Human MicroRNAs Modulated by Diet: A Scoping Review

Area of Science:

• Biochemistry
• Molecular Biology
• Nutritional Science

Background:

• MicroRNAs (miRNAs) regulate gene expression post-transcriptionally.
• miRNAs may mediate the connection between diet and metabolic regulation.
• A comprehensive registry of diet-modulated miRNAs is needed for intervention analysis.

Purpose of the Study:

• To conduct a scoping literature review of studies examining miRNA modulation by diet in humans.
• To identify food items and dietary patterns that impact miRNA profiles.
• To assess the utility of miRNAs in analyzing diet interventions.

Main Methods:

• Scoping literature search of PubMed, SCOPUS, EMBASE, and Web of Science.
• Inclusion criteria: human studies, diet intervention/meal challenge, longitudinal miRNA profiling.
• Screened 6167 studies, included 25 meeting criteria (7 meal challenge, 18 diet intervention).

Main Results:

• Dietary interventions significantly modulate miRNA profiles in humans.
• Metabolically healthy individuals exhibit a more intense miRNA response to dietary changes.
• Significant heterogeneity exists in study designs, populations, and miRNA identification methods.

Conclusions:

• miRNAs are responsive to various dietary interventions.
• Further research is needed to understand miRNA responsiveness to dietary intake.
• Standardized methodologies are required for comparable and reliable results in future studies.