Targeting microRNAs as a Therapeutic Strategy to Reduce Oxidative Stress in Diabetes
Giuseppina Emanuela Grieco1,2, Noemi Brusco1,2, Giada Licata1,2
1Diabetes Unit, Department of Medicine, Surgery and Neurosciences, University of Siena, V.le Bracci, 16, 53100 Siena, Italy.
Abstract:
Diabetes mellitus is a group of heterogeneous metabolic disorders characterized by chronic hyperglycaemia as a consequence of pancreatic β cell loss and/or dysfunction, also caused by oxidative stress. The molecular mechanisms involved inβ cell dysfunction and in response to oxidative stress are also regulated by microRNAs (miRNAs). miRNAs are a class of negative gene regulators, which modulate pathologic mechanisms occurring in diabetes and its complications. Although several pharmacological therapies specifically targeting miRNAs have already been developed and brought to the clinic, most previous miRNA-based drug delivery methods were unable to target a specific miRNA in a single cell type or tissue, leading to important off-target effects. In order to overcome these issues, aptamers and nanoparticles have been described as non-cytotoxic vehicles for miRNA-based drug delivery. These approaches could represent an innovative way to specifically target and modulate miRNAs involved in oxidative stress in diabetes and its complications. Therefore, the aims of this review are: (i) to report the role of miRNAs involved in oxidative stress in diabetes as promising therapeutic targets; (ii) to shed light onto the new delivery strategies developed to modulate the expression of miRNAs in diseases.
Insights
MicroRNAs (miRNAs) regulate oxidative stress in diabetes. New aptamer and nanoparticle delivery systems offer targeted ways to modulate these miRNAs, improving diabetes treatment and reducing side effects.
Area of Science:
- Biochemistry
- Molecular Biology
- Endocrinology
Background:
- Diabetes mellitus is a metabolic disorder defined by chronic hyperglycemia, stemming from pancreatic beta cell dysfunction and oxidative stress.
- MicroRNAs (miRNAs) are key regulators of gene expression, influencing molecular mechanisms in diabetes and its complications.
- Current miRNA-based therapies face challenges with specificity and off-target effects, limiting their clinical application.
Purpose of the Study:
- To review the role of miRNAs implicated in oxidative stress within diabetes, highlighting their potential as therapeutic targets.
- To explore novel drug delivery strategies for modulating miRNA expression in disease contexts.
Main Methods:
- Literature review focusing on the role of miRNAs in diabetes-related oxidative stress.
- Analysis of emerging aptamer and nanoparticle-based delivery systems for miRNA modulation.
- Evaluation of therapeutic potential and specificity of novel delivery strategies.
Main Results:
- Specific miRNAs are identified as critical players in the oxidative stress pathways associated with diabetes.
- Aptamers and nanoparticles demonstrate potential as targeted, non-cytotoxic vehicles for miRNA delivery.
- These advanced delivery systems may overcome limitations of current therapies, minimizing off-target effects.
Conclusions:
- MicroRNAs represent promising therapeutic targets for managing oxidative stress in diabetes.
- Innovative delivery strategies using aptamers and nanoparticles are crucial for the effective and specific modulation of miRNAs.
- This approach holds potential for improved diabetes treatment and management of its complications.
