Changes in adipose tissue microRNA expression across the menstrual cycle in regularly menstruating women: a pilot study.

Cyclical changes in hormone profiles across the menstrual cycle are associated with alterations in metabolic control. MicroRNAs (miRNA) contribute to the regulation of metabolic control, including adipose tissue metabolism. However, the effect of fluctuations in hormonal profile across the menstrual cycle on adipose tissue miRNA expression remain unknown. We used Affymetrux microarray expression analysis to characterise adipose tissue miRNA expression in healthy, regularly menstruating females across the menstrual cycle. Female participants attended the laboratory at 4 timepoints across their menstrual cycle, as follows: early-follicular phase (cycle day 3 ± 1); late-follicular phase (11 ± 1), post-ovulatory phase (16 ± 2), late-luteal phase (24 ± 3). During each laboratory visit resting adipose tissue biopsies were obtained via the mini-liposuction technique in a repeat measures experimental design.