UAMS Study Links Molecular Markers to Chronic Health Conditions in Marshallese
| LITTLE ROCK — Differences in molecules that help build DNA could be the key to explaining why the Marshallese community faces high rates of Type 2 diabetes and related chronic health conditions, according to researchers from the University of Arkansas for Medical Sciences (UAMS) Institute for Community Health Innovation and the UAMS Donald W. Reynolds Institute on Aging.
Because of nuclear testing in the Republic of the Marshall Islands (RMI) between 1946 and 1958, Northwest Arkansas has become home to one of the largest Marshallese populations in the United States, with an estimated 15,000 residents. In addition to displacing residents of the RMI, the nuclear fallout also contributed to high rates of chronic disease, such as obesity, high blood pressure, cardiovascular disease and diabetes among the Marshallese population.
Type 2 diabetes is a particular public health concern for Marshallese adults, as they are diagnosed with Type 2 diabetes at rates nearly four times higher than the general U.S. population. These numbers are even more concerning among adults who still live in the RMI, where diabetes rates are around 34% compared to 13% in the U.S.
In a recent study, “Differential microRNA profiling of the Marshallese population in Arkansas reveals a higher association with chronic diseases,” UAMS researchers examined tiny molecules in the blood called microRNAs (miRNAs). These molecules play a role in how genes are switched on or off and may play a role in the development of certain diseases, such as diabetes. By studying blood samples from Marshallese adults in Arkansas, researchers identified specific miRNA patterns that were different between men and women. Some of these patterns were linked to Type 2 diabetes and other chronic diseases, including obesity and high blood pressure.
“These findings are an important step toward addressing the health disparities that afflict the Marshallese community,” said Sheldon Riklon, M.D., a professor at the UAMS Institute for Community Health Innovation and one of only two Marshallese doctors practicing in the U.S. “Understanding these molecular markers could help us identify new tools for early detection and better treatment for diabetes.”
Researchers also suggest that the specific miRNAs in Marshallese individuals may help explain why diabetes and related health conditions are so common in the population, and why some conditions affect men and women differently. Future studies are needed to explore how these molecular markers can be used to design targeted prevention and treatment strategies for diabetes and related conditions in Marshallese communities, researchers reported.
UAMS is the state’s only health sciences university, with colleges of Medicine, Nursing, Pharmacy, Health Professions and Public Health; a graduate school; a hospital; a main campus in Little Rock; a Northwest Arkansas regional campus in Fayetteville; a statewide network of regional campuses; and eight institutes: the Winthrop P. Rockefeller Cancer Institute, Jackson T. Stephens Spine & Neurosciences Institute, Harvey & Bernice Jones Eye Institute, Psychiatric Research Institute, Donald W. Reynolds Institute on Aging, Translational Research Institute, Institute for Digital Health & Innovation and the Institute for Community Health Innovation. UAMS includes UAMS Health, a statewide health system that encompasses all of UAMS’ clinical enterprise. UAMS is the only adult Level 1 trauma center in the state. UAMS has 3,485 students, 915 medical residents and fellows, and seven dental residents. It is the state’s largest public employer with more than 11,000 employees, including 1,200 physicians who provide care to patients at UAMS, its regional campuses, Arkansas Children’s, the VA Medical Center and Baptist Health. Visit www.uams.edu or uamshealth.com. Find us on Facebook, X (formerly Twitter), YouTube or Instagram.###