Abstract
Abstract
Background
MicroRNAs (miRNAs) had the ability to control several biological processes. Thus, the exisstance of these mlecules play a significant role in regulating human iron metabolism or homeostasis.
Purpose
The study aimed to determine the role of circulating microRNAs and hepcidin in controlling iron homeostasis and evaluating possible anemia among school children.
Methods
The study was based on a biochemical and cross-sectional survey study that included three hundred fifty school children aged 12–18 years old. RT–PCR and immunoassays analysis were accomplished to estimate iron concentration, Hgb, serum ferritin(SF), soluble transferrin receptor (sTfR), total body iron stores(TIBs), total oxidative stress(TOS), total antioxidant capacity(TAC), α-1-acid glycoprotein (AGP), high sensitive C-reactive protein (hs-CRP), and miRNAs; miR-146a, miR-129b, and miR-122 in 350 school adolescents.
Results
Iron disorders were cross-sectionally predicted in 28.54% of the study population; they were classified into 14.26% with ID and 5.7% with IDA, and 8.6% with iron overloaded. The overall proportion of iron depletion was significantly higher in girls (20.0%) than in boys(8.6%). MicroRNAs; miR-146a and miR-125b, and miR-122 were significantly upregulated with lower hepcidin expression in adolescence with ID and IDA compared to iron-overloaded subjects, whereas down-regulation of these miRNAs was linked with higher hepcidin. Also, a significant correlation was recorded between miRNAs, hepcidin levels, AGP, hs-CRP, TAC, and other iron-related indicators.
Conclusion
Molecular miRNAs; miR-146a and miR-125b, and miR-122 were shown to provide an additional means of controlling or regulating cellular iron uptake or metabolism either via oxidative stress pathway or regulation of hepcidin expression via activating genes encoding Hfe and Hjv activators which promotes iron regulation.
Publisher
Research Square Platform LLC
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