MiR-27b-3p Regulation in Browning of Human Visceral Adipose Related to Central Obesity

Objective: Given the rising prevalence of central obesity and the discovery that beige cells appear within white adipose tissue, strategies to enhance these energy-expending adipocytes or "browning" within white adipose depots have become of therapeutic interest to combat obesity and its associated disorders. This study focused on, the role of microRNA (miRNA)-27b-3p in human visceral adipose tissue (VAT) browning. Methods: Expression of miR-27b-3p and UCP1 in VAT and serum of humans was measured. MiR-27b-3p was overexpressed or suppressed in human visceral stromal fraction cells to analyze the potential role of miR-27b-3p. Results: UCP1 expression in human VAT decreased with elevated BMI and waist-hip ratio, whereas expression of miR-27b-3p was found to correlate positively with BMI and waist-hip ratio. High expression of miR-27b-3p was associated with reduced browning ability of human visceral adipocytes. Antagonism of miR-27b-3p led to the enhancement of browning ability in human visceral adipocytes. Conclusions: These findings highlight the decreased browning ability of VAT from humans with obesity and the role of miR-27b-3p in regulating browning of human visceral adipocytes. They suggest that miR-27b-3p should be further explored as a potential target for the treatment of central obesity.