Circulating microRNAs fluctuations in exercise-induced cardiac remodeling: A systematic review

MicroRNAs (miRNAs) are small non-coding RNAs that participate in gene expression regulation. It has been observed that circulating levels of miRNAs may fluctuate during exercise, showing numerous cardiac biological and physiological effects such as structural and functional adaptations. We aimed to provide an overview of the currently available information concerning the role of circulating miRNAs in cardiovascular adaptations in response to acute and/or chronic exercise training. Relevant studies published were searched in three databases: PubMed, Web of Science and Scopus. A combination of the following keywords was used: (“microRNA” OR “miRNA” OR “miR” AND “exercise” OR “training” OR “physical activity”) AND “(heart hypertrophy” OR “cardiac remodeling” OR “cardiac muscle mass” OR “cardiac hypertrophy”). Only experimental studies, written in English and conducted in healthy individuals were included. Five articles met the inclusion criteria and were finally included in this systematic review after reviewing both title, abstract and full-text. A total of thirty-six circulating cardiac-related miRNAs were analyzed, but only five of them (miR-1, miR-133a, miR-146a, miR-206 and miR-221) were directly associated with cardiac adaptations parameters, while two of them (miR-1 and miR-133a) were related to cardiac hypertrophy. Most of them were upregulated immediately after a marathon and returned to basal levels at longer times. Therefore, we conclude that, although evidence is still limited, and long-term studies are needed to obtain more robust evidence, exercise is more likely to affect circulating cardiac-related miRNAs level

Imaging aortic regurgitation: The incremental benefit of speckle tracking echocardiography

Aortic regurgitation (AR) affects global left ventricular mechanics. However, limited literature is available on how it may affect regional longitudinal strain. We present a case where severe AR jet is thrashing the anterior-septal wall and reducing its overall longitudinal performance most likely secondary to increased wall shear stress in diastole. This new insight into patho-physiological process using deformation study may have supplementary impact in decision making for surgical intervention. Transthoracic echocardiography is the primary imaging modality for the assessment of AR as it offers evaluation of severity of AR, aetiology of AR, left ventricular (LV) dilatation, LV systolic function, left ventricular mass, diastolic function and global strain. This case highlights the regional disturbances in longitudinal strain in eccentric AR

Endurance sport and cardiac injury

Since years there are constantly appearing reports about a potential myocardial injury induced by intensive sporting activities. The spectacular sudden deaths during marathon, football and, just recently, in the trend discipline triathlon seem to support that view. In addition, reports about the “athlete`s heart” and complications in the elderly causes uncertainty among those, hoping that sporting activity will lead to weight reduction or will improve diabetes or general fitness. Endurance athletes – professionals as well as hobby-athletes – and many sports physicians feel also insecure. Here the mental attitude can make the difference between victory and defeat. The complex issue makes it difficult to give direct answers and recommendations. Some reports capture for themselves having found the answers for “negative cardiac remodeling” caused by sporting activities, partially with spectacular results concerning a right ventricular overload or a left ventricular dysfunction directly after physical activity. This report tries to reflect in a critical way to what extent the statements of these studies are objectively justified, how far sporting activities could be dangerous and what kind of cardiac damage might be expected

Dataset: METS Aerobic Capacity, Physical Activity and Metabolic Risk Factors in Firefighters Compared with Police Officers and Sedentary Clerks

<p>This study sought to examine the association between the physical work environment and physiological performance measures, physical activity levels and metabolic parameters among German civil servants. A main focus in this study was to examine the group differences and not to measure the absolute values in an occupational group.</p

Energy drinks: Increasing evidence of negative cardiovascular effects

Energy drinks: Increasing evidence of negative cardiovascular effect

Speckle-Tracking and Tissue-Doppler Stress Echocardiography in Arterial Hypertension: A Sensitive Tool for Detection of Subclinical LV Impairment

Early diagnosis of cardiac alterations in hypertensive heart disease is still challenging. Since such patients might have depressed global LV systolic strain or strain rate when EF is still normal, speckle-tracking echocardiography (STE) and tissue-Doppler imaging (TDI) combined with stress echocardiography might improve early diagnosis of cardiac alterations. In this prospective study standard 2D Doppler echocardiography, STE, and TDI were performed at rest and during bicycle exercise in 92 consecutive patients—46 hypertensive subjects with normal ejection fraction and 46 healthy controls. STE and TDI were used to measure global peak systolic LV circumferential strain (CS), longitudinal strain (LS), and longitudinal strain rate (SR). Mean arterial blood pressure was significantly higher in hypertensive patients at rest (100.8 mmHg SD 13.5 mmHg; P=0.002) and during physical exercise testing (124.2 mmHg SD 13.4 mmHg; P=0.003). Hypertensive patients had significantly reduced values of systolic CS (P=0.001), LS (P=0.014), and SR (P<0.001) at rest as well as during physical exercise—CS (P<0.001), LS (P<0.001), and SR (P<0.001). Using STE and TDI, reduced LV systolic strain and strain rate consistent with early cardiac alterations can be detected in patients with arterial hypertension. These findings were evident at rest and markedly pronounced during exercise echocardiography