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Plasma levels of miR-29b and miR-200b in type 2 diabetic retinopathy

Maria Enoia Dantas da Costa E Silva1, Evelise Regina Polina1, Daisy Crispim2

  • 1Laboratory of Human Molecular Genetics, Universidade Luterana do Brasil (ULBRA), Canoas, RS, Brazil.

Journal of Cellular and Molecular Medicine
|November 24, 2018
PubMed

Insights

Circulating microRNAs (miRNAs) like miR-29b and miR-200b may play a role in diabetic retinopathy (DR). While initial findings suggested an association, further research is needed to confirm their role as biomarkers for diabetes complications.

Area of Science:

  • Endocrinology
  • Molecular Biology
  • Ophthalmology

Background:

  • MicroRNAs (miRNAs) are implicated in diabetes mellitus pathogenesis and complications.
  • Circulating miRNA levels are potential biomarkers for diabetes development and progression.
  • Limited research exists on miRNA expression in human diabetic retinopathy (DR).

Purpose of the Study:

  • To investigate the association between plasma levels of miR-29b and miR-200b and DR in individuals with type 2 diabetes.
  • To compare miRNA levels in diabetic patients with and without DR, including different DR stages.
  • To determine miRNA expression differences between type 2 diabetes patients and healthy individuals.

Main Methods:

  • Case-control study involving 186 South Brazilians with type 2 diabetes and 20 healthy controls.
  • Quantification of plasma miR-29b and miR-200b levels using reverse transcription-quantitative polymerase chain reaction (RT-qPCR).
  • Analysis of associations between miRNA levels and DR, controlling for demographic and clinical factors.

Main Results:

  • Unadjusted analysis showed an inverse association between proliferative DR and plasma levels of miR-29b and miR-200b.
  • These associations were no longer significant after adjusting for covariates.
  • Type 2 diabetes patients exhibited lower plasma miR-200b levels compared to healthy blood donors.

Conclusions:

  • Circulating miR-29b and miR-200b levels may not be independent biomarkers for DR in type 2 diabetes.
  • Further investigation into the role of circulating miRNAs, including miR-29 and miR-200b, in DR pathogenesis is warranted.
  • The study highlights potential differences in miRNA expression between diabetic patients and the general population.
Keywords:
circulating levelsdiabetic retinopathyepigeneticsgene expressionmicroRNAtype 2 diabetes mellitus

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