Molecular Signatures of MicroRNA in Obesity Associated Obstructive Sleep Apnea in Middle-Aged Adults

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.

The diagnostic potential of maternal plasma in detecting fetal diseases by DNA test.

Conventionally, DNA based investigations for fetal diseases are done by chorionic villous sampling and amniocentesis. Both are invasive techniques. Recently, molecular diagnosis has also been made possible in early pregnancy from maternal blood which is noninvasive and advantageous. Most of the researches have tried to identify the Y chromosome marker(s) to detect a male fetus and paternally inherited allele. This is currently helpful to detect a very few genetic disorders including Rh D status in Rh negative women in early pregnancy and preeclampsia a few weeks preceding the clinical onset. This is a potential area for prenatal diagnosis in future.