MiR-125a C > T, MiR-152 C > T, MiR-938 G > A, and MiR-491 G > A single nucleotide polymorphisms and their influence on genetic susceptibility to type 2 diabetes

Diabetes mellitus (DM) is a chronic metabolic disorder that carries the risk of severe complications, such as cardiovascular disease, renal impairment, and an increased susceptibility to Alzheimer's disease. Considering these significant health implications, it is crucial to deepen our understanding of this condition. MicroRNAs (miRNAs), small non-coding RNAs that regulate gene expression, play a critical role in various biological processes and, when dysregulated, can contribute to the development of diseases such as diabetes mellitus.

This study aimed to investigate the association between type 2 diabetes mellitus (T2DM) and specific miRNA polymorphisms (miR-125a C > T, miR-152 C > T, miR-938 G > A, and miR-491 G > A) in a Korean population.

We examined the distribution of miRNA polymorphisms through genotyping in 238 T2DM patients and 343 healthy controls using polymerase chain reaction-restriction fragment length polymorphism technique.

Our findings indicate that the miR-938 GA genotype and its dominant model were significantly associated with an elevated risk of T2DM. Moreover, specific combinations of genetic variations were linked to either an increased or decreased risk of developing T2DM.

These results suggest that miRNA polymorphisms may influence an individual’s genetic susceptibility to T2DM and offer potential therapeutic targets and diagnostic tools.