Exercise-induced miR-126 expression improves vascular health in prediabetes: A randomized controlled trial

Area of Science:

• Cardiovascular Research
• Molecular Biology
• Exercise Physiology

Background:

• Prediabetes is associated with increased risk of cardiovascular disease.
• Subclinical atherosclerosis, indicated by CIMT and ABI, is an early sign of vascular damage.
• MicroRNA-126 (miR-126) plays a role in vascular health and endothelial function.

Purpose of the Study:

• To determine if a structured aerobic exercise program enhances miR-126 expression in prediabetes.
• To assess the impact of aerobic exercise on subclinical atherosclerosis markers (CIMT and ABI) in prediabetes.
• To explore the relationship between miR-126 changes and vascular improvements.

Main Methods:

• A 12-week randomized controlled trial involving 64 adults with prediabetes.
• Exercise group: supervised moderate-intensity aerobic exercise (3x/week). Control group: standard lifestyle advice.
• Measurements included circulating miR-126 expression (qPCR), CIMT, and ABI at baseline and 12 weeks.

Main Results:

• Aerobic exercise significantly increased miR-126 expression compared to the control group.
• The exercise group showed a significant reduction in CIMT and a significant increase in ABI.
• Changes in miR-126 levels positively correlated with CIMT reduction and ABI increase.

Conclusions:

• A 12-week aerobic exercise intervention effectively increases miR-126 expression in individuals with prediabetes.
• Aerobic exercise improves vascular markers of subclinical atherosclerosis, reducing CIMT and increasing ABI.
• miR-126 may serve as a biomarker and potential therapeutic target for early vascular protection in prediabetes.