Ingestion of orange juice prevents hyperglycemia and increases plasma miR-375 expression

Background & aims: The intake of high-fat, high-carbohydrate (HFHC) meals is associated with an increased risk of type 2 diabetes. There is evidence that the association of orange juice to a HFHC meal can modulate the expression of microRNAs (miRNAs) linked to pancreatic b-cell function such as miR-375. We evaluated the effect of a commercial orange juice intake with HFHC meal on plasma miRNAs expression in twelve healthy subjects in a crossover design study. Methods: Subjects ingested water, orange juice, or an isocaloric beverage along with a 1037 kcal HFHC meal. Blood glucose and miRNAs were evaluated at baseline and 1, 3, and 5 h after the intake. Results: The area under the curve (AUC) for glycemia after ingestion of HFHC þ orange juice did not differ from ingestion of HPHC þ glucose or HFHC þ water. However, the AUC was higher in HFHC meal þ glucose compared to HFHC meal þ water (p¼ 0.034). Glucose and insulin concentrations were signi cantly higher in HFHC meal þ glucose group after 1 h, when compared with other groups and times (p < 0.001). There was an increase in plasma miR-375 expression after 3 h of ingestion of HFHC þ orange juice versus water (p¼ 0.026), and a decrease in plasma miR-205-5p expression after HFHC meal þ glucose versus water (p¼ 0.023). Conclusions: A single HFHC meal þ orange juice modulated plasma miR-375 expression, which is a biomarker of pancreatic b-cell function, and contributed to preventing hyperglycemia.