MYC mRNA expression throughout the intestine is not associated with body mass index or type 2 diabetes.

Inspired by the prospect of intestinal MYC reduction as a putative drug target against metabolic disorders, we investigated MYC mRNA expression in intestinal mucosa biopsies sampled using double-balloon enteroscopy along the entire intestinal tract of 12 patients with type 2 diabetes and 12 matched healthy controls. In these individuals with body mass index (BMI) ranging from 20 to 31 kg/m2 , the mean MYC mRNA expression varied along the intestine with the lowest level observed at the distal small intestine and the greatest expression levels in the proximal small intestine and in the colon. We do not see a correlation between intestinal mucosal MYC mRNA expression and BMI or glycaemic control, and thus, our findings do not support the hypothesis of intestinal MYC as a putative drug target against obesity and metabolic diseases.