MiRNA Expression in Long-Distance Runners with Musculoskeletal Pain: Implications for Pain Pathophysiology

Area of Science:

• Biochemistry
• Molecular Biology
• Sports Medicine

Background:

• MicroRNAs (miRNAs) are implicated in musculoskeletal pain, a condition affecting athletes and impacting quality of life.
• Deregulation of miRNAs is linked to painful processes, necessitating further investigation in sports-related injuries.

Purpose of the Study:

• To evaluate the expression of four inflammation-related miRNAs in runners experiencing musculoskeletal pain.
• To elucidate the functions and pathophysiological implications of these miRNAs in pain development.

Main Methods:

• A case-control study involving 17 runners with musculoskeletal pain and 17 pain-free controls.
• Quantitative reverse transcription polymerase chain reaction (qRT-PCR) to measure miRNA levels.
• Bioinformatic analyses to identify miRNA target genes and associated biological pathways.

Main Results:

• Runners with pain showed significantly higher plasma levels of miR-133b, miR-155-5p, and let-7a-5p compared to controls.
• These three miRNAs positively correlated with musculoskeletal pain, independent of age.
• Bioinformatic analysis linked miRNA targets to neuroinflammatory pathways and pain-associated diseases.

Conclusions:

• miR-133b, miR-155-5p, and let-7a-5p may play a role in the biological processes underlying musculoskeletal pain in athletes.
• The identified miRNA-mediated gene regulation could explain inflammatory and tissue repair mechanisms in painful conditions.
• Further research is required to validate these miRNAs' role in pain and inform public health strategies for managing inflammatory pain in sports.