Effects of Exercise on miRNA Expression and Disease Management in Rheumatoid Arthritis: Exploring Treatment Efficacy and Severity

Purpose: This study aimed to investigate the effect of exercise on microRNA and mRNA expressions in patients with rheumatoid arthritis.Material and Methods: 30 patients and 30 healthy controls aged 18-60 years who met the 2010 ACR / EULAR rheumatoid arthritis criteria were included in the study. The study group followed an 8-week program of strengthening and stretching exercises twice a week, plus 30 minutes of mild-to-moderate walking once a week. Blood samples were taken at the start and end of the program for both groups. Pain, disease activity, general health, and quality of life were assessed. Gene expressions of miRNA-146a, miRNA-155, miRNA-16, and miRNA-145 were analyzed via real-time PCR in the blood samples. The control group only provided blood samples for gene expression analysis.Results: There was a significant improvement in pain, disease activity, general health, and quality of life scores before and after treatment in the rheumatoid arthritis group (p < 0.05). Although CRP and RF levels changed, no significant differences were found, and no difference was observed between the control group and the pre- and post-treatment groups (p > 0.05). MiRNA-146a expression did not significantly differ before and after treatment (p > 0.05), but both treatment groups showed significant differences compared to the control group (p < 0.05). MiRNA-145 expression significantly changed pre- and post-treatment (p < 0.05), but no difference was found between the control and treatment groups (p > 0.05). No significant differences were found in miRNA-155 and miRNA-16 expression levels across the groups (p > 0.05).Conclusion: Exercise therapy positively impacts pain, disease activity, quality of life, and general health in patients with rheumatoid arthritis. Additionally, exercise may influence certain miRNAs involved in the disease's pathogenesis. However, further research is necessary to better understand these effects.