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Circulating microRNA as a diagnostic marker in populations with type 2 diabetes mellitus and diabetic complications

Hung-Yu Chien1, Tai-Ping Lee2, Chang-Yi Chen3

  • 1Department of Endocrinology and Metabolism, Taipei City Hospital, Ren-Ai Branch, Taipei, Taiwan, ROC.

Journal of the Chinese Medical Association : JCMA
|December 23, 2014
PubMed

Insights

Preventing diabetes mellitus (DM) is crucial. Circulating microRNAs (miRs) show promise as early biomarkers for detecting DM initiation and progression, potentially improving patient outcomes and reducing mortality.

Area of Science:

  • Biochemistry
  • Molecular Biology
  • Endocrinology

Background:

  • Diabetes mellitus (DM) presents a global health challenge due to hyperglycemia-induced complications.
  • Current treatments rely heavily on glucose-lowering agents, impacting patient quality of life.
  • Early detection and prevention are key to reducing DM-associated mortality.

Purpose of the Study:

  • To review current literature on circulating microRNAs (miRs) associated with type 2 DM and its complications.
  • To explore the potential of miRs as early diagnostic and prognostic biomarkers for DM.
  • To emphasize the future scope of utilizing miRs in DM management.

Main Methods:

  • Systematic review of studies investigating circulating miRs in type 2 DM patients versus controls.
  • Analysis of miRs expression in relation to insulin target organs and peripheral blood.
  • Evaluation of miRs as indicators of DM onset, progression, and complications.

Main Results:

  • Circulating miRs are differentially expressed in DM patients, reflecting disease pathology.
  • Some miRs may be consequences of organ damage rather than early indicators.
  • Evidence suggests miRs' potential utility in monitoring DM initiation and progression.

Conclusions:

  • Circulating microRNAs (miRs) are promising biomarkers for early detection and monitoring of diabetes mellitus (DM).
  • Further research is needed to validate miRs as reliable indicators of DM onset and progression.
  • Harnessing miRs could revolutionize DM diagnosis and prognosis, improving patient care.
Keywords:
biomarkerscomplicationsdiabetes mellitusdiagnosismicroRNAs

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