Ingestion of orange juice prevents hyperglycemia and increases plasma miR-375 expression

Background & aims: The intake of high-fat, high-carbohydrate (HFHC) meals is associated with an increased risk of type 2 diabetes. There is evidence that the association of orange juice to a HFHC meal can modulate the expression of microRNAs (miRNAs) linked to pancreatic beta-cell function such as miR-375. We evaluated the effect of a commercial orange juice intake with HFHC meal on plasma miRNAs expression in twelve healthy subjects in a crossover design study. Methods: Subjects ingested water, orange juice, or an isocaloric beverage along with a 1037 kcal HFHC meal. Blood glucose and miRNAs were evaluated at baseline and 1, 3, and 5 h after the intake. Results: The area under the curve (AUC) for glycemia after ingestion of HFHC + orange juice did not differ from ingestion of HPHC + glucose or HFHC + water. However, the AUC was higher in HFHC meal + glucose compared to HFHC meal + water (p = 0.034). Glucose and insulin concentrations were significantly higher in HFHC meal + glucose group after 1 h, when compared with other groups and times (p < 0.001). There was an increase in plasma miR-375 expression after 3 h of ingestion of HFHC + orange juice versus water (p = 0.026), and a decrease in plasma miR-205-5p expression after HFHC meal + glucose versus water (p = 0.023). Conclusions: A single HFHC meal + orange juice modulated plasma miR-375 expression, which is a biomarker of pancreatic beta-cell function, and contributed to preventing hyperglycemia. (C) 2021 European Society for Clinical Nutrition and Metabolism. Published by Elsevier Ltd. All rights reserved.

Automated summary

This study found that the intake of high-fat, high-carbohydrate (HFHC) meals with orange juice can modulate the expression of miRNAs linked to pancreatic beta-cell function. In a crossover design study involving twelve healthy subjects, it was observed that the intake of HFHC meal + orange juice increased the expression of plasma miR-375, which is a biomarker of pancreatic beta-cell function, and contributed to preventing hyperglycemia.