The Mechanism of miR-21-5p/TSP-1-Mediating Exercise on the Function of Endothelial Progenitor Cells in Aged Rats

Abstract

(1) Background: The declined function of peripheral circulating endothelial progenitor cells (EPCs) in aging individuals resulted in decreased endothelial cell regeneration and vascular endothelial function. Improving EPCs function in aging individuals plays an important role in preventing cardiovascular diseases. (2) Methods: Thirty aged (18-month-old) male Sprague-Dawley rats were randomly divided into control and exercise groups. An aerobic exercise intervention was performed 5 days/week for 8 weeks. EPCs functions, miR-21-5p, and TSP-1 expressions were detected after the intervention. The senescence rate, proliferation, and migration of EPCs were examined after overexpression of miR-21-5p and inhibition of TSP-1 expression. (3) Results: The senescence rate, proliferation, and migration of EPCs in exercise groups were significantly improved after exercise intervention. The miR-21-5p expression was increased and the TSP-1 mRNA expression was decreased in the EPCs after the intervention. miR-21-5p overexpression can improve EPCs function and inhibit TSP-1 expression but has no effect on senescence rate. Inhibition of TSP-1 expression could improve the function and reduce the senescence rate. (4) Conclusions: Our results indicate that long-term aerobic exercise can improve the functions of EPCs in aging individuals by downregulating TSP-1 expression via miR-21-5p, which reveals the mechanism of exercise in improving cardiovascular function.

A systematic review of the exercise effects on burn wound healing

“…EPCs also play a crucial role in mending damaged endothelial cells in blood vessels, modulating the inflammatory response and potentially mitigating excessive scar tissue formation, contributing significantly to overall burn wound healing 102 . According to the present research findings, mild exercise can upregulate mir‐21, enhancing the functionality of EPCs in circulation and promoting angiogenesis 82 …”

“…In the current investigation, the results have shown that exercise can potentially impact the improvement of burn wound healing through the modulation of gene expression (Table 1 ). Furthermore, these findings highlight the involvement of six specific miRNAs in this mir‐155, miR‐21, let‐7a, miR‐146a, miR‐122 and mir‐210 80 , 81 , 82 , 83 (Figure 2 ).…”

“… 102 According to the present research findings, mild exercise can upregulate mir‐21, enhancing the functionality of EPCs in circulation and promoting angiogenesis. 82 …”

Hsa‐miR‐134‐5p predicts cardiovascular risk in circulating mononuclear cells and improves angiogenic action of senescent endothelial progenitor cells

“…Accumulating attention has been paid in recent years to the effect of changes in miRNA expression of EPCs that regulates the signalling pathway on cell function and ageing status. 21 , 22 , 23 , 24 Recently, growing data report ageing‐related miRNAs playing a key role in regulating angiogenesis in vitro, in vivo and in human study. 22 , 25 , 26 MiRNAs influence replicative senescence in a sophisticated way as a result of profoundly changing the phenotype and function of proliferative progenitor cells.…”

“… 21 , 22 , 23 , 24 Recently, growing data report ageing‐related miRNAs playing a key role in regulating angiogenesis in vitro, in vivo and in human study. 22 , 25 , 26 MiRNAs influence replicative senescence in a sophisticated way as a result of profoundly changing the phenotype and function of proliferative progenitor cells. In this paper, we aim to uncover senescence‐related miRNAs derived from human late EPCs undergoing replicative senescence to further understand progenitor senescence and associated signalling mechanisms.…”