases in older adults. This study aimed to assess the expression of 21 circulating miRNAs and their associations with inflammatory biomarkers in older adults. This cross-sectional study was performed with 200 individuals participating in ISA-Nutrition. The systemic low-grade inflammation score (SIS) was calculated from the plasma concentration of 10 inflammatory biomarkers. Circulating miRNA expression was assessed using the Fluidigm method. Wilcoxon-Mann-Whitney test was employed to determine differences in SIS among groups distributed according to sex and presence of MetS. Spearman's correlation was used to estimate correlations among SIS, leptin levels, miRNA expression, and variables of interest. Analyses were performed using software R version 4.2.3, with a significance level of 0.05. The final sample consisted of 193 individuals with a mean age of 69.1 (SE = 0.5) years, being 64.7% individuals with metabolic syndrome (MetS). Positive correlations were observed between leptin concentration and metabolic risk factors, and leptin concentration was higher in individuals with MetS compared to those without MetS. The expression of 15 circulating miRNAs was negatively correlated with leptin concentration. GLMs showed negative associations between miRNAs (miR-15a, miR-16, miR-223, miR-363, miR-532), leptin, and/or SIS values; and only miR-21 showed positive association with SIS values. The results suggest the presence of peripheral leptin resistance associated with low-grade inflammation and plasma expression of miRNAs in older adults. These findings suggest the potential role of miRNAs as biomarkers for cardiometabolic risk. (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
• FAPESP's process: 19/22934-1 - Association between circulating microRNA, cardiometabolic biomarkers and diet in adult individuals participants of a population-based study - ISA-Capital
• Grantee: Paula Nascimento Brandão Lima
• Support Opportunities: Scholarships in Brazil - Doctorate