Deciphering the Molecular Interactions of Coronary Heart Disease in Athletes: Insights from circRNA-miRNA-mRNA Networks in a Traditional Chinese Medicine Model

Abstract

Background: Coronary heart disease (CHD) is a significant health issue in athletes, with traditional Chinese medicine characterizing it through Qi deficiency and blood stasis (QDBS). This study aims to bridge traditional insights and modern genetic research by examining the genetic mechanisms behind CHD in a rat model that exhibits QDBS, identified by a "dark tongue" symptom, common in strenuous athletic training. Methods: Using microarray technology, we analyzed differentially expressed genes in the tongue tissues of CHD rats with and without QDBS. The data were annotated with GO functions and KEGG pathway enrichment analyses, and the results were verified via quantitative real-time PCR (qRT-PCR). This process led to the construction of a comprehensive circRNA-miRNA-mRNA network consisting of 28 circRNAs, 23 miRNAs, and 46 mRNAs. Results: Verification of five randomly selected genes (Tyk2, Tox2, Ncor2, Paqr6, and R3hdm1) confirmed their differential expression, aligning with the microarray data. These genes are implicated in key pathophysiological processes relevant to cardiovascular health in athletes, including inflammatory reactions and metabolic disorders involving glucose and lipids. Conclusion: The identified gene expressions and their pathways provide a deeper understanding of the genetic underpinnings of CHD in conditions akin to Qi deficiency and blood stasis, which can be particularly relevant for athletes who undergo intense physical exertion. This study lays a groundwork for future research into targeted interventions that could mitigate CHD risks in athletes, incorporating both traditional insights and molecular biology to enhance cardiovascular care in sports medicine.