Abstract
Background: Obesity is a multifactorial and chronic condition characterized by excess adiposity and systemic low-grade inflammation. Exercise exerts metabolic and anti-inflammatory effects partly mediated through gene expression modulation in skeletal muscle and adipose tissue. However, heterogeneous responses among obese individuals suggest that genetic and epigenetic mechanisms shape exercise adaptation. Objective: This systematic review aimed to identify the genes and molecular pathways modulated by physical exercise in adults with obesity, and to classify them according to their biological functions across different exercise modalities. Methods: Following PRISMA guidelines, randomized controlled trials were searched in PubMed, SpringerLink, Science Direct, Cochrane, LILACS, Web of Science and Scopus (June 2025). Eligible studies included adults with obesity undergoing a structured exercise intervention and reporting exercise-modulated gene expression. Results: Four RCTs (n = 90) met the criteria, reporting 74 genes across five exercise protocols (four aerobic, one concurrent). 44 genes were up-regulated, 22 down-regulated and eight unchanged. Genes clustered into epigenetic regulation, metabolic activation, adipose remodeling, inflammatory/antioxidant responses and appetite control. Aerobic training predominantly activated mitochondrial and metabolic genes in skeletal muscle, whereas adipose-focused protocols attenuated inflammatory signaling. Conclusion: Exercise demonstrates a robust capacity to reprogram gene networks involved in energy metabolism and inflammation among adults with obesity.
Recommended Citation
Galvan B, Flores LA, Torres-Rojo FI, Cervantes-Hernández N, Villegas Balderrama CV, Enriquez-Del Castillo LA. Exercise-induced gene expression profiles in adults with obesity: A systematic review of molecular adap-tation. Balt J Health Phys Act. 2026;18(2):Article7. DOI: 10.29359/BJHPA.18.2.07
Author ORCID Identifier
Brandon Galván ORCID 0000-0003-4112-2277
Luis Alberto Flores Olivares ORCID 0000-0002-8177-8361
Flor Isela Torres Rojo ORCID 0009-0003-0507-0016
Natanael Cervantes Hernández ORCID 0000-0002-2652-2195
Cintia Verónica Villegas Balderrama ORCID 0000-0002-0728-3563
Liliana Aracely Enríquez del Castillo ORCID 0000-0001-6125-6526
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