Circulating miR-323–3p as a novel potential plasma biomarker for multimorbidity burden and cognitive decline in middle-aged and older adults: Results from the national institute for longevity sciences–longitudinal study of aging in Japan
Year: 2024
Type: article
Abstract: Background Several circulating microRNAs (miRNAs) in the blood are indicators of chronic diseases, but their association with multimorbidity burden is unknown. The aim of this study was to assess the association of plasma levels of circulating miR-323–3p and miR-135–3p with age, cognitive performance, and number of comorbidities in middle-aged and older individuals. Methods Data from 295 community dwellers (≥40 years) who participated in the second wave (2000‒2002) of the National Institute for Longevity Sciences-Longitudinal Study of Aging in Japan were analyzed. miRNAs were isolated from the plasma, and miR-323–3p and miR-135–3p levels were measured using quantitative reverse-transcription polymerase chain reaction and normalized, with miR-16 as an endogenous reference gene. Cognitive performance was assessed using the Information and Similarities subtests and the Digit Symbol Substitution Test of the Wechsler Adult Intelligence Scale-Revised Short Form (WAIS-R-SF). Correlation tests and multivariate general linear regression analyses were performed to examine the relationship among circulating miRNA levels, burden of multimorbidity, and cognitive performance. Results The mean age of the participants was 59.15 ± 10.26 years. Pearson's correlation analysis revealed that the miR-323–3p level positively correlated with age and number of comorbidities but negatively correlated with WAIS-R-SF subtest performance. In men, miR-323–3p level negatively correlated with the performance of all three WAIS-R-SF subtests. The general linear regression analysis showed that the miR-323–3p level increased in participants with four comorbidities compared with those with one comorbidity. Conclusion Circulating miR-323–3p level is associated with the burden of multimorbidity and decreased cognitive performance in middle-aged and older adults.
Institutions: National Yang Ming Chiao Tung University, National Chung Hsing University, Taichung Veterans General Hospital, National Center for Geriatrics and Gerontology, Nagoya University of Arts and Sciences, Chaoyang University of Technology, National Health Research Institutes, Ministry of Health and Welfare, Taichung Hospital, Chung Shan Medical University, Tohoku University
Language: English
Subfield: Cancer Research
Domain: Life Sciences
Open Access status: gold
Estimated APC paid: $2,100
Awards: G1435911083, G7025695646
OpenAlex ID: W4404134981