MicroRNAs modify relationships between hemoglobin A1c and race and ethnicity

Area of Science:

• Genetics and Genomics
• Metabolic Diseases
• Public Health

Background:

• Race and ethnicity are associated with variations in hemoglobin A1c (HbA1c) levels.
• The biological mechanisms underlying these disparities, particularly the role of microRNAs, are not fully understood.
• Socioenvironmental factors may influence these associations.

Purpose of the Study:

• To identify microRNAs (miRs) that modify the association between race/ethnicity and HbA1c.
• To explore extrinsic factors and biological pathways involved in this modification.
• To investigate the role of miRs in health disparities.

Main Methods:

• Secondary analysis of the Diabetes Prevention Program (DPP) trial data.
• Utilized baseline and longitudinal microRNA data from 1000 and 150 participants, respectively.
• Employed linear and linear mixed models for association analyses and in-silico methods for pathway identification.

Main Results:

• One microRNA (miR-29b) modified the race/ethnicity-HbA1c association at baseline.
• Two microRNAs (miR-92a, miR-146a) showed longitudinal modification.
• Modifying miRs were associated with socioenvironmental factors like nutrition, income, education, and exercise.

Conclusions:

• Identified specific microRNAs that mediate the relationship between race/ethnicity and HbA1c.
• Findings suggest socioenvironmental factors and individual characteristics may confound these associations.
• These microRNAs may serve as biomarkers for understanding health disparities in diabetes.