Identifying microRNA predictors of weight loss after bariatric surgery.

BACKGROUND

Bariatric surgery is an effective treatment for obesity. However, the degree of postoperative weight loss can vary greatly between patients, and the rationale behind such disparity remains unclear. Recent studies have suggested that genetics can influence the response to bariatric surgery, but little is known about the role of microRNAs (miRNAs) in this setting.

OBJECTIVES

To identify miRNA candidates that predict weight loss after bariatric surgery.

SETTING

Academic medical center.

METHODS

RNA was isolated from patients' blood collected at initial preoperative consult visits for bariatric surgery (laparoscopic Roux-en-Y gastric bypass or laparoscopic sleeve gastrectomy). Percentage of excess body mass index loss at 1-year follow-up was calculated to separate patients into 2 groups: high weight loss (HWL) and low weight loss (LWL). Twenty samples from each group were subjected to small RNA sequencing on an Illumina platform. Differential expression and downstream analyses were performed.

RESULTS

HWL and LWL groups had similar baseline demographics and makeup of operative procedures. In total, 5666 unique miRNAs were detected, of which only 3 exhibited significant differential expression: miR-1914-3p (P = 4.9 × 10-6), miR-664b-5p (P = 1.7 × 10-5), and miR-370-3p (P = 1.7 × 10-4). Downstream analyses revealed several potential genetic targets and enrichment for cellular metabolism and adipocyte differentiation pathways.

CONCLUSIONS

Small RNA sequencing revealed 3 candidate miRNAs with differential expression between weight loss groups that may be predictive of outcomes in patients after bariatric surgery. These findings contribute to the development of preoperative algorithms that further personalize obesity treatment decisions.