Abstract
MicroRNAs (miRNAs) are small noncoding RNAs, approximately 18-25 nucleotides in length, that modulate gene expression at the posttranscriptional level. Thousands of miRNAs have been described, and it is thought that they regulate some aspects of more than 60% of all human cell transcripts. Several polyphenols have been shown to modulate miRNAs related to metabolic homeostasis and chronic diseases. Polyphenolic modulation of miRNAs is very attractive as a strategy to target numerous cell processes and potentially reduce the risk of chronic disease. Evidence is building that polyphenols can target specific miRNAs, such as miR-122, but more studies are necessary to discover and validate additional miRNA targets.
© 2012 WILEY-VCH Verlag GmbH & Co. KGaA, Weinheim.
Publication types
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Research Support, Non-U.S. Gov't
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Review
MeSH terms
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Adipogenesis / genetics
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Amino Acids / metabolism
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Biomarkers / blood
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Cardiovascular Diseases / genetics
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Cardiovascular Diseases / physiopathology
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Cardiovascular Diseases / prevention & control*
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Chronic Disease
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Diabetes Mellitus, Type 2 / genetics
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Diabetes Mellitus, Type 2 / physiopathology
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Diabetes Mellitus, Type 2 / prevention & control*
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Fatty Liver / genetics
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Fatty Liver / physiopathology
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Fatty Liver / prevention & control*
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Gene Expression Regulation
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Glucose / metabolism
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Humans
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Lipid Metabolism / drug effects
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MicroRNAs / genetics*
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MicroRNAs / metabolism
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Non-alcoholic Fatty Liver Disease
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Obesity / genetics
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Obesity / physiopathology
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Obesity / prevention & control*
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Polyphenols / pharmacology*
Substances
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Amino Acids
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Biomarkers
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MicroRNAs
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Polyphenols
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Glucose