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Modulation of microRNAs through Lifestyle Changes in Alzheimer's Disease
Paola Pinto-Hernandez1,2, Juan Castilla-Silgado1,2, Almudena Coto-Vilcapoma1,2
1Department of Functional Biology, Physiology, University of Oviedo, 33006 Asturias, Spain.
Abstract:
Lifestyle factors, including diet and physical activity (PA), are known beneficial strategies to prevent and delay Alzheimer's disease (AD) development. Recently, microRNAs have emerged as potential biomarkers in multiple diseases, including AD. The aim of this review was to analyze the available information on the modulatory effect of lifestyle on microRNA expression in AD. Few studies have addressed this question, leaving important gaps and limitations: (1) in human studies, only circulating microRNAs were analyzed; (2) in mice studies, microRNA expression was only analyzed in brain tissue; (3) a limited number of microRNAs was analyzed; (4) no human nutritional intervention studies were conducted; and (5) PA interventions in humans and mice were poorly detailed and only included aerobic training. Despite this, some conclusions could be drawn. Circulating levels of let-7g-5p, miR-107, and miR-144-3p were associated with overall diet quality in mild cognitive impairment patients. In silico analysis showed that these microRNAs are implicated in synapse formation, microglia activation, amyloid beta accumulation, and pro-inflammatory pathways, the latter also being targeted by miR-129-5p and miR-192-5p, whose circulating levels are modified by PA in AD patients. PA also modifies miR-132, miR-15b-5p, miR-148b-3p, and miR-130a-5p expression in mice brains, which targets are related to the regulation of neuronal activity, ageing, and pro-inflammatory pathways. This supports the need to further explore lifestyle-related miRNA changes in AD, both as biomarkers and therapeutic targets.
Insights
Lifestyle changes like diet and physical activity (PA) influence microRNA (miRNA) expression relevant to Alzheimer's disease (AD). Further research is needed to explore these miRNA changes as potential biomarkers and therapeutic targets for AD.
Area of Science:
- Neuroscience
- Genetics
- Preventive Medicine
Background:
- Lifestyle factors, including diet and physical activity (PA), are recognized for their role in preventing and delaying Alzheimer's disease (AD).
- MicroRNAs (miRNAs) are increasingly recognized as potential biomarkers for various diseases, including AD.
Purpose of the Study:
- To review and analyze existing literature on how lifestyle factors modulate microRNA expression in the context of Alzheimer's disease.
- To identify gaps and limitations in current research regarding lifestyle-miRNA interactions in AD.
Main Methods:
- Literature review focusing on studies examining the relationship between lifestyle factors (diet, PA) and miRNA expression in AD.
- Analysis of both human (circulating miRNAs) and animal (brain tissue miRNAs) studies.
- In silico analysis to predict the functional roles of identified miRNAs.
Main Results:
- Specific circulating miRNAs (let-7g-5p, miR-107, miR-144-3p) correlate with diet quality in mild cognitive impairment.
- These miRNAs are linked to AD-related pathways like amyloid beta accumulation and inflammation.
- Physical activity modifies circulating miRNAs (miR-129-5p, miR-192-5p) and brain miRNAs (miR-132, miR-15b-5p, miR-148b-3p, miR-130a-5p) in AD patients and mice, respectively, affecting neuronal activity and inflammation.
Conclusions:
- Lifestyle interventions show potential for modulating miRNA expression relevant to AD.
- Identified miRNAs represent promising avenues for future biomarker discovery and therapeutic strategies in AD.
- Significant gaps exist in human intervention studies and detailed PA protocols, necessitating further investigation.
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