ABSTRACT
Objective: Obstructive sleep apnea (OSA) is a respiratory disorder with multiple clinical outcomes and is now being recognized as a serious health concern across the globe. However, the mechanisms of its pathophysiology are still elusive. Also, to date, evidence of miRNA regulation of sleep apnea in the Indian sub-population is unknown. Methods: In this study, we investigated the expression pattern of certain potential obesity-linked miRNAs in OSA subjects. Seventy adult subjects (20 obese OSA, 20 non-obese OSA and 30 healthy) were selected for this study. Total RNA was extracted and the expression of miR-21, miR-27, miR-29 and let-7 (normalized with internal control RNU48) was analyzed by SYBR Green-based qPCR. Results: We selected miR-21, miR-27, miR-29 and let-7 for their documented role in obesity. Relative miRNA expression profiles revealed differential expressions of all four above mentioned miRNAs in both obese and non-obese OSA subjects compared to healthy controls. Statistical analysis revealed a significant correlation between miRNA expression with obesity-associated parameters in OSA subjects. Conclusion: Our study demonstrates the involvement of four miRNAs (miR-21, miR-27, miR-29 and let-7) as potential molecular players of obesity-associated OSA. Identification of miRNA targets and in-depth analysis of their molecular mechanism in disease pathogenesis is further warranted.