Santos M.B, Cirino M.L.A, Tirapelli V.C, Celani M.V.B, Lellis J.R, Thomazini J.A, Fazan V.P.S, Novais P.C, Tazima M.F.G.S, Tirapelli D.P.C, Tirapelli L.F.*
Published October 31, 2024
Genet. Mol. Res. 23 (4): gmr2360
DOI http://dx.doi.org/10.4238/gmr2360
About the Authors
Santos M.B, Cirino M.L.A, Tirapelli V.C, Celani M.V.B, Lellis J.R, Thomazini J.A, Fazan V.P.S, Novais P.C, Tazima M.F.G.S, Tirapelli D.P.C, Tirapelli L.F.*
Corresponding author:
Tirapelli L.F.
E-mail: lab.biomol.cirurgia@fmrp.usp.br
ABSTRACT
Cerebral ischemia is among the main causes of death in the world, being the third cause of death after cardiovascular diseases and cancer, in addition, it is one of the biggest causes of permanent sequelae capable of generating disability. In recent decades, experimental studies have demonstrated beneficial effects associating physical exercise with cerebral ischemia. Several molecular mechanisms are involved in the pathophysiology of cerebral ischemia, among which apoptosis stands out. Current research also highlights the role of microRNAs in cerebral ischemia as well as in the mechanism of apoptosis. Therefore, analyzing the expression of anti- and pro-apoptotic members and microRNAs associated with cerebral ischemia, as well as the role of the benefits promoted by physical exercise, may contribute to the elucidation of possible molecular pathways with neuroprotective effects. This study aimed to analyze the gene expression of caspase 3 and microRNAs miR-138 and miR-155 in rats submitted to experimental cerebral ischemia associated with physical exercise. Twentytwo adult male Wistar rats (Rattus norvegicus) were used, divided into four experimental groups: control, subjected to cerebral ischemia, subjected to physical exercise and subjected to physical exercise associated with cerebral ischemia. Real-time PCR methodology was performed to analyze the expression of caspase 3 gene and microRNAs miR-138 and miR-155 in the cerebellum. We observed a statistically significant difference in the expression levels of miRNAs miR-138 and miR-155 between the studied groups. With greater expression in the ischemia and ischemia associated with physical exercise groups. Despite no significant statistical difference, we observed increased apoptosis due to high levels of CASPASE-3 expression in the ischemic group. We can suggest that the modulation of miRNAs miR-138 and miR-155 may be involved in the repercussions of the ischemic event. More studies are needed to understand the differences in the variables associated with ischemia models, duration of the ischemic event as well as the duration of reperfusion.
Keywords: Cerebral ischemia; MicroRNA; Physical exercise; Apoptosis; Cerebellum.