Characterization and predicted role of microRNA expression profiles associated with early childhood obesity

MicroRNAs (miRNAs) are implicated in the pathogenesis of obesity. The aim of the present study was to characterize the miRNA profile associated with early childhood obesity in peripheral blood mononuclear cells (PBMCs). A total of 12 children (6 obese and 6 lean controls) aged 36 months old to 48 months old were recruited. The miRNA expression profile from PBMCs was detected using the multiplexed NanoString nCounter system. Bioinformatics was employed to detect target genes and miRNA-regulated biological function. A total of 9 differentially expressed miRNAs were identified in obese children compared with lean children (P<0.05). Among the 9 miRNAs, miR-199a-3p/miR-199b-3p and miR-4454 presented at least a 1.5-fold change in expression. A total of 643 potential target genes were regulated by the three miRNAs, and 291 of the potential genes were involved in a protein interaction network. Gene ontology annotation indicated that 291 potential genes were enriched in 14 biological process annotations and 2 molecular function annotations. miRNA dysregulation may be involved in early childhood obesity.