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The relationship between polyphenols and miRNAs: A novel therapeutic strategy for metabolic associated fatty liver
Hatice Merve Bayram1, Fatih Eren2,3, Fatma Esra Gunes4
1Department of Nutrition and Dietetics, Istanbul Gelisim University Faculty of Health Sciences, Istanbul, Turkey.
Abstract:
Metabolic-associated fatty liver disease (MAFLD) is a public health problem that is increasingly recognized, currently affecting up to a quarter of the world's adult population. Although a biopsy is the current gold standard to diagnose MAFLD, there are potentially serious complications, making it inadequate. Thus far, noninvasive methods have not been able to determine the stage and the subtype of MAFLD. The development and prognosis of MAFLD are modulated by epigenetic factors, including microRNAs (miRNAs), which may be potential biomarkers for MAFLD. Polyphenols, found in many fruits and vegetables, may be useful, as they alter gene expression with epigenetic factors, such as miRNAs. This review presents an overview of the relationship between polyphenols and miRNAs in MAFLD. The literature suggests that miRNAs could be used as a diagnostic method for MAFLD, especially miRNA-122 and miRNA-34a. However, though it has been demonstrated that polyphenols may contribute to improving MAFLD, to our knowledge, no study to date has shown the relationship between polyphenols and miRNAs in MAFLD. The exact mechanisms of polyphenols on miRNAs in MAFLD remain unclear. Future studies may provide hope for diet therapy for MAFLD patients as well as the development of polyphenol-related foods or drugs that target miRNAs to treat MAFLD.
Insights
Metabolic-associated fatty liver disease (MAFLD) affects many adults. This review explores how polyphenols and microRNAs (miRNAs) may offer new diagnostic and therapeutic strategies for MAFLD.
Area of Science:
- Hepatology and Gastroenterology
- Epigenetics
- Nutritional Science
Background:
- Metabolic-associated fatty liver disease (MAFLD) is a prevalent global health issue, affecting up to 25% of adults.
- Current diagnostic methods like liver biopsy have limitations and potential complications.
- Noninvasive diagnostic tools for staging and subtyping MAFLD are lacking.
Purpose of the Study:
- To review the interplay between polyphenols and microRNAs (miRNAs) in the context of MAFLD.
- To explore the potential of miRNAs as biomarkers for MAFLD diagnosis and prognosis.
- To assess the therapeutic implications of polyphenols targeting miRNAs in MAFLD.
Main Methods:
- Comprehensive literature review on MAFLD, epigenetic factors (miRNAs), and dietary polyphenols.
- Analysis of existing studies investigating miRNA roles in MAFLD pathogenesis.
- Examination of research on polyphenol effects on gene expression and epigenetic mechanisms.
Main Results:
- MicroRNAs, particularly miRNA-122 and miRNA-34a, show promise as diagnostic biomarkers for MAFLD.
- Polyphenols, derived from fruits and vegetables, can modulate gene expression via epigenetic factors like miRNAs.
- While polyphenols may improve MAFLD, their specific mechanisms involving miRNAs in MAFLD are not yet fully elucidated.
Conclusions:
- miRNAs represent a potential avenue for noninvasive MAFLD diagnosis.
- Polyphenols' role in MAFLD warrants further investigation, particularly their mechanisms of action on miRNAs.
- Future research could lead to novel dietary therapies or polyphenol-based treatments targeting miRNAs for MAFLD.
