[Aerobic exercise regulates macrophage polarization and improves insulin resistance in mice: the mediating role of miR-221-3p].

OBJECTIVES: To explore the role of miR-221-3p in mediating the positive effects of aerobic exercise on macrophage polarization in the adipose tissues and insulin resistance (IR). METHODS: -1, and protein levels of SOCS1, JAK1, p-STAT1, and p-STAT3 in the adipose tissues, and the targeting relationship between miR-221-3p and SOCS1 was validated using dual-luciferase reporter gene assay. In RAW264.7 macrophages, the effects of transfection with miR-221-3p mimic or inhibitor on macrophage polarization were observed. RESULTS: mRNA expression, whereas miR-221-3p inhibition obviously promoted M2 polarization of the macrophages. CONCLUSIONS: Aerobic exercise improves HFD-induced IR in mice possibly by inhibiting miR-221-3p to activate the SOCS1 and JAK/STAT signaling pathway, thereby promoting macrophage M2 polarization and alleviating chronic inflammation in the adipose tissue.