Effects of exercise on whole‐blood transcriptome profile in children with overweight/obesity

Abstract Background The current knowledge about the molecular mechanisms underlying the health benefits of exercise is still limited, especially in childhood. We set out to investigate the effects of a 20‐week exercise intervention on whole‐blood transcriptome profile (RNA‐seq) in children with overweight/obesity. Methods Twenty‐four children (10.21 ± 1.33 years, 46% girls) with overweight/obesity, were randomized to either a 20‐week exercise program (intervention group; n = 10), or to a no‐exercise control group ( n = 14). Whole‐blood transcriptome profile was analyzed using RNA‐seq by STRT technique with GlobinLock technology. Results Following the 20‐week exercise intervention program, 161 genes were differentially expressed between the exercise and the control groups among boys, and 121 genes among girls ( p ‐value <0.05), while after multiple correction, no significant difference between exercise and control groups persisted in gene expression profiles (FDR >0.05). Genes enriched in GO processes and molecular pathways showed different immune response in boys (antigen processing and presentation, infections, and T cell receptor complex) and in girls (Fc epsilon RI signaling pathway) (FDR <0.05). Conclusion These results suggest that 20‐week exercise intervention program alters the molecular pathways involved in immune processes in children with overweight/obesity.