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MicroRNA expression in relation to different dietary habits: a comparison in stool and plasma samples
Sonia Tarallo1, Barbara Pardini2, Giuseppe Mancuso1
1Human Genetics Foundation, via Nizza 52, 10126 Turin, Italy.
Abstract:
MicroRNAs (miRNAs), a class of small non-coding RNAs, are fundamental for the post-transcriptional regulation of gene expression. Altered expression of miRNAs has been detected in cancers, not only in primary tissue but also in easily obtainable specimens like plasma and stools. miRNA expression is known to be modulated by diet (micro and macronutrients, phytochemicals) and possibly by other lifestyle factors; however, such influence has not yet been exhaustively explored in humans. In the present study, we analysed the expression levels of a panel of seven human miRNAs in plasma and stool samples of a group of 24 healthy individuals characterised by different dietary habits (eight vegans, eight vegetarians and eight subjects with omnivorous diet, all groups with similar age and sex distribution). The dual aim of the study was to identify possible differences in miRNA expression due to diet (or other lifestyle factors recorded from questionnaires) and to compare results in both types of specimens. miR-92a was differentially expressed in both plasma and stool samples and with the same trend, among the three groups with different diets (P = 0.0002 and P = 0.02, respectively, with expression levels of vegans>vegetarians>omnivores). miR-92a was also associated with low body mass index (P = 0.04 and P = 0.05, respectively) in both types of specimens, and with several dietary factors. Other analysed miRNAs (miR-16, miR-21, mir-34a and miR-222) were associated with dietary and lifestyle factors, but not consistently in both stool and plasma. Our pilot study provides the first evidence of miRNA modulation by diet and other factors, that can be detected consistently in both plasma and stools samples.
Insights
Diet significantly impacts microRNA (miRNA) expression in plasma and stool. Vegan and vegetarian diets showed higher miR-92a levels compared to omnivorous diets, suggesting miRNAs as potential biomarkers for dietary habits.
Area of Science:
- Molecular Biology
- Nutritional Science
- Biomarker Discovery
Background:
- MicroRNAs (miRNAs) are key regulators of gene expression, with altered levels implicated in various diseases, including cancer.
- miRNA expression can be influenced by dietary components and lifestyle factors, but human studies are limited.
- Plasma and stool are accessible biological specimens for detecting disease-related molecular changes.
Purpose of the Study:
- To investigate the influence of different dietary habits (vegan, vegetarian, omnivorous) on miRNA expression profiles in healthy individuals.
- To compare miRNA expression patterns in both plasma and stool samples.
- To explore associations between miRNA levels, diet, and lifestyle factors like body mass index.
Main Methods:
- Analysis of seven human miRNAs in plasma and stool samples from 24 healthy individuals across three dietary groups.
- Dietary habits and lifestyle factors were assessed using questionnaires.
- Statistical analysis was performed to identify significant differences and associations.
Main Results:
- miR-92a expression was significantly higher in vegans, followed by vegetarians, and then omnivores, consistently observed in both plasma and stool samples (P = 0.0002 and P = 0.02, respectively).
- miR-92a levels were associated with lower body mass index in both sample types (P = 0.04 and P = 0.05, respectively).
- Other miRNAs showed associations with dietary and lifestyle factors, but not consistently across both plasma and stool.
Conclusions:
- This pilot study provides the first evidence that diet and lifestyle factors can modulate miRNA expression.
- Diet-induced miRNA changes are detectable in both plasma and stool, suggesting their potential as non-invasive biomarkers.
- miR-92a may serve as a potential indicator of dietary patterns and associated health parameters.
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