Serum MicroRNA-122 as a potential biomarker for early detection and monitoring of type 2 diabetes mellitus: a review article

Introduction

It is a great concern to public health, as the number of patients with T2DM increases every year and the requirement for the development of novel methods to diagnose the disease at the initial stages arises. Increasingly, people are developing T2DM, the consequences of which are significant across the globe. Such state might cause lot many ailments that make life difficult. T2DM is different from type 1 because T2DM is a result of insulin resistance combined with inefficiency of insulin production. This results in sustained high blood sugar levels that damage different organs of the body at different times. T2DM raises the risk that people have heart disease, nerve disorders, kidney disorders, eye problems, and other complications that can cause [1]. In addition, it is very important for one to find and treat the condition as soon as possible, since pre-diabetics might show some changes in certain biomarkers. Serum microRNA-122 is proving to be a useful marker for finding those at risk for T2DM, providing an easy way for monitoring the progression of the disease and possible complications (Grillari et al.). Such developments are likely to alter physicians' ways of working, ultimately giving a chance for patients to have a better health outcome and management strategies.

The Role of MicroRNAs in Metabolic Disorders

Some of the miRNAs are involved in various metabolic processes that have made them significant contributory factors to metabolic disorders inclusive of T2DM. These are small RNA molecules can binding any DNA or RNA to change its activity; they play part in mechanisms such as insulin resistance and β-cell dysfunc- tion, which are crucial in the management of T2D. It has been noted recently that the patients with diabetes have distinct miRNA profiles that indicate that they can be used for the identification of the disease and its progression. For instance, scientists have discovered that in the processes that determine patient response to sitagliptin, a DPP-IV inhibitor, miR-378, miR-126-3p, and miR-223 are useful. Furthermore, the fluctuations of circulating miRNA levels can predict the long term complications associated with diabetes; this makes miRNA a non invasive biomarkers for diagnosing and managing metabolic disorders Abballe [2].

Fig. The chart showcases the correlation of individual miRNAs with Sitagliptin response in diabetic patients along with their significance level. A small dot indicates high significance for miR-378, while miR-126-3p and miR-223 exhibit moderately high significance

A. Mechanisms of Action of MicroRNA-122 in Glucose Metabolism

Among the large number of microRNAs, miR-122 can be considered as one of the most important for regulation of glucose metabolism. It impacts on how insulin works and on liver’s production or storage of glucose. It has 76 nucleotides and is mainly located in the liver; it is considered as marker metabolically active molecule. In this regard, due to targeting of the genes, which are associated with gluconeogenic and lipid metabolism, miR-122 may enhance insulin signaling, promote the cellular uptake of glucose by other tissues, and maintain glucose homeostasis. Some of the research conducted found that alteration in miR-122 is likely to result in a rise in metabolic complications, as seen with T2D. Since these metabolism problems can foreshadow T2D, it is crucial for understanding the function of miR-122 for screening and treatment. As a result, not only is miR-122 an indicator, but more importantly it may be a therapeutic target for T2D, according to the study by Baylina et al.A Caporali et al.).

Evidence Supporting MicroRNA-122 as a Biomarker

New signs are showing that MicroRNA-122 (miR-122) might be an important marker for finding and keeping track of type 2 diabetes mellitus (T2D). Studies show that higher amounts of miR-122 are regularly linked to metabolic issues and insulin resistance in those at risk for T2D. A major study discovered that Circulating MicroRNA-122 Is Associated With the Risk of New-Onset Metabolic Syndrome and Type 2 Diabetes, highlighting its possible predictive usefulness (quote1). Also, the changes in miR-122 levels show that shifts can happen before T2D starts, allowing for earlier treatments. Existing research further emphasizes that detailed profiling of circulating miRNAs, including miR-122, can identify specific metabolic problems, matching findings that indicate that high levels of these microRNAs relate to bad metabolic health in diabetic patients (A Caporali et al.) and may help find people at risk for developing long-term complications [2].

B. Clinical Studies Linking Serum MicroRNA-122 Levels to Type 2 Diabetes

The study of serum MicroRNA-122 levels is becoming an important topic for understanding type 2 diabetes mellitus (T2D). Literature review proves that, elevated MicroRNA-122 in the blood appears to be indicative of metabolic syndrome and T2D. For instance, one study – Circulating MicroRNA-122 Is Associated With the Risk of New-Onset Metabolic Syndrome and Type 2 Diabetes – proposed that the MicroRNA-122 indicator can be highly valuable. Furthermore, a range of other studies for the T2D patients of the older population indicate that some circulating miRNs including MicroRNA-122 are helpful to find out how effective the treatment that may involve sitagliptin is. This could help in developing non invasive diagnostic procedures that determine how a person reacts to various therapies and the potential of developing long-term complications, which will be a revolution in the management of diabetes [2, 3]. Based on these findings, it is suggested that MicroRNA-122, should be incorporated in daily checkups of patients suffering from diabetes.

Table

Clinical Studies on Serum MicroRNA-122 and Type 2 Diabetes

Conclusion

Therefore, by examining serum microRNA-122 as a diagnostic marker for detection of T2DM and measurement of its progression, possible benefits to medical practicies are tremendous. Absorbing microRNAs such as microRNA-122 without being invasive is beneficial because it allows you to know when diabetes may occur and how it can progress, so actions can be taken faster. There are indications that circulating miRNAs should also be investigated because such information is useful regarding the markers associated with the way treatments function, as well as the outcomes of patients: for instance, certain microRNAs are linked with drug resistance and effectiveness of the treatment in elderly T2D patients; [2]. It is pointed out that more studies are required to establish these markers in clinical practice, which echoes the call for further work with microRNAs not only as diagnostic tools, but as therapeutic biomarkers in monitoring and managing diabetes (Allværvik et al.). By these we may improve a patient’s life, outcomes, and strive towards improving awareness of T2D disease processes. These findings on the relation between serum MicroRNA-122 and Type 2 Diabetes Mellitus make implications to future studies and health applications. According to the findings, the increased levels of the MicroRNA-122 may be connected to the onset and further evolution of the disease, therefore, more investigations are needed to describe the impact of this microRNA on metabolism. Finally, further research ought to include large samples spanning a long time to validate the accuracy of MicroRNA-122 diagnostic potential among diverse populations. Vis, επίσης, Medical practices could be enhanced through integration of MicroRNA-122 tests alongside with standard screening techniques, which may enhance the early diagnostics and precaution measures. Besides, MicroRNA-122 might be a new target of the treatment where the Type 2 Diabetes Mellitus management sees a fundamental change. Hence, we expand research efforts in MicroRNA-122 which could improve patient outcomes via improved diagnosis and individualized therapies.