Chronic pistachio intake modulates circulating microRNAs related to glucose metabolism and insulin resistance in prediabetic subjects

Eur J Nutr. 2017 Sep;56(6):2181-2191. doi: 10.1007/s00394-016-1262-5. Epub 2016 Jul 6.

Abstract

Purpose: To assess the effects of a pistachio-enriched diet on the profile of circulating microRNAs (miRNAs) related to glucose metabolism and insulin resistance (IR).

Methods: Randomized crossover clinical trial in 49 subjects with prediabetes was performed. Subjects consumed a pistachio-supplemented diet (PD, 50 % carbohydrates, 33 % fat, including 57 g/day of pistachios) and an isocaloric control diet (CD, 55 % carbohydrates and 30 % fat) for 4 months each, separated by a 2-week washout period. The plasma profile of a set of seven predefined miRNAs related to glucose and insulin metabolism was analyzed by quantitative RT-PCR.

Results: After the PD period, subjects have shown significant lower circulating levels of miR-192 and miR-375 compared to CD period, whereas miR-21 nonsignificantly increased after PD compared with CD (47 vs. 2 %, P = 0.092). Interestingly, changes in circulating miR-192 and miR-375 were positively correlated with plasma glucose, insulin and HOMA-IR.

Conclusion: Chronic pistachio consumption positively modulates the expression of some miRNA previously implicated on insulin sensitivity.

Keywords: Glucose; Pistachio; Prediabetes; microRNA.

Publication types

  • Randomized Controlled Trial

MeSH terms

  • Blood Glucose / metabolism*
  • Blood Pressure
  • Body Mass Index
  • Cholesterol / blood
  • Circulating MicroRNA / blood*
  • Cross-Over Studies
  • Diet
  • Dietary Carbohydrates / administration & dosage
  • Dietary Fats / administration & dosage
  • Dietary Proteins / administration & dosage
  • Female
  • Glycated Hemoglobin / metabolism
  • Humans
  • Insulin / blood
  • Insulin Resistance*
  • Male
  • Middle Aged
  • Nuts*
  • Pistacia*
  • Prediabetic State / blood*
  • Triglycerides / blood
  • Waist Circumference

Substances

  • Blood Glucose
  • Circulating MicroRNA
  • Dietary Carbohydrates
  • Dietary Fats
  • Dietary Proteins
  • Glycated Hemoglobin A
  • Insulin
  • Triglycerides
  • Cholesterol