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

ARTICLE HIGHLIGHTS

Research background

Type 2 diabetes mellitus (T2DM) as a metabolic disorder due to impaired glucose utilization. Uncontrolled high sugar levels generate advanced glycation end products (AGEs) via receptor of advanced glycation end products (RAGE) receptor, causing complications. MiRNAs regulate genes linked to diabetes, impacting AGEs pathogenesis and influencing T2DM aspects—risk, diagnostics, complications, and therapeutic potential in managing metabolic pathways, inflammation, oxidative stress, and vascular complications. MiRNAs also hold promise as early diagnostic biomarkers, paving the way for innovative diabetes therapies.

Research motivation

Understanding miRNA roles in T2DM's metabolic pathways and their influence on AGEs/RAGE axis presents therapeutic prospects for managing diabetes complications. Identifying miRNAs as diagnostic markers could revolutionize early intervention strategies. Exploring their impact on gene regulation offers insights for innovative therapeutic targets, potentially mitigating diabetes-related complexities.

Research objectives

To investigate the regulatory role of specific miRNAs in T2DM's metabolic pathways affected by AGEs/RAGE axis, exploring their potential as diagnostic markers and therapeutic targets for managing diabetes complications.

Research methods

The study systematically searched PubMed using specific keywords to identify free, full-length research articles evaluating miRNA involvement in T2DM and its complications. Twelve articles were selected after assessing relevance to genetic and molecular disease mechanisms. The investigation focused on miRNA impact on AGEs/RAGE axis and their associations with T2DM aspects.

Research results

Multiple miRNAs, including miR-96-5p, miR-7-5p, miR-132, has_circ_0071106, miR-143, miR-21, miR-145-5p, exhibit links to diverse facets of T2DM—risk, diagnostics, complications, and gene regulation. These miRNAs are intricately associated with metabolic pathways affected by the AGEs/RAGE axis, illuminating potential roles as diagnostic markers and therapeutic targets for managing T2DM complexities.

Research conclusions

Targeting the AGEs/RAGE axis via miRNA regulation holds promise for managing T2DM complexities. MiRNAs offer therapeutic potential by influencing affected metabolic pathways, potentially mitigating inflammation, oxidative stress, and vascular complications. Moreover, their role as early diagnostic biomarkers suggests innovative strategies for addressing diabetes and its associated complications.

Research perspectives

Further exploration of miRNA-mediated regulation in the context of the AGEs/RAGE axis holds significant promise for advancing T2DM management. Investigating specific miRNAs' functional roles could unveil novel therapeutic avenues, potentially targeting metabolic pathways to alleviate complications. Additionally, validating miRNAs as reliable early diagnostic markers might revolutionize diabetes intervention strategies.