Obesities · Published 2026-07-30 · DOI 10.3390/obesities6040056
Antonina Gerganova-Sirakova, Konstantin Grozdev, Antoaneta Gateva, Radka Kaneva, Iveta Nedeva, Yavor Assyov, Vera Karamfilova, Tsvetan Gatev, Darina Kachakova-Yordanova, Veronika Petkova, Radosveta Bozhilova, Silva Kyurkchiyan, Kristina Sirakova, Zdravko Kamenov
Purpose of Review: Obesity is a growing global health challenge, with severe obesity projected to affect up to 25% of individuals with obesity by 2030. Bariatric surgery remains the most effective treatment, yet the molecular mechanisms underlying its metabolic benefits are not fully understood. This review summarizes current evidence on the role of microRNAs in bariatric/metabolic surgery and evaluates their potential as biomarkers and therapeutic targets. Recent Findings: Bariatric surgery induces significant alterations in circulating and tissue-specific miRNA profiles, particularly those involved in glucose metabolism, inflammation, and adipose tissue remodeling. Among the most frequently reported candidates, miR-122, miR-221, miR-27a, miR-126, miR-144, miR-222, miR-223, miR-375, miR-92a, and miR-155 have been associated with weight loss, improved insulin sensitivity, and diabetes remission. Emerging data suggest that these miRNAs may act not only as biomarkers of metabolic recovery but also as regulators of insulin signaling, inflammatory pathways, and adipocyte function. Summary: Current evidence supports a role for miRNAs in the metabolic adaptations observed after bariatric surgery. Although further validation is required, miRNAs show promise as minimally invasive biomarkers for predicting and monitoring treatment response and may provide insight into the molecular mechanisms underlying obesity remission and improvement of obesity-related comorbidities.
Abstract from DOAJ. Public domain (CC0 1.0).
Read the article at the publisher →
Gerganova-Sirakova, A., Grozdev, K., Gateva, A., et al. (2026). MicroRNAs and Bariatric/Metabolic Surgery: Biomarkers, Mediators of Metabolic Remission, or Both?. Obesities. https://doi.org/10.3390/obesities6040056