Sex Differences in MicroRNA Expression and Cardiometabolic Risk Factors in Hispanic Adolescents with Obesity

Objective To evaluate sex differences in microRNA (miRNA) expression, anthropometric measures, and cardio-metabolic risk factors in Hispanic adolescents with obesity. Study design Cross-sectional study of 68 (60% male) Hispanic adolescents with obesity, aged 13-17 years, recruited from a pediatric weight management clinic. We used small RNA sequencing to identify differentially expressed circulating miRNAs. We used ingenuity pathway analysis and David bioinformatic resource tools to identify target genes for these miRNAs and enriched pathways. We used standard procedures to measure anthropometric and cardiometabolic factors. Results We identified 5 miRNAs (miR-24-3p, miR-361-3p, miR-3605-5p, miR-486-5p, and miR-199b-3p) that differed between females and males. miRNA targets-enriched pathways included phosphatidylinositol 3-kinaseprotein, 5' AMP-activated protein kinase, insulin resistance, sphingolipid, transforming growth factor-beta, adipocyte lipolysis regulation, and oxytocin signaling pathways. In addition, there were sex differences in blood pressure, skeletal muscle mass, lean body mass, and percent body fat. Conclusions We have identified sex differences in miRNA expression in Hispanic adolescents relevant to cardiometabolic health. Future studies should focus on sex-specific mechanistic roles of miRNAs on gene pathways associated with obesity pathophysiology to support development of precision cardiometabolic interventions.

Automated summary

This study evaluated sex differences in miRNA expression, anthropometric measures, and cardio-metabolic risk factors in Hispanic adolescents with obesity. The findings suggest that not only are there differences in miRNA expression between males and females, but also differences in cardiovascular and metabolic health related factors between the two sexes. Additional research focusing on sex-specific roles of miRNAs in obesity-related pathways is needed to develop personalized cardiometabolic interventions.