Targets identified from exercised heart: killing multiple birds with one stone

Area of Science:

• Cardiovascular Research
• Molecular Biology
• Exercise Physiology

Background:

• Cardiovascular diseases (CVDs) are a leading global cause of death.
• Aging, sedentary lifestyles, and alcohol contribute significantly to CVD.
• Exercise is a recognized therapeutic strategy for CVD.

Purpose of the Study:

• To investigate the molecular mechanisms underlying exercise-induced cardiac protection.
• To identify crucial molecular targets in exercised hearts.

Main Methods:

• Analysis of molecular targets in exercised hearts.
• Review of pathways including IGF1-PI3K/AKT, C/EBPβ, cardiac and exosomal miRNAs, SIRT1, and Nrf2/Mts.
• Examination of exercise's effects on cardiomyocyte proliferation, growth, apoptosis, vascular function, and fibrosis.

Main Results:

• Exercise activates multiple cardioprotective pathways.
• Identified targets promote cardiomyocyte proliferation and hypertrophy.
• Exercise enhances anti-apoptotic capacity and vascular function.
• Exercise inhibits pathological remodeling and fibrosis.
• Exercise promotes extracellular vesicle (EV) production and exosomal molecule transfer.

Conclusions:

• Exercise acts as a 'one-stone' treatment for CVD, impacting multiple protective 'birds'.
• Identified molecular targets and mechanisms offer novel therapeutic avenues for CVD.
• EV cargos represent a promising area for future CVD treatment strategies.
• Findings may guide preclinical trials in cardiac rehabilitation.