MiR-375: it could be a general biomarker of metabolic changes and inflammation in type 1 diabetes patients and their siblings

Purpose Type 1 diabetes (T1D) is a chronic autoimmune illness that results in loss of pancreatic beta cells and insulin insufficiency. MicroRNAs (miRNAs) are linked to immune system functions contributing to the pathophysiology of T1D, miRNA-375 is significantly expressed in the human pancreas and its circulatory levels might correspond to beta cell alterations. Pancreatic islet cell antibodies (ICA) and Glutamic acid decarboxylase antibodies (GADA) have roles in autoimmune pathogenesis and are predictive markers of T1D. The aim of this work was to detect serum level changes of miRNA-375, ICA, and GADA in T1D patients, and their siblings compared to healthy controls and correlate them with T1D biochemical parameters. Methods The study included 66 T1D patients (32 males and 34 females; age range 3-18 years), 22 patients' siblings (13 males and 9 females; age range 4-17 years), and 23 healthy controls (7 males and 16 females; age range 4-17 years). MiRNA-375 levels were measured using quantitative reverse transcription polymerase chain reaction (RT-qPCR), while ICA and GADA levels were measured using enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA). Data analysis was done utilizing SPSS-17 software. Results MiR-375 levels were downregulated in T1D patients and further decreased in their siblings when compared to healthy controls. Furthermore, miR-375 exhibited inverse correlations with HbA1c levels but no correlations with Total Insulin Dose, disease duration, or autoantibodies (GADA & ICA). Conclusion Our study indicates that miR-375 is significantly downregulated in children with T1D and their siblings, suggesting its potential role as a biomarker for beta-cell function and glycemic control.