Serum levels miR-29a-3p and miR-221-3p as potential biomarkers for diagnosis of diabetes

Objectives: Type 2 diabetes (T2D) is a chronic metabolic disorder characterized by insulin resistance and progressive β-cell dysfunction. Early detection is crucial for effective management and the prevention of complications. Circulating microRNAs (miRNAs) have emerged as promising non-invasive biomarkers for various diseases, including metabolic disorders. This study aimed to assess the diagnostic potential of serum microRNA-29a-3p (miR-29a-3p) and microRNA-221-3p (miR-221-3p) in patients with T2D. Methods: A case-control study was conducted, including 48 patients with T2D and 42 healthy controls. Serum levels of miR-29a-3p and miR-221-3p were quantified using real-time PCR. Results: Both miR-29a-3p and miR-221-3p were significantly elevated in the sera of T2D patients compared to controls. Serum miR-29a-3p and miR-221-3p showed positive correlations with fasting blood glucose (r = 0.466, r = 0.403) and HbA1c (r = 0.375, r = 0.366), respectively. Additionally, miR-29a-3p exhibited a moderate correlation with triglycerides (TG) (r = 0.300) after adjusting for BMI, age, and gender. Both miRNAs also correlated with adiposity parameters, including body mass index, weight, and waist circumference. Conclusion: Serum miR-29a-3p and miR-221-3p are significantly upregulated in T2D and correlate with key metabolic markers. Their diagnostic performance suggests that they may serve as valuable non-invasive biomarkers for the early detection and monitoring of T2D. Further research is required to validate these findings in larger and more diverse populations.