A review of the role and effects of miRNAs in the diagnosis and prevention of diabetes

Introduction: Diabetes is one of the most important and well known chronic metabolic disease which its widespread prevalence in recent years has made it one of the major global health concerns. In this study, we will investigate the role and effects of miRNAs as regulators of gene expression in the diagnosis and prevention of diabetes.Description: Diabetes is one of the leading causes of morbidity and mortality worldwide. If left unchecked, it can lead to many complications, including heart attack, stroke, kidney failure, vision loss, neurological problems and an increased risk of fetal death. MiRNAs are small noncoding RNAs that contain 19-25 nucleotides and act as functional barriers to the translational stage by coupling to the 3’untranslated region of mRNAs. Circulating miRNAs due to their high stability properties can be used as biomarkers and drug targets in the control of diabetes. The mechanisms of these activities is further mediated by inhibition of miRNA activity by the effect of miRNA inhibitors, which are antisense oligonucleotides with a reverse miRNA complement sequence, or by reverting miRNA expression to the first state by MicroRNA mimics. MiRNAs can also be used as a series of sensors in diabetes, for example microRNA-375, the expression of which changes during glucose uptake.Discussion and conclusion: Failure to control or treat diabetes will cause irreversible cardiovascular, renal and neurologic complications. About diabetes, many miRNAs have been studied so far, including miR-375, miR-103, and miR-107. Extensive studies are under way to more effectively use miRNAs for therapeutic purposes of diabetes treatment and biosensors and biomarkers for early detection of diabetes.