Selenium biomarkers and miR‐7‐5p in overweight/obese women

Introduction

Chronic low-grade inflammation and oxidative stress are pivotal contributors to the metabolic complications associated with obesity. Selenoprotein P (SELENOP) and glutathione peroxidase 1 (GPx1) are selenoproteins involved in the reduction of reactive oxygen species and pro-inflammatory cytokines levels. Nutritional epigenomics revealed the interaction of microRNAs and nutrients with an important impact on metabolic pathways involved in obesity. However, the knowledge regarding the influence of microRNA on selenium biomarkers and its impact on metabolic pathways related to obesity remains scarce. Thus, the aim of this study was to investigate the association of plasma miR‐7‐5p expression with selenium and inflammatory biomarkers in women with overweight/obesity.

Material and methods

Anthropometric evaluations were performed and blood samples were collected for the analysis of fasting glucose, insulin, inflammatory and selenium biomarkers, and miR-7–5p expression in 54 women with overweight/obesity. Gene expression of SELENOP and GPX1 were evaluated in peripheral mononuclear blood cells.

Results

This study observed a negative correlation between SELENOP levels and miR-7–5p (rho = −0.350; p = 0.018). Additionally, it was observed that body fat (OR = 0.737; p = 0.011), age (OR = 1.214; p = 0.007), and miR‐7‐5p (OR = 0.990; p = 0.015) emerged as significant predictors of SELENOP levels.

Conclusions

In conclusion, we observed a significant inverse association between miR‐7‐5p expression and SELENOP concentration in overweight/obese women, suggesting that age and percentage of body fat are also associated.

Trial registration number

Brazilian Registry of Clinical Trials (ReBEC) number RBR-2nfy5q