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Differential Expression of microRNAs in Obese Mexican Children: Links to Insulin Resistance and Dyslipidemia

Alejandra Contreras-Ramos1, Guadalupe Díaz-Rosas1, Miguel Cruz2

  • 1Laboratorio de Investigación en Biología Molecular, Hospital Infantil de México Federico Gómez (HIMFG), Ciudad de México 06720, Mexico.

International Journal of Molecular Sciences
|May 4, 2026
PubMed

Insights

Childhood obesity alters plasma microRNAs (miRNAs) linked to metabolic dysfunction. Specific reduced miRNA levels, like miR-126-3p, predict insulin resistance and high triglycerides in children.

Area of Science:

  • Metabolic Health
  • Molecular Biology
  • Pediatric Endocrinology

Background:

  • Childhood obesity is a growing epidemic linked to metabolic health issues.
  • MicroRNAs (miRNAs) are small non-coding RNAs with regulatory roles in cellular processes.
  • Altered miRNA expression is implicated in various metabolic disorders.

Purpose of the Study:

  • To investigate the association between plasma miRNA expression profiles and metabolic status in children with obesity.
  • To identify specific miRNAs that can serve as early biomarkers for pediatric metabolic dysfunction.

Main Methods:

  • An analytical cross-sectional observational study comparing 50 children with obesity to 50 controls.
  • Measurement of metabolic markers including glucose, insulin, lipids (LDL, HDL, TG, TC).
  • Plasma miRNA sequencing using the NextSeq 2000 platform and differential expression analysis.

Main Results:

  • Children with obesity exhibited hyperinsulinemia and insulin resistance.
  • Nine miRNAs were underexpressed and six were overexpressed in the obese group.
  • Reduced levels of miR-126-3p, let-7a-5p, and miR-16-5p were strongly associated with hypertriglyceridemia and insulin resistance.

Conclusions:

  • Childhood obesity is associated with altered circulating miRNAs involved in glucose metabolism, insulin resistance, and pancreatic beta-cell function.
  • Specific miRNAs (miR-126-3p, let-7a-5p, miR-16-5p) show potential as early predictive biomarkers for metabolic dysfunction in children.
  • These miRNAs may represent novel therapeutic targets for pediatric metabolic diseases.

Keywords:
childhood obesityinsulin resistancemiRNAspancreatic beta cells

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