MicroRNAs (miRNAs) regulate several metabolic pathways and are potential biomarkers for early risk prediction of metabolic syndrome (MetS). Our aim was to evaluate the levels of 21 miRNAs in plasma according to MetS components and sex in adults. We employed a cross-sectional study of 192 adults aged 20 to 59 years old from the 2015 Health Survey of São Paulo with Focus in Nutrition. Data showed reduced levels of miR-16 and miR-363 in women with MetS; however, men with one or more risk factors showed higher levels of miR-let-7c and miR-30a. Individuals with raised waist circumference showed higher levels of miR-let-7c, miR-122, miR-30a, miR-146a, miR-15a, miR-30d and miR-222. Individuals with raised blood pressure had higher miR-30a, miR-122 and miR-30a levels. Plasma levels of four miRNAs (miR-16, miR-363, miR-375 and miR-486) were lower in individuals with low HDL-cholesterol concentrations. In addition, plasma levels of five miRNAs (miR-122, miR-139, miR-let-7c, miR-126 and miR-30a) were increased in individuals with high fasting plasma glucose and/or insulin resistance. Our results suggest that the pattern of miRNA levels in plasma may be a useful early biomarker of cardiometabolic components of MetS and highlight the sex differences in the plasma levels of miRNAs in individuals with MetS.
Keywords: abdominal obesity; dyslipidemia; hypertension; insulin resistance; metabolic syndrome; miRNA.