Association of MicroRNA-103 expression with type 2 diabetes mellitus

Background: Type 2 diabetes mellitus (T2DM), the most prevalent metabolic disorder worldwide, has genetic, epigenetic, and environmental contributors. Among them, circulating microRNAs (miRNAs/miRs) have attracted considerable attention. This study aimed to investigate the regulatory role of miR-103 in T2DM development. Methods: The miR-103 expression was evaluated in 33 participants with T2DM compared with 38 healthy controls using quantitative real-time polymerase chain reaction (q-RT PCR). Fasting blood glucose (FBS), fasting insulin (Fin), hemoglobin A1c (HbA1c), triglycerides (TG), and cholesterol (Chol) were also determined in serum. Basal insulin resistance and sensitivity were determined using the homeostasis model assessment insulin resistance (HOMA-IR) and quantitative insulin sensitivity check index (QUICKI), respectively. Results: There was a significant decrease in miR-103 levels in patients with T2DM (p<0.002). Serum miR-103 expression levels showed a strong correlation with age, FBS, HbA1c, TG, Chol levels, and HOMA-IR and QUICKI indices. Conclusion: The downregulation of miR-103 in T2DM patients suggests the diagnostic potential of miR-103 evaluation in conjunction with other diagnostic approaches.