Clinical value of serum LINC00240 and its role in lipid metabolism of non-alcoholic fatty liver disease

BACKGROUND: Long non-coding RNAs (lncRNAs) play pivotal roles in diverse diseases, including non-alcoholic fatty liver disease (NAFLD). This study aimed to explore the expression of LINC00240 in NAFLD patients, elucidating its potential as a biomarker. METHODS: RT-qPCR was employed to measure the levels of LINC00240 and miR-133a-3p. ROC curve analysed diagnostic value, luciferase reporter assay verified their targeting relationship, and lipid metabolism markers were detected for correlation analysis. RESULTS: Serum LINC00240 was upregulated and miR-133a-3p was downregulated in NAFLD patients. LINC00240 was positively correlated with TC, TG, ALT, and HOMA-IR. Both LINC00240 and miR-133a-3p displayed diagnostic potential. LINC00240 directly targeted miR-133a-3p. Knockdown of LINC00240 reduced lipid metabolism parameters, while was partially reversed by miR-133a-3p antagomir. CONCLUSION: LINC00240 and miR-133a-3p are potential diagnostic biomarkers for NAFLD. LINC00240/miR-133a-3p axis modulates NAFLD progression by regulating hepatic steatosis and insulin resistance, suggesting an antagonistic regulatory mechanism underlying NAFLD progression and lipid metabolic dysregulation.