The Regulatory Role of MicroRNAs in Obesity and Obesity-Derived Ailments

Abstract

Obesity is a condition that is characterized by the presence of excessive adipose tissue in the body. Obesity has become one of the main health concerns worldwide since it can lead to other chronic ailments, such as type 2 diabetes or fatty liver disease, and it could be an aggravating factor in infections. MicroRNAs (miRNAs) are small, non-coding RNA molecules that regulate gene expression and can play an important role in controlling crucial biological processes involved in the onset of obesity, such as lipogenesis, adipogenesis, lipid metabolism, or the regulation of cytokines and chemokines. Moreover, chemical compounds present in food or food packaging can alter miRNA expression and regulate the aforementioned biological mechanisms related to diabetes onset and progression. Furthermore, therapies, such as bariatric surgery and aerobic exercise training, can also influence the expression profile of miRNAs in obesity. Therefore, the present review provides insight into the current research on the role of miRNAs in obesity and obesity-derived ailments, intending to develop novel therapies to effectively manage these disorders.

Keywords: adipogenesis; adipose tissue; lipogenesis; miRNA; obesity.

Figure 1

Role of miRNAs in the development of obesity and related ailments. One of the main causes of obesity is a high-fat diet, leading to lipogenesis and an augmentation in AT mass and weight. Moreover, chemical compounds in food or food packaging can exert a beneficial or detrimental effect on obesity onset. A number of biological mechanisms are involved in obesity development, and some of them are regulated by different miRNAs and their corresponding targets, as shown in the figure. Relevant miRNAs involved in the presented metabolic pathways are only partially listed. Green boxes indicate miRNA upregulation, and red boxes indicate miRNA downregulation.