Description | Cardiovascular diseases (CVDs) are one of the most important causes of mortality
worldwide, therefore the need of effective preventive strategies is imperative. Aging
is associated with significant changes in both cardiovascular structure and function
that lower the threshold for clinical signs and symptoms, making older people more
susceptible to CVDs morbidity and mortality.
microRNAs (miRNAs) modulate gene expression at post-transcriptional level and
increasing evidence has shown that miRNAs are involved in cardiovascular physiology
and in the pathogenesis of CVDs.
Physical activity is recommended by the medical community and the cardiovascular
benefits of exercise are multifactorial and include important systemic effects on
skeletal muscle, the peripheral vasculature, metabolism, and neuroendocrine systems,
as well as beneficial modifications within the myocardium itself.
In this review we describe the role of miRNAs and their dysregulation in several
types of CVDs. We provide an overview of miRNAs in CVDs and of the effects of
physical activity on miRNA regulation involved in both cardiovascular pathologies
and age-related cardiovascular changes and diseases.
Circulating miRNAs in response to acute and chronic sport exercise appear to
be modulated following training exercise, and may furthermore serve as potential
biomarkers for CVDs and different age-related CVDs. | en_US |