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Plasma-Derived microRNAs Are Influenced by Acute and Chronic Exercise in Patients With Heart Failure With Reduced
Isabel Witvrouwen1,2, Andreas B Gevaert1,2, Nadine Possemiers2,3
1Research Group Cardiovascular Diseases, GENCOR, University of Antwerp, Antwerp, Belgium.
Frontiers in Physiology
|October 14, 2021
Summary
Exercise training response varies in heart failure with reduced ejection fraction (HFrEF). Plasma microRNAs (miRNAs) may explain this variability, with baseline miR-23a predicting VO2peak improvements after exercise interventions.
Area of Science:
- Cardiology
- Exercise Physiology
- Molecular Biology
Background:
- Exercise training enhances cardiorespiratory fitness (VO2peak) in heart failure with reduced ejection fraction (HFrEF), but individual responses vary significantly due to peripheral adaptations.
- Plasma-derived microRNAs (miRNAs) are investigated as potential mechanistic links influencing the variable exercise capacity improvements in HFrEF patients.
Purpose of the Study:
- To evaluate the impact of acute and chronic exercise on plasma miRNA profiles in HFrEF patients.
- To determine if specific miRNAs can predict exercise-induced adaptations in cardiorespiratory function and body composition.
Main Methods:
- Twenty-five male HFrEF patients underwent a 15-week combined strength and aerobic training program.
- Plasma miRNA levels (miR-23a, miR-140, miR-146a, miR-191, miR-210) were measured using RT-qPCR before and after training, and compared to sedentary controls.
- miRNA levels were correlated with cardiopulmonary exercise testing, echocardiography, vascular function, and muscle strength data.
Main Results:
- miR-146a levels decreased with training compared to controls.
- Acute exercise transiently decreased miR-191 levels.
- Baseline miR-23a independently predicted changes in VO2peak, while miR-140 and miR-146a correlated with changes in exercise load and cardiac structure, respectively.
Conclusions:
- Plasma miRNAs may reflect underlying mechanisms of exercise adaptation in HFrEF.
- Baseline miR-23a is a significant predictor of VO2peak response to exercise training in HFrEF patients.
- Further research with larger cohorts and in vitro studies is warranted to elucidate the molecular roles of these miRNAs.
