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Food-Derived Xeno-microRNAs: Influence of Diet and Detectability in Gastrointestinal Tract-Proof-of-Principle Study

Jastin Link1, Cosima Thon1, Denny Schanze2

  • 1Department of Gastroenterology, Hepatology and Infectious Diseases, Otto-von-Guericke University, Magdeburg, 39120, Germany.

Molecular Nutrition & Food Research
|November 1, 2018
PubMed
Abstract

Insights

Dietary microRNAs (miRNAs) are present in food and detectable in the human gut. A vegetarian diet increased fecal miR-168, suggesting dietary miRNAs may influence gut health.

Area of Science:

  • Nutritional Science
  • Molecular Biology
  • Gastroenterology

Background:

  • Diet is a critical factor in carcinogenesis.
  • The role of exogenous microRNAs (miRNAs) from diet in human health is not well understood.

Purpose of the Study:

  • To investigate the presence, stability, and detectability of food-derived miRNAs.
  • To examine the effect of short-term diets on miRNA levels in human blood and feces.

Main Methods:

  • Analysis of miRNAs in various food types and their stability after processing.
  • Quantification of miRNAs in feces and blood of subjects on vegetarian or meat-rich diets using qPCR and Affymetrix profiling.

Main Results:

  • Animal and plant miRNAs were detected in all tested foods, with highest levels in animal-derived foods.
  • A vegetarian diet was associated with increased fecal miR-168, but not in blood.
  • Plant-derived miR-168 was found in normal gastrointestinal (GI) mucosa and colorectal cancer tissue.

Conclusions:

  • Food is a significant source of miRNAs, potentially altering xenomiR profiles.
  • Plant miR-168 is ubiquitous in the GI tract and detectable in feces, normal mucosa, and cancer.
  • Further research is required to elucidate the functional interactions between dietary miRNAs and the GI tract.
Keywords:
dietfecesfoodmicroRNAxenomiRs

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