Research
Hormonal
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.
Blood tests may soon be able to detect specific microRNAs that indicate metabolic stress or obesity-related risks before clinical symptoms appear. This could lead to earlier interventions. Additionally, fat tissue may release these molecules to communicate with other organs, influencing metabolism system-wide.
ModerateSupportsMEDIUM confidence
More recently, the discovery of circulating miRNAs easily detectable in plasma and other body fluids has emphasized their potential as both endocrine signaling molecules and disease indicators.
Why this rating
Based on review of observational studies and animal models; clinical utility as biomarkers is still emerging.
Source
Role of microRNAs in obesity and obesity-related diseases
Giuseppe Iacomino et al. · Genes & Nutrition · 2017
DOI 10.1186/s12263-017-0577-z
narrative_reviewCited 223×
Read the paper DOI resolved against Crossref · corpus check 2026-06-10
More from this paper
- 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.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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