The evidence suggests that diet can modulate endogenous microRNA (miRNA) expression. Changes in miRNA expression may affect metabolic processes and consequently be involved in health status and disease development. The aim of this systematic review was to summarize the evidence of the role of diet and specific food components in the regulation of miRNA expression and discuss its implications for human health and disease development. The PubMed, Embase and Web of Science databases were searched in accordance with the PRISMA (Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Reviews and Meta-Analyses) guidelines for relevant studies. A total of 32 interventional and 5 observational studies performed in adults and evaluating dietary modulation of miRNA expression were included. Energy- and fat-controlled diets along with plant-based foods show substantial evidence of modulating endogenous miRNA levels. Plasma, serum and peripheral blood mononuclear cells (PBMCs) are the main sources used to measure miRNAs. A total of 108 miRNAs modulated by diet were identified. We confirmed that dietary habits are closely associated with the modulation of endogenous miRNAs. Particularly, energy content and fat intake appeared to be key factors influencing miRNA levels. Furthermore, since miRNAs are involved in the regulation of several biological processes, this modulatory process may affect health status and lead to metabolic disorders.

Prematurity is associated with a higher risk of developing short- and long-term metabolic complications. However, the concrete mechanisms are not yet fully understood. The purpose of this study was to characterize early urinary metabolic adaptations linked to preterm birth. Urine samples collected at one month of age were compared between extremely and very preterm neonates (<32 weeks gestation) (n = 45) and term newborns (n = 96). Liquid chromatography coupled to mass spectrometry (LC-MS) and nuclear magnetic resonance (NMR) techniques were both applied and analyzed independently. Univariate analysis and multivariate analyses were utilized to assess the impact of preterm birth on the metabolites identified. Multiblock analysis was further used to evaluate the effect of prematurity on biological functions. A profound impact of prematurity was observed. Both experimental groups differed in the concentrations of 240 metabolites from the LC-MS dataset and 52 from the NMR one. Multivariate analyses confirmed a significant and important separation between groups. Finally, multiblock analysis identified six major biological outcomes affected by preterm birth: nitrogen metabolism, growth, neurochemical metabolism, microbiota metabolism, cell defense, and metabolic alterations. Most of the observed variations exhibited biological plausibility and were consistent with reported health complications associated with preterm birth. In conclusion, preterm birth is linked to a specific fingerprint in the urinary metabolome, reflecting metabolic adaptations in multiple systems occurring at one month of age.