MiR-214 and miR-126 were associated with restoration of endothelial function in obesity after exercise and dietary intervention

Abstract

Obesity would result in increased cardiovascular morbidity including endothelial destruction, and miRNAs are recognized as potent regulators on endothelial function. We therefore explored pivotal miRNAs before and after exercise and dietary intervention in obese adults and examined their potential relationships with selected endothelial function and biomarkers. Obese adults were included in an exercise and dietary intervention training program for 2 months. At the beginning and the end, measurements of anthropometric and metabolic parameters were performed. Flow-mediated dilation, endothelial related biochemicals and circulating miR-214 and miR-126 levels were also determined. Results showed that circulating miR-214 and miR-126 levels were significantly enhanced (P<0.05) by exercise and dietary intervention along with improved endothelial function. The relationship between relative changes of miR-214 and that of endothelial progenitor cells was significant (r=0.589, P<0.05); relative expression of miR-126 was also significantly (r=0.433, P<0.05) correlated with endothelial nitric oxide synthase. The intervention lead to upregulation of circulating miR-214 and miR-126 in obesity, and these molecular adaptations are associated with improved endothelial function during the restoring process.