Serum microRNA-486-5p expression in obese Egyptian children and its possible association with fatty liver

Aims: Several microRNAs (miRNAs) are involved in regulating the process of adipogenesis. White adipose tissue is a major source for these miRNAs. We aimed to evaluate the expression of miR-486-5p in children with obesity and its possible association with nonalcoholic fatty liver disease (NAFLD). Method: This case-control study included 100 obese and overweight children and 100 normal-weight children of matched age and sex. All children were subjected to anthropometric measurements and evaluation of miR-486-5p expression levels using the SYBR green-based real-time RT-PCR technique. Results: Obese children showed significantly up-regulated miR-486-5p gene expression (p value < 0.001) when compared to control group. MiR-486-5p gene expression showed significant positive correlation with weight (r = 0.924), BMI (r = 0.497), waist circumference (r = 0.387), fat mass (r = 0.361), LDL(r = 0.351), TG (r = 0.867), TC (r = 0.875) and presence of fatty liver (r = 0.760). The best cutoff value of miR-486-5p gene expression in the prediction of obesity was 0.44 with AUC 0.736 that has a sensitivity 60% and specificity 90%. Conclusion: The serum level of the miR-486-5p gene is up-regulated in obese and overweight children and might be an independent predictor for obesity and fatty liver susceptibility. (C) 2021 Diabetes India. Published by Elsevier Ltd. All rights reserved.

Automated summary

The study demonstrated that the miR-486-5p gene is up-regulated in obese children and is associated with the development of obesity and fatty liver. Expression of the miR-486-5p gene correlates positively with weight, BMI, fat mass, and other indicators.