Emerging roles of microRNAs as diagnostics and potential therapeutic interest in type 2 diabetes mellitus

Abstract

BACKGROUND

Type 2 diabetes mellitus (T2DM) is a metabolic disease of impaired glucose utilization. Uncontrolled high sugar levels lead to advanced glycation end products (AGEs), which affects several metabolic pathways by its receptor of advanced glycation end products (RAGE) and causes diabetic complication. MiRNAs are small RNA molecules which regulate genes linked to diabetes and affect AGEs pathogenesis, and target tissues, influencing health and disease processes.

AIM

To explore miRNA roles in T2DM's metabolic pathways for potential therapeutic and diagnostic advancements in diabetes complications.

METHODS

We systematically searched the electronic database PubMed using keywords. We included free, full-length research articles that evaluate the role of miRNAs in T2DM and its complications, focusing on genetic and molecular disease mechanisms. After assessing the full-length papers of the shortlisted articles, we included 12 research articles.

RESULTS

Several types of miRNAs are linked in metabolic pathways which are affected by AGE/RAGE axis in T2DM and its complications. miR-96-5p, miR-7-5p, miR-132, has_circ_0071106, miR-143, miR-21, miR-145-5p, and more are associated with various aspects of T2DM, including disease risk, diagnostic markers, complications, and gene regulation.

CONCLUSION

Targeting the AGE/RAGE axis, with a focus on miRNA regulation, holds promise for managing T2DM and its complications. MiRNAs have therapeutic potential as they can influence the metabolic pathways affected by AGEs and RAGE, potentially reducing inflammation, oxidative stress, and vascular complications. Additionally, miRNAs may serve as early diagnostic biomarkers for T2DM. Further research in this area may lead to innovative therapeutic strategies for diabetes and its associated complications.

Keywords: Type 2 diabetes mellitus; MicroRNAs; Advanced glycation end products; Receptor for advanced glycation end products

Core Tip: Type 2 diabetes mellitus (T2DM) is a worldwide problem characterized by uncontrolled hyperglycemia. In T2DM, elevated glucose bound proteins and leading to formation advanced glycation end products. miRNAs play a major role in gene regulation of different proteins which are involved in various metabolic pathways including nuclear factor kappa beta, protein kinase C, and phosphoinositide-3-kinase–protein kinase B/Akt which are responsible for blood glucose and insulin secretion and T2DM. The target of these miRNA changes the regulation of metabolic pathways which can reduce oxidative stress and inflammation. So, the modulate the regulation of these miRNA could be possible approach of the treatment of T2DM.