m6A RNA, FTO, ALKBH5 Expression in Type 2 Diabetic and Obesity Patients

Abstract

Objective: To investigate whether m(6)A content changes in type 2 diabetes mellitus (T2DM) and obese individuals and whether the relationship of m(6)A content with the mRNA expression levels of FTO and ALKBH5 genes. Study Design: Cross-sectional study. Place and Duration of Study: Department of Internal Medicine, Firat University, Medical School, Elazig, Turkey, between January 2019 and January 2022. Methodology: The study included 34 newly diagnosed patients with type 2 diabetes mellitus, 34 obese individuals, and 33 healthy individuals without any chronic and metabolic disease matched for age and gender. The global m(6)A RNA methylation, FTO, and ALKBH5 gene analyses of all the participants were performed. Total cholesterol, triglyceride, LDL, HDL, HbA1c, and insulin and glucose levels were measured. Results: The median percentages of m(6)A RNA methylation in the control group, obese, and T2DM participants were 5.62%, 4.20%, and 5.21% respectively (p=0.004). The m(6)A RNA methylation percentage of the obese participants was significantly lower than controls (p=0.021). The FTO and ALKBH5 mRNA levels were significantly lower in obese and T2DM participants than in controls. There was a negative significant correlation between m(6)A RNA level and FTO i.e. (r=-0.291, p=0.003) and ALKBH5 (r=-0.321. p=0.001) levels. Conclusion: m(6)A RNA expression levels of obese individuals were lower than healthy controls. The FTO and ALKBH5 mRNA expressions were lower in both obese and T2DM participants compared to the healthy controls. There was no significant difference between obese and T2DM individuals in terms of m(6)A RNA expression, FTO and ALKBH5 mRNA expression. m(6)A RNA expression, FTO, and ALKBH5 levels have a potential role in obesity and diabetes mellitus.