Type 2 Diabetes Mellitus (T2DM) is a chronic metabolic disorder characterized by insulin resistance and dysregulation of glucose metabolism. MicroRNAs (miRNAs) such as miR-4428 and miR-185-5p play critical roles in post-transcriptional regulation of genes involved in these processes, but their specific contributions to T2DM pathogenesis remain unclear. Plasma samples from T2DM patients and non-diabetic controls were analyzed for miR-4428 and miR-185-5p expression using microarray and bioinformatics tools. Target genes were predicted, and pathway enrichment analysis was performed to explore biological roles. Differential expression analysis revealed a 2.3-fold upregulation of miR-4428 and a 14.4-fold downregulation of miR-185-5p in T2DM patients compared to controls. Predicted targets such as ADAR, KLF9, and SOGA1 were linked to glucose metabolism and insulin signaling pathways. Enrichment analysis highlighted associations with neuronal signaling, chromatin remodeling, and metabolic regulation pathways. miR-4428 and miR-185-5p regulate critical insulin sensitivity and glucose metabolism pathways, making them promising biomarkers and therapeutic targets for managing T2DM. Future studies should validate these findings experimentally to advance miRNA-based interventions for T2DM and its complications.

This study investigates the levels of heavy metals (Cd, Pb, Cr, As) and trace elements (Zn, Cu, Fe) in pregnant women and examines their associations with adverse pregnancy-related clinical parameters. A cross-sectional study was conducted on 200 pregnant women at Thasala Hospital, Thailand, from January to July 2023. Blood samples were analyzed using Inductively Coupled Plasma Optical Emission Spectrometry (ICP-OES), and correlations were assessed using Spearman's rank-order correlation and coefficient tests. Iron showed the highest concentration among trace elements (751.78 ± 120.45 mg/L), followed by zinc (11.89 ± 2.12 mg/L) and copper (2.91 ± 0.68 mg/L). Among heavy metals, lead had the highest concentration (0.06 ± 0.02 mg/L), followed by chromium (0.03 ± 0.01 mg/L), with arsenic and cadmium being lowest. Significant associations were identified between metal exposure and key clinical parameters including hematocrit, blood plasma glucose, and urine glucose levels (p < 0.05). The findings suggest that environmental exposure to both essential and toxic elements during pregnancy, even at low to moderate levels, may influence maternal health and highlight the need for preventive public health strategies within prenatal care programs.

Maternal health during pregnancy can be influenced by exposure to essential trace and toxic elements, notably cadmium, lead, chromium, and arsenic. Using inductively coupled plasma optical emission spectrometry, this study determined blood concentrations of toxic elements together with zinc, copper, and iron, which are nutritionally essential, in 200 pregnant women who attended the antenatal care at Thasala Hospital, Nakhon Si Thammarat, between January and July 2023. Associations of maternal clinical outcomes with the measured blood elemental composition were evaluated by Spearman’s rank correlation analysis. Iron showed the highest concentration among trace elements (75,178 ± 12,045 µg/dL), followed by zinc (1189.20 ± 211.38 µg/dL) and copper (294.72 ± 67.19 µg/dL). Among the toxic elements, lead had the highest concentration (5.59 ± 1.61 µg/dL), followed by chromium (2.80 ± 1.47 µg/dL), with arsenic and cadmium having the lowest concentrations. Synergistic associations were observed among lead, zinc, and iron. Blood lead concentration correlated inversely with hematocrit, while blood arsenic and blood cadmium both showed inverse association with urine glucose. Plasma glucose concentration varied directly with zinc and iron. These findings indicate effects and interactions of essential versus toxic elements on the health of pregnant women. They underscore the need to continue research into the strategies to minimize the impact of toxic elements and to further improve the nutritional status of zinc and iron during pregnancy.