Circulating microRNAs in acute and chronic exercise: more than mere biomarkers

Area of Science:

• Exercise Physiology
• Molecular Biology
• Biochemistry

Background:

• MicroRNAs (miRNAs) are regulators of gene expression.
• Circulating miRNAs (ci-miRNAs) are stable and act as intercellular messengers.
• Exercise influences physiological processes.

Purpose of the Study:

• To review studies on exercise effects on human ci-miRNAs.
• To discuss proposed roles of ci-miRNAs in exercise adaptations.
• To identify gaps and guide future research in the field.

Main Methods:

• Comprehensive literature review of human studies.
• Analysis of acute and chronic exercise effects on ci-miRNAs.
• Correlation analysis with fitness and health parameters.

Main Results:

• Specific ci-miRNAs are altered by acute and chronic exercise.
• Changes in ci-miRNAs are observed in healthy and diseased populations.
• Some ci-miRNA alterations correlate with fitness and health.

Conclusions:

• ci-miRNAs show potential as biomarkers for exercise response.
• Mechanisms linking ci-miRNAs to exercise adaptations require further investigation.
• Understanding ci-miRNAs may lead to therapeutic interventions for exercise-related conditions.