Serum levels miR-29a-3p and miR-221-3p as potential biomarkers for diagnosis of diabetes

Roya  Mahdavi; Roya  Jahangard; Ensieh Nasli  Esfahani; Farideh  Razi; Reza  Meshkani

doi:10.18502/abi.v2i3.19101

Roya Mahdavi Department of Clinical Biochemistry, Faculty of Medicine, Tehran University of Medical Sciences, Tehran, Iran
Roya Jahangard Department of Clinical Biochemistry, Faculty of Medicine, Tehran University of Medical Sciences, Tehran, Iran
Ensieh Nasli Esfahani Diabetes Research Center, Endocrinology and Metabolism Clinical Sciences Institute, Tehran University of Medical Sciences, Tehran, Iran
Farideh Razi Diabetes Research Center, Endocrinology and Metabolism Clinical Sciences Institute, Tehran University of Medical Sciences, Tehran, Iran
Reza Meshkani Department of Clinical Biochemistry, Faculty of Medicine, Tehran University of Medical Sciences, Tehran, Iran

DOI: https://doi.org/10.18502/abi.v2i3.19101

Keywords: miR-29a-3p, miR-221-3p, serum, diabetes, circulation

Abstract

Objectives: Type 2 diabetes (T2D) is a chronic metabolic disorder characterized by insulin resistance and progressive β-cell dysfunction. Early detection is crucial for effective management and the prevention of complications. Circulating microRNAs (miRNAs) have emerged as promising non-invasive biomarkers for various diseases, including metabolic disorders. This study aimed to assess the diagnostic potential of serum microRNA-29a-3p (miR-29a-3p) and microRNA-221-3p (miR-221-3p) in patients with T2D.

Methods: A case-control study was conducted, including 48 patients with T2D and 42 healthy controls. Serum levels of miR-29a-3p and miR-221-3p were quantified using real-time PCR.

Results: Both miR-29a-3p and miR-221-3p were significantly elevated in the sera of T2D patients compared to controls. Serum miR-29a-3p and miR-221-3p showed positive correlations with fasting blood glucose (r = 0.466, r = 0.403) and HbA1c (r = 0.375, r = 0.366), respectively. Additionally, miR-29a-3p exhibited a moderate correlation with triglycerides (TG) (r = 0.300) after adjusting for BMI, age, and gender. Both miRNAs also correlated with adiposity parameters, including body mass index, weight, and waist circumference.

Conclusion: Serum miR-29a-3p and miR-221-3p are significantly upregulated in T2D and correlate with key metabolic markers. Their diagnostic performance suggests that they may serve as valuable non-invasive biomarkers for the early detection and monitoring of T2D. Further research is required to validate these findings in larger and more diverse populations.