Circulating microRNAs as markers of dietary intake

Nutritional studies generally use self-reported dietary intakes which subjective nature of assessment methods is challenging to obtain accurate dietary intake and nutritional status. The use of molecular dietary biomarkers may objectively assess quantitative and qualitative dietary intake without the bias of self-reported dietary intake. As key tissue in inter-organ crosstalk which dysregulation can lead to metabolic and cardiovascular diseases, the adipose tissue is, like blood, an easily accessible tissue using painless sampling. MicroRNAs are noncoding RNAs that post-transcriptionally control gene expression and can be released by cells, circulating in blood in a stable form. Recently, microRNAs were identified as a new class of biomarkers in cancer and cardiovascular health fields. MIRDIET aims at identifying differential responses of specific circulating microRNAs that occur during carefully assessed dietary interventions in individuals with various metabolic status. Studies will be based on adipose tissue miRNome studies by comparing hypo- and hyper-caloric dietary interventions or intervention studies focused on dietary polyphenols, protein content or glycemic index. The biomarker potential of microRNA signature will be validated at the circulating level using blood samples from both same and unrelated dietary interventions. This original approach of microRNA selection provides a unique way to identify novel quantitative nutritional biomarkers.