Biofluid-Derived Exosomal LncRNAs: Their Potential in Obesity and Related Comorbidities

Area of Science:

• Biochemistry
• Molecular Biology
• Endocrinology

Background:

• Obesity prevalence has tripled globally since the 1970s, mirroring increases in type 2 diabetes, cancer, and cardiovascular diseases.
• Current obesity and metabolic disease therapies have suboptimal response rates, highlighting the need for novel strategies.
• Inter-organ communication (IOC) is critical in metabolic disorders, with exosomes mediating this communication via transported molecules.

Purpose of the Study:

• To review the diagnostic and therapeutic potential of exosomal long non-coding RNAs (exo-lncRNAs) in obesity and associated metabolic conditions.
• To emphasize the role of exo-lncRNAs in inter-organ communication (IOC) and disease progression.
• To identify promising avenues for future research in exo-lncRNA-based metabolic disease management.

Main Methods:

• Literature review focusing on exosomal RNAs, particularly long non-coding RNAs (lncRNAs).
• Analysis of studies investigating exo-lncRNAs in biofluids (blood, urine, etc.) and their correlation with metabolic parameters.
• Synthesis of evidence on the role of exo-lncRNAs in IOC and metabolic pathway regulation.

Main Results:

• Exosomal RNAs, including exo-lncRNAs, are altered in various diseases and present in multiple biofluids, indicating diagnostic potential.
• Alterations in exo-lncRNAs correlate with metabolic parameters in patients with metabolic-associated conditions.
• Exo-lncRNAs interact with key metabolic pathway components, suggesting a significant role in disease pathogenesis.

Conclusions:

• Exosomal lncRNAs hold significant promise as diagnostic biomarkers for obesity and related metabolic disorders.
• Targeting exo-lncRNAs presents a potential therapeutic strategy for improving metabolic health and inter-organ communication.
• Further research is crucial to elucidate the precise functions of exo-lncRNAs and develop clinical applications.