Hormonal
Dysregulation of specific microRNAs (miRNAs) in adipose tissue, pancreas, liver, and muscle contributes to the pathogenesis of obesity and related metabolic diseases by altering gene expression involved in energy balance, insulin signaling, and inflammation.
Obesity involves complex biological regulation beyond just calories in vs. calories out. Specific microRNAs in your fat, liver, and muscle cells can become dysregulated, contributing to insulin resistance and inflammation. While lifestyle changes remain foundational, understanding this biological layer explains why obesity can be stubborn and why future treatments may target these specific molecular pathways.
Altered miRNAs expression has been reported in association with obesity, both in animal and human studies. Dysregulation of miRNAs may affect the status and functions of different tissues and organs, including the adipose tissue, pancreas, liver, and muscle, possibly contributing to metabolic abnormalities associated with obesity and obesity-related diseases.
Why this rating
The paper is a review summarizing observational and animal studies; it does not present new primary clinical trial data.
Source
Role of microRNAs in obesity and obesity-related diseases
Giuseppe Iacomino et al. · Genes & Nutrition · 2017
DOI 10.1186/s12263-017-0577-z
More from this paper
- Circulating microRNAs (miRNAs) found in plasma and other body fluids can serve as biomarkers for obesity and metabolic diseases, and may act as endocrine signaling molecules mediating inter-organ communication.Moderate
- Specific microRNAs (e.g., miR-143, miR-145, miR-27a, miR-130a) regulate adipogenesis (fat cell formation) and insulin sensitivity, with some promoting and others inhibiting fat cell differentiation and glucose homeostasis.Moderate
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