Effect of Dietary Protein on the Regulation of Exosome microRNA Expression in Patients With Insulin Resistance.

miRNAs are small non-coding RNAs of approximately 22 nucleotides in length, which have the function of regulating gene expression at the post-transcriptional level through base complementation of protein-coding transcripts, this interaction leading to translational repression by destabilizing the messenger RNA. Evidence demonstrates an association between differences in miRNA expression and the development of various pathologies, including obesity, type 2 diabetes, cardiovascular disease, neurodegenerative disorders and cancer. Other factors that could also modulate miRNA expression include nutritional status, diet and even exercise. The aim of this study is to identify exosome microRNAs that modify their expression in plasma from patients with insulin resistance fed different dietary protein sources. A randomized controlled clinical trial will be performed where the selected participants will be assigned by lottery to a dietary intervention of usual diet with protein of plant or animal origin for 4 weeks. The study will consist of 3 visits where anthropometric parameters, body composition, systolic and diastolic blood pressure, dietary compliance through 24-hour recall and food logs, biochemical tests (insulin, glucose, triglycerides, total cholesterol, HDL, LDL), the relative expression of plasma exosome miRNAs and markers of oxidative stress will be evaluated. Participants will receive a weekly food pantry during the first two visits in order to improve compliance to the dietary intervention.