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Expression of microRNAs in patients with gestational diabetes mellitus: a systematic review and meta-analysis
Jianhua Li1, Bei Gan1, Lin Lu1
1Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, The First Affiliated Hospital of Fujian Medical University, Fuzhou, 350005, Fujian, China.
Background:
MicroRNAs (miRNA) are noncoding RNAs that play a central role in governing various physiological and pathological processes. There are few studies on miRNA involvement in gestational diabetes mellitus (GDM). In this study, we performed a meta-analysis of the miRNA expression profiling from GDM patients.
Methods:
Guided by the Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis Protocols, we performed a systematic search of the PubMed, Cochrane Library, and EMBASE databases from inception to December 20, 2021, to retrieve the original research studies. All the relevant data were retrieved, analyzed, and summarized.
Results:
Six studies (252 GDM cases and 309 controls) were included and analyzed. The six studies reported the expressions of 21 miRNAs in GDM cases. Of the 21 miRNAs, 12 miRNAs were found to be upregulated, and two were downregulated. The top three most consistently reported upregulated miRNAs were miR-16-5p (mean differences of fold change are 1.25, 95% CI = 0.04-2.46, P = 0.040), miR-19a-3p (mean differences of fold change are 2.90, 95% CI = 1.45-4.35, P = 0.001), and miR-19b-3p (mean differences of fold change are 3.10, 95% CI = 0.94-5.25, P = 0.005). miR-155-5p and miR-21-3p were found to be downregulated.
Conclusions:
The results indicate that several miRNAs may be used as markers for diabetes gestational diabetes mellitus. In the future, more studies are needed to validate the findings of our study.
Insights
This meta-analysis reveals specific microRNAs (miRNAs) as potential biomarkers for gestational diabetes mellitus (GDM). Upregulated miRNAs like miR-16-5p, miR-19a-3p, and miR-19b-3p were identified, suggesting their role in GDM pathogenesis.
Area of Science:
- Biochemistry
- Genetics
- Molecular Biology
Background:
- MicroRNAs (miRNAs) are key regulators of gene expression with roles in various physiological and pathological processes.
- Limited research exists on the specific involvement of miRNAs in gestational diabetes mellitus (GDM).
Approach:
- A systematic meta-analysis was conducted, searching PubMed, Cochrane Library, and EMBASE databases up to December 20, 2021.
- Six studies comprising 252 GDM cases and 309 controls were analyzed to identify differentially expressed miRNAs.
Key Points:
- Analysis of six studies revealed 21 miRNAs with altered expression in GDM patients.
- Twelve miRNAs were found to be upregulated, including miR-16-5p, miR-19a-3p, and miR-19b-3p.
- Two miRNAs, miR-155-5p and miR-21-3p, were identified as downregulated in GDM cases.
Conclusions:
- Several miRNAs show potential as diagnostic or prognostic markers for gestational diabetes mellitus.
- Further research is warranted to validate these miRNA findings in larger cohorts.
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