Int J Sports Med 2014; 35(04): 344-350
DOI: 10.1055/s-0033-1349075
Clinical Sciences
© Georg Thieme Verlag KG Stuttgart · New York

Effect of Aerobic Exercise on miRNA-TLR4 Signaling in Atherosclerosis

X.-D. Wu
1   Anesthesiology, Fujian Provincial Clinical Medical College, Fujian Provincial Hospital, Fujian Medical University, Fuzhou, China
,
K. Zeng
2   Anesthesiology, The First Affiliated Hospital, Fujian Medical University, Fuzhou, China
,
W.-L. Liu
3   Rehabilitation, Fujian University of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Fuzhou, China
,
Y.-G. Gao
2   Anesthesiology, The First Affiliated Hospital, Fujian Medical University, Fuzhou, China
,
C.-S. Gong
1   Anesthesiology, Fujian Provincial Clinical Medical College, Fujian Provincial Hospital, Fujian Medical University, Fuzhou, China
,
C.-X. Zhang
4   Physical Education, Institute of Human Movement Sciences Research, Hunan Normal University, Changsha, China
,
Y.-Q. Chen
1   Anesthesiology, Fujian Provincial Clinical Medical College, Fujian Provincial Hospital, Fujian Medical University, Fuzhou, China
› Author Affiliations
Further Information

Publication History



accepted after revision 29 April 2013

Publication Date:
10 September 2013 (online)

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Abstract

Toll-like receptor 4 (TLR4)-tumor necrosis factor receptor 6 (TRAF6) signaling is activated in atherosclerosis (AS), inducing inflammatory mediators. Because miR-146a, a TLR4 microRNA (miRNA), can regulate TLR4 signaling during inflammatory responses, this study investigated the effects of aerobic exercise on TLR4-targeted miRNAs in AS. Apolipoprotein E-null mice fed a high-fat diet for 12 weeks were separated into 3 groups: (i) no treatment (AS), (ii) statin treatment (AD), or (iii) aerobic exercise (AE). Plaques and foam cells were observed in the untreated control and statin groups, respectively, but not in the AE group. Reduced angiotensin II (Ang II) and endothelin 1 (ET1) levels were observed in the AE group. Both treatment groups significantly altered the expression of inflammatory cytokine expression and reduced vascular TLR4 levels. Increased miR-146a and miR-126 and reduced miR-155 levels were observed in both treatment groups (all, P<0.001). miR-146a interacted with the 3′ untranslated region of the TRAF6 gene, reducing its expression. Thus, aerobic exercise and statins may induce miR-146a expression, thereby reducing vascular TRAF and TLR4 signaling and vascular inflammatory injury in AS. Further analysis of this pathway may provide insight into the protective effects of aerobic exercise on vascular disease as well as new therapeutic targets.