Correlation between circulating microRNAs and vascular biomarkers in type 2 diabetes based upon physical activity: a biochemical analytic study.

Abstract

Background: This research investigated how physical activity (PA) might impact the expression of several microRNAs, specifically miR-126, miR-146a, miR-34a, miR-124a, miR-155, and miR-221, in the blood of elderly individuals with type 2 diabetes (T2D). Additionally, the study examined the relationship between these microRNAs and markers of vascular endothelial dysfunction, including vascular endothelial growth factor (VEGF), apolipoprotein A-I (apoA-I), and apolipoprotein B (apoB), to assess their potential in the prevention, early detection, and treatment of diabetes.

Methods: This correlational observational study involved 100 male participants, aged between 18 and 65 years, all of whom had been living with type 2 diabetes (T2D) for over six years. The participants were divided into three groups: inactive, moderate, and active, depending on their level of physical activity (PA). Real-time PCR and immunoassays were employed to measure the expression of selected miRNAs, as well as VEGF, apoA-I, apoB, and diabetic management indicators. PA levels were determined using ACTi graph GT1M accelerometer (model WAM 7164; Fort Walton Beach, FL) and energy expenditure was measured in the form of metabolic equivalent (MET) by indirect calorimetry method.

Results: The expression levels of miR-146a, miR-34a, and miR-124a were significantly higher in patients with higher physical activity, while no such increase was observed for the other miRNAs in less active participants. Additionally, PA-active individuals showed a more pronounced decrease in fasting blood sugar (FBS), insulin resistance (IR), fasting insulin (FINS), HOMA-IR, HbA1c (%), and levels of VEGF, apoAI, apoB, and the apoB/apoA-I ratio. The alteration in miRNA expression was positively associated with physical activity, VEGF, apoAI, apoB, the apoB/apoA-I ratio, and diabetes-related metrics, while being inversely related to BMI.

Conclusions: In diabetic patients with higher physical activity levels, circulating miR-146a, miR-34a, and miR-124a showed elevated expression, accompanied by a notable decrease in vascular biomarkers, including apoAI, apoB, and the apoB/apoA-I ratio. The findings revealed a strong correlation between these vascular biomarkers and the physiological responses of miR-146a, miR-34a, and miR-124a, though larger studies are required to validate these results further.

Trial registration: Not applicable.