Alterations of miR-148a, miR-223, and some blood lipoproteins following high-intensity functional training in overweight or obese middle-aged women

 MicroRNAs (miRNA) are single-stranded non-coding RNAs containing 19-22 nucleotides. Research investigating the molecular processes underlying obesity-induced dyslipidemia has revealed that miRNA plays a conflicting role in this scenario. As there is a need for more research in this area, this study aimed to investigate how high-intensity functional training (HIFT) affects miR-148a, miR-223, and blood lipoproteins in overweight or obese middle-aged women.. 

 Twenty middle-aged women between 35-40 years old and overweight or obese (BMI=25-30 kg/m2) were randomly assigned to two groups based on their fat percentage and aerobic capacity (V̇O2max). The first group underwent HIFT exercises, while the second group served as a control. Blood samples were taken from the participants 48 hours before and after eight weeks of HIFT exercises to analyze miR-148a, miR-223, and blood lipid profiles. The data was then analyzed using analysis of covariance (ANCOVA), paired t-test, and Bonferroni post hoc tests.

 After eight weeks of the HIFT training program, the training group showed a significant decrease miR-148a (p = 0.001), miR-223 (p = 0.006), LDL-C (p < 0.001), triglyceride (p = 0.002), and cholesterol (p < 0.001) compared to the control group. Additionally, the concentration of HDL-C (p = 0.001) increased in the training group compared to the control group.

 It seems that HIFT training can improve blood lipid profiles by affecting some obesity-related miRNAs, especially miR-148a miR-223, and improve health thereby preventing diseases caused by dyslipidemia such as type 2 diabetes, and cardiovascular disease.