Abstract
MicroRNAs are small non-coding RNAs that regulate gene expression post-transcriptionally. They are involved in the regulation of physiological processes, such as adaptation to physical exercise, and also in disease settings, such as systemic arterial hypertension (SAH), type 2 diabetes mellitus (T2D), and obesity. In SAH, microRNAs play a significant role in the regulation of key signaling pathways that lead to the hyperactivation of the renin-angiotensin-aldosterone system, endothelial dysfunction, inflammation, proliferation, and phenotypic change in smooth muscle cells, and the hyperactivation of the sympathetic nervous system. MicroRNAs are also involved in the regulation of insulin signaling and blood glucose levels in T2D, and participate in lipid metabolism, adipogenesis, and adipocyte differentiation in obesity, with specific microRNA signatures involved in the pathogenesis of each disease. Many studies report the benefits promoted by exercise training in cardiovascular diseases by reducing blood pressure, glucose levels, and improving insulin signaling and lipid metabolism. The molecular mechanisms involved, however, remain poorly understood, especially regarding the participation of microRNAs in these processes. This review aimed to highlight microRNAs already known to be associated with SAH, T2D, and obesity, as well as their possible regulation by exercise training.
Highlights
MicroRNAs are small non-coding single-stranded RNAs, with approximately 22 nucleotides, that act in mechanisms of post-transcriptional regulation of gene expression [1]. miRNAs are abundant in prokaryotic and eukaryotic organisms, being widely distributed among species and frequently conserved [2]
These results indicate the contribution of miRNAs to the regulation of blood pressure in physiological and pathophysiological conditions by different peripheral and neuronal cells, which reveals the potential of miRNAs as important biomarkers for the diagnosis of systemic arterial hypertension (SAH), and, future, as therapeutic targets
MiRNAs are involved in the pathogenesis of cardiometabolic diseases and common regulatory pathways can be identified in SAH, type 2 diabetes mellitus (T2D), and obesity
Summary
MicroRNAs (miRNAs) are small non-coding single-stranded RNAs, with approximately 22 nucleotides, that act in mechanisms of post-transcriptional regulation of gene expression [1]. miRNAs are abundant in prokaryotic and eukaryotic organisms, being widely distributed among species and frequently conserved [2]. MicroRNAs (miRNAs) are small non-coding single-stranded RNAs, with approximately 22 nucleotides, that act in mechanisms of post-transcriptional regulation of gene expression [1]. The mechanisms of action of miRNAs rely on the recognition and binding to the 3’-untranslated region (3’-UTR) of the target mRNAs [5]. This can lead to mRNA degradation, deadenylation, or the inhibition of translation [6,7]. The individual genetic background can affect the ability of miRNAs to bind to target mRNA and regulate gene expression. MiRNAs can have their expression altered under physiological conditions, and may be involved in the pathogenesis of diseases [18,19]
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