High serum extracellular vesicle lncRNA AC073912.1 predicts IR in pediatric obesity

1.Characterization of Extracellular Vesicles (EVs): The study isolated and characterized EVs from the serum of lean and obese children with insulin resistance (IR). The EVs had similar morphological characteristics, and there were no significant differences between the groups in terms of size or markers.

2.Upregulation of LncRNA AC073912.1: The study found that lncRNA AC073912.1 is significantly upregulated and enriched in the EVs of obese children with IR. This lncRNA was highly protected from degradation and was primarily encapsulated in EVs, suggesting its role in the pathogenesis of obesity and IR.

3.Correlation Between AC073912.1 and IR: The levels of AC073912.1 in serum EVs were positively correlated with obesity and IR. It was found to correlate with BMI, fasting insulin, HOMA-IR, and triglyceride levels, which are indicative of metabolic dysfunction.

4.Diagnostic Value of AC073912.1: ROC analysis showed that AC073912.1 alone has moderate diagnostic value for IR in obese children. However, when combined with insulin measurements, it improved diagnostic accuracy, especially in identifying IR in children with confirmed IR.

5.Functional Role of AC073912.1 in Hepatic IR: Overexpression of AC073912.1 in hepatocytes impaired insulin signaling and glucose uptake, contributing to hepatic insulin resistance.