Exercise Training-Induced Changes in MicroRNAs: Beneficial Regulatory Effects in Hypertension, Type 2 Diabetes, and Obesity

Abstract

MicroRNAs are small non-coding RNAs that regulate gene expression post-transcriptionally. They are involved in the regulation of physiological processes, such as adaptation to physical exercise, and also in disease settings, such as systemic arterial hypertension (SAH), type 2 diabetes mellitus (T2D), and obesity. In SAH, microRNAs play a significant role in the regulation of key signaling pathways that lead to the hyperactivation of the renin-angiotensin-aldosterone system, endothelial dysfunction, inflammation, proliferation, and phenotypic change in smooth muscle cells, and the hyperactivation of the sympathetic nervous system. MicroRNAs are also involved in the regulation of insulin signaling and blood glucose levels in T2D, and participate in lipid metabolism, adipogenesis, and adipocyte differentiation in obesity, with specific microRNA signatures involved in the pathogenesis of each disease. Many studies report the benefits promoted by exercise training in cardiovascular diseases by reducing blood pressure, glucose levels, and improving insulin signaling and lipid metabolism. The molecular mechanisms involved, however, remain poorly understood, especially regarding the participation of microRNAs in these processes. This review aimed to highlight microRNAs already known to be associated with SAH, T2D, and obesity, as well as their possible regulation by exercise training.

A Landscape of Epigenetic Regulation by MicroRNAs to the Hallmarks of Cancer and Cachexia: Implications of Physical Activity to Tumor Regression

“…In conclusion, many studies show that both aerobic and resistance physical exercise control the expression of miRs that are dysregulated by diseases as hypertension, diabetes, and obesity [68,69,104,105]. Physical exercise rebalances the expression of the miRs involved with those alterations reverses structural deleterious changes in the skeletal muscle and restores tissue or prevents deterioration [66].…”

MicroRNAs and obesity-induced endothelial dysfunction: key paradigms in molecular therapy

“…Recently, in vitro and in vivo studies have established that miRNAs are crucial for ECs gene expression, regulation and function in various pathological conditions including obesity [17,50,51]. In this review, we will provide an overview of the miRNA role in controlling the key connecting mechanism between endothelial dysfunction and obesity.…”

Exercise Mediates Heart Protection via Non-coding RNAs

“…Hypertension, one of the most common chronic diseases, is the most crucial risk factor for cardiovascular and cerebrovascular diseases. Getting effective command of blood pressure could significantly reduce cardiovascular and cerebrovascular events and enhance quality of patients' lifespan (Improta Caria et al, 2018).…”

“…The aging process leads to many physiological and pathological changes in the human body, such as dysfunction of organs, loss of muscle mass and imbalance of metabolism (Margolis et al, 2016), thus in danger of cardiometabolic diseases (CMDs). Type 2 diabetes mellitus (T2D) is an eminently predominant metabolic disease that can result in progressive cardiac dysfunction (Hathaway et al, 2018), contributing to an independent risk factor of CVDs (Improta Caria et al, 2018). Aerobic exercise was reported to effectively protect the heart from accumulation of ROS and may have a therapeutic effect on diabetic cardiomyopathy (Wang et al, 2020).…”