The role of microRNAs in regulating inflammation and exercise-induced adaptations in rheumatoid arthritis

Abstract

MicroRNAs (miRNAs) are endogenously generated single-stranded RNAs that play crucial roles in numerous biological processes, such as cell development, proliferation, differentiation, metabolism and apoptosis. They negatively regulate target gene expression by repressing translation of messenger RNA into a functional protein. Several miRNAs have been implicated in the development and progression of RA. They are involved in inflammatory and immune processes and are associated with susceptibility to RA and disease activity. They are also considered to be potential markers of disease activity or even therapeutic targets. Likewise, several miRNAs are affected acutely by exercise and regulate exercise-related adaptations in the skeletal muscle and cardiovascular system and aerobic fitness. Interestingly, some miRNAs affected by exercise are also important in the context of RA. Investigating these might increase our understanding of the effects of exercise in RA and improve exercise prescription and, potentially, disease management. In this review, we focus on the miRNAs that are associated with both RA and exercise and discuss their roles in (and potential interactions between) RA and exercise-induced adaptations.

Physical activity in rheumatoid arthritis—is it time to push the pace of change?

“…Understanding the combined effects of exercise and RA on micro-ribonucleic acids (miRNA) might help clinicians to tailor PA interventions and improve disease management. Balchin et al [ 26 ] take a fresh look at the role of miRNAs in the regulation of inflammation and exercise-induced adaptations in people with RA. They suggest that acute exercise changes the levels of miRNAs commonly associated with disease progression in RA.…”

A systematic review of the exercise effects on burn wound healing

“…miRNAs constitute a category of diminutive non‐codingRNA molecules intricately involved in the intricacies of gene expression regulation. Their primary function is post‐transcriptional gene expression modulation, achieved through attenuating or silencing protein translation processes 74 . Notably, a singular miRNA can target multiple genes, while several miRNAs may influence a single transcript, imparting complexity to what might initially appear as a straightforward process 75 .…”

“…Their primary function is post‐transcriptional gene expression modulation, achieved through attenuating or silencing protein translation processes. 74 Notably, a singular miRNA can target multiple genes, while several miRNAs may influence a single transcript, imparting complexity to what might initially appear as a straightforward process. 75 Recent research has illuminated alterations in miRNA expression following physical exercise, shedding new light on the molecular mechanisms orchestrating the body's adaptation to exercise.…”