Aims: Several microRNAs (miRNAs) are involved in regulating the process of adipogenesis. White adipose
tissue is a major source for these miRNAs. We aimed to evaluate the expression of miR-486-5p in children
with obesity and its possible association with nonalcoholic fatty liver disease (NAFLD).
Method: This case-control study included 100 obese and overweight children and 100 normal-weight
children of matched age and sex. All children were subjected to anthropometric measurements and
evaluation of miR-486-5p expression levels using the SYBR green-based real-time RT-PCR technique.
Results: Obese children showed significantly up-regulated miR-486-5p gene expression (p value < 0.001)
when compared to control group. MiR-486-5p gene expression showed significant positive correlation
with weight (r ¼ 0.924), BMI (r ¼ 0.497), waist circumference (r ¼ 0.387), fat mass (r ¼ 0.361),
LDL(r ¼ 0.351), TG (r ¼ 0.867), TC (r ¼ 0.875) and presence of fatty liver (r ¼ 0.760). The best cutoff value
of miR-486-5p gene expression in the prediction of obesity was 0.44 with AUC 0.736 that has a sensitivity
60% and specificity 90%,
Conclusion: The serum level of the miR-486-5p gene is up-regulated in obese and overweight children
and might be an independent predictor for obesity and fatty liver susceptibility