Circulating miR-1, miR-133a, and miR-206 levels are increased after a half-marathon run.

CONTEXT: Circulating miRNAs are potential biomarkers that can be important molecules driving cell-to-cell communication. OBJECTIVE: To investigate circulating muscle-specific miRNAs in recreational athletes. MATERIALS AND METHODS: Three miRNAs from whole plasma before and after a half-marathon were analyzed by qPCR. RESULTS: MiR-1, -133a, and -206 significantly increased after the race. DISCUSSION: Increased levels of miRNAs after exercise point to potential biomarkers and to the possibility of being functional players following endurance training. CONCLUSION: These miRNAs are potential biomarkers of muscle damage or adaptation to exercise.