Therapeutic Impact of Aerobic Exercise on Adolescents with Obesity and Its Association with Expression of miRNAs and Cytokines: A Clinical Approach

Abstract

Background and Objectives: MicroRNAs are short noncoding RNAs that play an essential role in controlling gene expression at the posttranscriptional level. They can serve as biomarkers in the management of obesity. Circulating miRNAs levels change with exercise, impacting various physiological and biological systems, including structural and functional changes. Aim: The purpose of this study is to evaluate the levels of miRNAs 423-5p and 128-1 in young adolescents with obesity before and after an aerobic exercise programme. We also analyse the relationship between those microRNAs and obesity-related parameters in response to aerobic exercise training. Materials and Methods: A total of 64 adolescent individuals (32 individuals with obesity and 32 healthy individuals) were enrolled in the study to participate in a 6-month aerobic exercise programme. Anthropometric measurements, biochemical parameters and blood samples were collected from all the participants prior to exercise training and after the 6-month programme. Gene expression analysis of the study participants was performed using quantitative real-time PCR. Results: Expression levels of circulating microRNAs 423-5p (p < 0.01) and 128-1 (p < 0.01) differed significantly before and after exercise in the study population. Circulating miRNA 423-5p increased and correlated significantly with BMI while circulating miRNA 128-1 decreased and also significantly correlated with BMI after the 6-month aerobic exercise programme. Logistic regression analysis shows that the elevation in miRNAs expression levels has a strong significant association with the increased levels of the cytokines IL-6 and TNF-α (p < 0.05). Conclusions: Obesity leads to alterations in the expressions of miRNA 423-5p and miRNA 128-1. The significant changes observed after an aerobic exercise programme demonstrate the potential of these miRNAs as diagnostic and prognostic biomarkers for obesity.