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Chronic pistachio intake modulates circulating microRNAs related to glucose metabolism and insulin resistance in prediabetic subjects

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Abstract

Purpose

To assess the effects of a pistachio-enriched diet on the profile of circulating microRNAs (miRNAs) related to glucose metabolism and insulin resistance (IR).

Methods

Randomized crossover clinical trial in 49 subjects with prediabetes was performed. Subjects consumed a pistachio-supplemented diet (PD, 50 % carbohydrates, 33 % fat, including 57 g/day of pistachios) and an isocaloric control diet (CD, 55 % carbohydrates and 30 % fat) for 4 months each, separated by a 2-week washout period. The plasma profile of a set of seven predefined miRNAs related to glucose and insulin metabolism was analyzed by quantitative RT-PCR.

Results

After the PD period, subjects have shown significant lower circulating levels of miR-192 and miR-375 compared to CD period, whereas miR-21 nonsignificantly increased after PD compared with CD (47 vs. 2 %, P = 0.092). Interestingly, changes in circulating miR-192 and miR-375 were positively correlated with plasma glucose, insulin and HOMA-IR.

Conclusion

Chronic pistachio consumption positively modulates the expression of some miRNA previously implicated on insulin sensitivity.

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Acknowledgements

We are indebted to the participants in the study and the medical doctors and nursing staff of the SAGESSA group for their collaboration. PH-A is the recipient of a predoctoral fellowship from the Generalitat de Catalunya’s Department of Universities (FI-DGR 2014). We thank Carles Munné (Universitat Rovira i Virgili) for his help as editor assistance.

Funding

This study was funded by the American Pistachio Growers (USA) and Paramount Farms. None of the funding sources played a role in the design, collection, analysis, or interpretation of the data or in the decision to submit the manuscript for publication.

Authors’ contribution

MB and JS-S had full access to all the data in the study and take full responsibility for the integrity and accuracy of the data analysis. Study concept and design were performed by MB and JS-S. Acquisition of data was carried out by MB and PH-A. Analysis and interpretation of data were done by MB, PH-A, SG, JS-S and PA. Drafting of the manuscript was performed by PH-A, MB and JS-S. Critical revision of the manuscript for important intellectual content was done by MB and JS-S. Statistical analysis was conducted by MB and PH-A. MB and JS-S obtained funding. All the authors received administrative, technical or material support. All authors read and approved the final manuscript.

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Authors and Affiliations

  1. Human Nutrition Unit, Biochemistry and Biotechnology Department, Faculty of Medicine and Health Sciences, University Hospital of Sant Joan de Reus, IISPV, Universitat Rovira i Virgili, St/Sant Llorenç 21, 43201, Reus, Spain

    Pablo Hernández-Alonso, Simona Giardina, Jordi Salas-Salvadó & Mònica Bulló

  2. CIBERobn Physiopathology of Obesity and Nutrition, Instituto de Salud Carlos III, Madrid, Spain

    Pablo Hernández-Alonso, Jordi Salas-Salvadó & Mònica Bulló

  3. ABS Reus V. Centre d’Assistència Primària Marià Fortuny, SAGESSA, Reus, Spain

    Pierre Arcelin

Authors
  1. Pablo Hernández-Alonso
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  2. Simona Giardina
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  3. Jordi Salas-Salvadó
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  4. Pierre Arcelin
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  5. Mònica Bulló
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Correspondence to Jordi Salas-Salvadó or Mònica Bulló.

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Conflict of interest

Author disclosures are as follows: PH-A, SG, PA and MB have nothing to declare. JS-S is a non-paid member of the Scientific Advisory Council of the International Nut Council.

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Hernández-Alonso, P., Giardina, S., Salas-Salvadó, J. et al. Chronic pistachio intake modulates circulating microRNAs related to glucose metabolism and insulin resistance in prediabetic subjects. Eur J Nutr 56, 2181–2191 (2017). https://doi.org/10.1007/s00394-016-1262-5

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  • DOI: https://doi.org/10.1007/s00394-016-1262-5

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