Expression profiles of selected circulating microRNAs (miR-192-5p and miR-155-3p) in NAFLD and their association with obesity and type 2 diabetes mellitus.

BACKGROUND: Non-alcoholic fatty liver disease (NAFLD) is a prevalent systemic metabolic disorder closely linked to obesity and type 2 diabetes mellitus (T2DM). Circulating microRNAs have emerged as potential biomarkers reflecting disease progression and metabolic risk. OBJECTIVES: This study aimed to investigate the clinical, biochemical, and molecular profiles of NAFLD patients, focusing on miRNA-155-3p and miRNA-192-5p, and to evaluate their diagnostic and predictive value. METHODS: A total of 200 participants were enrolled: 50 healthy controls, 50 NAFLD, 50 NAFLD with obesity, and 50 NAFLD with T2DM. Clinical, biochemical (liver enzymes, lipid profile, HOMA-IR, CRP, 25(OH) vitamin D) and circulating miRNA levels were measured. Statistical analyses included Kruskal-Wallis tests, ROC curves, and univariate and multivariate multinomial logistic regression. RESULTS: NAFLD patients, particularly with obesity and T2DM, showed elevated BMI, SGPT/SGOT, cholesterol, TG, LDL, HOMA-IR, and CRP (p < 0.001), and reduced vitamin D (p < 0.001). miRNA-155-3p and miRNA-192-5p were significantly upregulated (Kruskal-Wallis, p < 0.001). ROC analysis showed: miRNA-155-3p, AUC = 0.763, specificity 100% at 11.68; miRNA-192-5p, AUC = 0.727, sensitivity 83% at 1.057. Multivariate regression confirmed both miRNAs as independent risk predictors (miRNA-155-3p OR = 1.147-1.151, p = 0.023-0.027; miRNA-192-5p OR = 1.639-1.774, p = 0.001-0.006), while adjustment for HOMA-IR attenuated associations. CONCLUSIONS: Circulating miRNA-155-3p and miRNA-192-5p are potential molecular markers and risk predictors for NAFLD, linking metabolic dysregulation with hepatic pathology.