A review of exercise-induced epigenetic modifications in prostate tissue: implications for gene expression and tumor progression in prostate cancer.

Abstract

Physical exercise is associated with a lower incidence and development of prostate cancer (PCa), according to epidemiologic research. In particular, it modifies the levels of endogenous hormones such as insulin, testosterone, and insulin-like growth factor. Moreover, physical exercise of various sorts and durations may affect the tumor microenvironment differently. There is growing evidence that physical exercise is associated with epigenetic alterations in prostate tissue, although its consequences on the prostate are yet unknown. It is well recognized that epigenetic changes, including DNA methylation and histone modifications, interfere with important biological functions in malignancies, including tumor development, tissue invasion, and metastasis, and they also increase the likelihood of genetic abnormalities. Notably, exercise has been shown to have anticancer, DNA methylation, histone, microRNA, lncRNA, and apoptosis-inducing properties. Exercise capacity to alter biomarkers of DNA methylation, histone changes, miRNA, lncRNA, and apoptotic induction makes predictive diagnostics possible, enabling patient stratification and early identification of at-risk patients. Thus, this review summarizes research on the molecular processes and therapeutic applications of exercise in prostate tissue, particularly in the context of prostate cancer.