MicroRNAs in Obesity-Associated Disorders: The Role of Exercise Training

Author(s)

Silveira, Andre ; Gomes, Joao ; Roque, Fernanda ; Fernandes, Tiago ; de Oliveira, Edilamar Menezes

• Document type: Journal article
• Source: Obesity Facts; v. 15, n. 2, p. 13-pg., 2022-01-20.

Abstract

Obesity is a worldwide epidemic affecting over 13% of the adult population and is defined by an excess of body fat that predisposes comorbidities. It is considered a multifactorial disease in which environmental and genetic factors interact, and it is a risk marker for cardiovascular disease. Lifestyle modifications remain the mainstay of treatment for obesity based on adequate diet and physical exercise. In addition, obesity is related to cardiovascular and skeletal muscle disorders, such as cardiac hypertrophy, microvascular rarefaction, and skeletal muscle atrophy. The discovery of obesity-involved molecular pathways is an important step to improve both the prevention and management of this disease. MicroRNAs (miRNAs) are a class of gene regulators which bind most commonly, but not exclusively, to the 3 '-untranslated regions of messenger RNAs of protein-coding genes and negatively regulate their expression. Considerable effort has been made to identify miRNAs and target genes that predispose to obesity. Besides their intracellular function, recent studies have demonstrated that miRNAs can be exported or released by cells and circulate within the blood in a remarkably stable form. The discovery of circulating miRNAs opens up intriguing possibilities for the use of circulating miRNA patterns as biomarkers for obesity and cardiovascular diseases. The aim of this review is to provide an overview of the recent discoveries of the role played by miRNAs in the obese phenotype and associated comorbidities. Furthermore, we will discuss the role of exercise training on regulating miRNAs, indicating the mechanisms related to these alterations. (AU)

• FAPESP's process: 15/22814-5 - Cancer and heart: new paradigms of diagnosis and treatment
• Grantee: Carlos Eduardo Negrão
• Support Opportunities: Research Projects - Thematic Grants
• FAPESP's process: 17/22069-3 - The role of MicroRNA-33a and sirtuine protein 6 in the metabolism and progression of Colon Cancer in mummy submitted to aerobic physical training
• Grantee: João Lucas Penteado Gomes
• Support Opportunities: Scholarships in Brazil - Doctorate
• FAPESP's process: 15/17275-8 - Role of microRNA-205 in the angiogenic deficit mediated by FAK signaling in hypertension: effect of exercise training and perspective of the therapeutic potential
• Grantee: Tiago Fernandes
• Support Opportunities: Scholarships in Brazil - Post-Doctoral