Ventilatory efficiency during ramp exercise in relation to age and sex in a healthy Japanese population.

BACKGROUND: The current understanding of ventilator efficiency variables during ramp exercise testing in the normal Japanese population is insufficient, and the responses of tidal volume (VT) and minute ventilation (V̇E) to the ramp exercise test in the normal Japanese population are not known. METHODS: A total of 529 healthy Japanese subjects aged 20-78 years underwent cardiopulmonary exercise testing using a cycle ergometer with ramp protocols. VT and V̇E at rest, at anaerobic threshold, and at peak exercise were determined. The slope of V̇E versus carbon dioxide (V̇CO2) (V̇E vs. V̇CO2 slope), minimum V̇E/V̇CO2, and oxygen uptake efficiency slope (OUES) were determined. RESULTS: For males and females in their 20 s, peak VT (VTpeak) was 2192 ± 376 and 1509 ± 260 mL (p < 0.001), peak V̇E (V̇Epeak) was 80.6 ± 18.7 and 57.7 ± 13.9 L/min (sex differences p < 0.001), the V̇E vs. V̇CO2 slope was 24.4 ± 3.2 and 25.7 ± 3.2 (p = 0.035), the minimum V̇E/V̇CO2 was 24.2 ± 2.3 and 27.0 ± 2.8 (p < 0.001), and the OUES was 2452 ± 519 and 1991 ± 315 (p < 0.001), respectively. VTpeak and V̇Epeak decreased with age and increased with weight and height. The V̇E vs. V̇CO2 slope and minimum V̇E/V̇CO2 increased with age, while conversely, the OUES decreased with age. CONCLUSIONS: We have established the normal range of VT and V̇E responses, the V̇E vs. V̇CO2 slope, the minimum V̇E/V̇CO2, and the OUES for a healthy Japanese population. Some of these parameters were influenced by weight, height, sex, and age. These results provide useful reference values for interpreting the results of cardiopulmonary exercise testing in cardiac patients.

Acute Effect of High-Intensity Eccentric Exercise on Vascular Endothelial Function in Young Men.

Choi, Y, Akazawa, N, Zempo-Miyaki, A, Ra, S-G, Shiraki, H, Ajisaka, R, and Maeda, S. Acute effect of high-intensity eccentric exercise on vascular endothelial function in young men. J Strength Cond Res 30(8): 2279-2285, 2016-Increased central arterial stiffness is as an independent risk factor for cardiovascular disease. Evidence regarding the effects of high-intensity resistance exercise on vascular endothelial function and central arterial stiffness is conflicting. The purpose of this study was to examine the effects of acute high-intensity eccentric exercise on vascular endothelial function and central arterial stiffness. We evaluated the acute changes in endothelium-dependent flow-mediated dilation (FMD), low-flow-mediated constriction (L-FMC), and arterial stiffness after high-intensity eccentric exercise. Seven healthy, sedentary men (age, 24 ± 1 year) performed maximal eccentric elbow flexor exercise using their nondominant arm. Before and 45 minutes after eccentric exercise, carotid arterial compliance and brachial artery FMD and L-FMC in the nonexercised arm were measured. Carotid arterial compliance was significantly decreased, and ß-stiffness index significantly increased after eccentric exercise. Brachial FMD was significantly reduced after eccentric exercise, whereas there was no significant difference in brachial L-FMC before and after eccentric exercise. A positive correlation was detected between change in arterial compliance and change in FMD (r = 0.779; p ≤ 0.05), and a negative correlation was detected between change in ß-stiffness index and change in FMD (r = -0.891; p < 0.01) with eccentric exercise. In this study, acute high-intensity eccentric exercise increased central arterial stiffness; this increase was accompanied by a decrease in endothelial function caused by reduced endothelium-dependent vasodilation but not by a change in endothelium-dependent vasoconstriction.

No influence of lower leg heating on central arterial pulse pressure in young men.

Central arterial pulse pressure (PP), a strong predictor of cardiovascular disease, mainly consists of an incident wave generated by left ventricular ejection and a late-arriving reflected wave emanating from the lower body. We have tested the hypothesis that a reduction in leg vascular tone by heat treatment of the lower leg attenuates the central arterial PP. Pressure and wave properties of the peripheral and central arteries were measured in eight young men before and after heat treatment of the lower leg (temperature approx. 43 °C) for 30 and 60 min, respectively. Following the lower leg heat trial, leg (femoral-ankle) pulse wave velocity (PWV) was significantly decreased, but aortic (carotid-femoral) PWV and parameters of wave reflection and carotid arterial PP did not change significantly. No significant changes were observed in these parameters in the control trial. These results suggest that the reduction in leg vascular tone induced by heat treatment of the lower leg may not affect wave reflection and central arterial PP in young men.

Effects of lifestyle modification on central blood pressure in overweight and obese men.

OBJECTIVE: It has recently been recognized that increased central blood pressure is a predictor of cardiovascular disease. Central blood pressure is higher in obese individuals than in nonobese individuals. However, the effect of lifestyle modification on central systolic blood pressure in obese individuals is unclear. The aim of this study was to determine whether lifestyle modification decreases central blood pressure in overweight and obese men. METHODS: Thirty-nine overweight and obese men (age, 49±2 years; BMI, 30±1 kg/m) were recruited into our study. We measured central systolic blood pressure and brachial-ankle pulse wave velocity (baPWV), an index of arterial stiffness, before and after a 12-week lifestyle modification that included aerobic exercise and dietary modification. RESULTS: After the 12-week program, body mass, BMI, and waist circumstance decreased significantly. Central systolic blood pressure and baPWV were significantly decreased after the lifestyle modification in overweight and obese men. Furthermore, there was a significant correlation between the lifestyle modification-induced change in central systolic blood pressure and that in baPWV. CONCLUSION: This study showed for the first time that lifestyle modification-induced weight loss decreases central systolic blood pressure in overweight and obese men. The decrease in central systolic blood pressure was associated with the reduction in arterial stiffness. These results suggest that lifestyle modification-induced reduction in arterial stiffness may contribute toward the decreased central systolic blood pressure in overweight and obese men.

Lifestyle modification decreases arterial stiffness and plasma asymmetric dimethylarginine level in overweight and obese men.

BACKGROUND: Increased arterial stiffness is an independent risk factor for cardiovascular disease. Arterial stiffness is higher in obese individuals than in nonobese individuals. Lifestyle modifications (i.e. exercise and dietary modification) decrease arterial stiffness in obese individuals. Asymmetric dimethylarginine (ADMA) is an endogenous inhibitor of nitric oxide synthase, an enzyme responsible for the generation of nitric oxide. AIM: The aim of this study was to examine whether lifestyle modifications affect circulating levels of ADMA in overweight and obese men and, if they do, whether ADMA is involved in the mechanism underlying the decrease in arterial stiffness with lifestyle modification. METHODS: Seventeen overweight and obese men (BMI: 29.8±0.8 kg/m(2)) completed a 12-week lifestyle modification program, which included aerobic exercise and dietary modification. Before and after the intervention, we evaluated brachial-ankle pulse wave velocity (baPWV), an index of arterial stiffness, and plasma ADMA concentration in all participants. RESULTS: After the 12-week lifestyle modification program, BMI and baPWV decreased significantly and the plasma ADMA concentration decreased markedly in overweight and obese men. There was a significant positive correlation between percent change in baPWV and plasma ADMA concentration. CONCLUSION: Lifestyle modifications reduce arterial stiffness and plasma ADMA concentration in overweight and obese individuals. A decrease in arterial stiffness was associated with a corresponding reduction in plasma ADMA concentrations. These results suggest that reductions in ADMA may be an important mechanism underlying the beneficial effect of lifestyle modification on arterial stiffness.

Association of plasma pentraxin 3 with arterial stiffness in overweight and obese individuals.

BACKGROUND: Obesity and increased arterial stiffness are independent risk factors for cardiovascular disease. The degree of arterial stiffness in obese individuals is greater than that in normal-weight subjects. Pentraxin 3 (PTX3) is mainly produced by vascular tissues and exerts a cardioprotective effect. However, the relationship between PTX3 and arterial stiffness in obese individuals has not yet been clarified. In this study, we examined the relationships between obesity, arterial stiffness, and PTX3 levels in 282 subjects. METHODS: All participants were classified as normal weight, overweight, or obese on the basis of their body mass index. We measured the brachial-ankle pulse wave velocity (baPWV; an index of arterial stiffness) and plasma PTX3 concentrations in all subjects. Additionally, the carotid-femoral PWV (cfPWV) was measured in 173 subjects. RESULTS: We found that baPWV and cfPWV in overweight and obese subjects were significantly higher than those in normal-weight subjects. Plasma PTX3 concentrations in normal-weight subjects were significantly higher than those in overweight and obese subjects. Moreover, PTX3 had a significant negative correlation with baPWV. However, stepwise multivariable linear regression analysis did not indicate any associations between these parameters. CONCLUSIONS: Arterial stiffness is increased in overweight and obese individuals. The increase in arterial stiffness may, at least in part, be associated with an obesity-related reduction in plasma PTX3 concentrations.

Heart rate and blood pressure response to ramp exercise and exercise capacity in relation to age, gender, and mode of exercise in a healthy population.

BACKGROUND: The responses of heart rate (HR) and blood pressure to the ramp exercise test are not known and the current understanding of peak oxygen uptake and anaerobic threshold (AT) values in the normal Japanese population is insufficient. METHODS AND RESULTS: A total of 749 healthy Japanese subjects aged 20-78 years underwent a cardiopulmonary exercise test using a cycle ergometer or treadmill ergometer with ramp protocols. HR, systolic blood pressure (SBP), and oxygen uptake VO2 at rest, at AT, and at peak exercise were determined. HR and SBP at peak exercise in a cycle ergometer and treadmill ergometer test decreased with age. Work rate at peak exercise in a cycle ergometer increased with body weight and decreased with age. VO2 at AT and at peak exercise were higher in treadmill ergometer testing than in cycle ergometer testing, and were not affected by exercise protocol. Both of these decreased with age. CONCLUSIONS: The normal responses of HR and SBP to ramp exercise testing are reported for the first time. AT, peak VO2, and VO2 at each stage are shown for a healthy population. Some of these parameters were influenced by weight, gender, and age, as well as mode of exercise and the protocol used. These results provide useful reference values for interpreting the results of cardiopulmonary exercise testing.

Curcumin ingestion and exercise training improve vascular endothelial function in postmenopausal women.

Vascular endothelial function is declines with aging and is associated with an increased risk of cardiovascular disease. Lifestyle modification, particularly aerobic exercise and dietary adjustment, has a favorable effect on vascular aging. Curcumin is a major component of turmeric with known anti-inflammatory and anti-oxidative effects. We investigated the effects of curcumin ingestion and aerobic exercise training on flow-mediated dilation as an indicator endothelial function in postmenopausal women. A total of 32 postmenopausal women were assigned to 3 groups: control, exercise, and curcumin groups. The curcumin group ingested curcumin orally for 8 weeks. The exercise group underwent moderate aerobic exercise training for 8 weeks. Before and after each intervention, flow-mediated dilation was measured. No difference in baseline flow-mediated dilation or other key dependent variables were detected among the groups. Flow-mediated dilation increased significantly and equally in the curcumin and exercise groups, whereas no changes were observed in the control group. Our results indicated that curcumin ingestion and aerobic exercise training can increase flow-mediated dilation in postmenopausal women, suggesting that both can potentially improve the age-related decline in endothelial function.

Habitual aerobic exercise increases plasma pentraxin 3 levels in middle-aged and elderly women.

Chronic inflammation that occurs with aging is one of the risk factors for cardiovascular disease. Regular exercise may prevent cardiovascular morbidity by decreasing chronic systematic inflammation. Additionally, excess inflammation can be reduced by the anti-inflammatory protein pentraxin 3 (PTX3). Thus, both habitual exercise and PTX3 have an anti-inflammatory effect. However, it is unclear whether regular exercise leads to increased plasma PTX3 concentration. In the present study, we investigated the effects of regular aerobic exercise on plasma PTX3 concentration in middle-aged and elderly women. Twenty-two postmenopausal women (60 ± 6 years) were randomly divided evenly into 2 groups (i.e., exercise intervention and control). Subjects in the exercise group completed 2 months of regular aerobic exercise training (walking and cycling, 30-45 min, 3-5 days·week⁻¹). Before and after the intervention, we evaluated plasma PTX3 concentration, peak oxygen uptake, blood chemistry, and arterial distensibility (carotid arterial compliance and ß-stiffness) in all participants. There were no significant differences in baseline parameters between the 2 groups. Plasma PTX3 concentration was significantly increased in the exercise group after the intervention (p < 0.05). High-density lipoprotein cholesterol, peak oxygen uptake, and arterial compliance were also significantly increased (p < 0.05), while ß-stiffness was markedly decreased (p < 0.01) after the intervention. On the other hand, there was no change in the parameters tested in the control group. This study demonstrates that regular aerobic exercise increases plasma PTX3 concentration with improvement of high-density lipoprotein cholesterol, peak oxygen uptake, and arterial distensibility in postmenopausal women.

DHEA administration and exercise training improves insulin resistance in obese rats.

BACKGROUND: Dehydroepiandrosterone (DHEA) is precursor of sex steroid hormone. We demonstrated that acute DHEA injection to type 1 diabetes model rats induced improvement of hyperglycemia. However, the effect of the combination of DHEA administration and exercise training on insulin resistance is still unclear. This study was undertaken to determine whether 6-weeks of DHEA administration and/or exercise training improve insulin resistance in obese male rats. METHODS: After 14 weeks of a high-sucrose diet, obese male Wistar rats were assigned randomly to one of four groups: control, DHEA administration, exercise training, and a combination of DHEA administration and exercise training (n = 10 each group). RESULTS: After 6-weeks of DHEA administration and/or exercise training, rats in the combination group weighed significantly less and had lower serum insulin levels than rats in the other groups. Moreover, the rats treated with DHEA alone or DHEA and exercise had significantly lower fasting glucose levels (combination, 84 ± 6.5 mg/dL; DHEA, 102 ± 9.5 mg/dL; control, 148 ± 10.5 mg/dL). In addition, insulin sensitivity check index showed significant improvements in the combination group (combination, 0.347 ± 0.11; exercise, 0.337 ± 0.16%; DHEA, 0.331 ± 0.14; control, 0.308 ± 0.12). Muscular DHEA and 5α-dihydrotestosterone (DHT) concentrations were significantly higher in the combination group, and closely correlated with the quantitative insulin-sensitivity check index (DHEA: r = 0.71, p < 0.01; DHT: r = 0.69, p < 0.01). CONCLUSION: These results showed that a combination of DHEA administration and exercise training effectively improved fasting blood glucose and insulin levels, and insulin sensitivity, which may reflect increased muscular DHEA and DHT concentrations.

Plasma pentraxin 3 concentration increases in endurance-trained men.

INTRODUCTION: Pentraxin 3 (PTX3), which is mainly produced by endothelial cells, macrophages, and smooth muscle cells in the atherosclerotic region, has a cardioprotective effect. Endurance exercise training has also been known to offer cardioprotection. However, the effect of regular endurance exercise on PTX3 is unknown. This study aimed to investigate whether plasma PTX3 concentrations increase in endurance-trained men. Ten young endurance-trained men and 12 age- and gender-matched sedentary controls participated in this study. METHODS: We measured plasma PTX3 concentrations of the participants in each group. We also determined systemic arterial compliance (SAC) by using simultaneous M-mode ultrasound and arterial applanation tonometry of the common carotid artery and used HDL cholesterol (HDLC) as an index of cardioprotective effect. RESULTS: Maximal oxygen uptake was significantly higher in the endurance-trained men than that in the sedentary controls. SAC and HDLC were significantly higher in the endurance-trained men than that in the sedentary controls (SAC = 1.74 ± 0.11 vs 1.41 ± 0.09 mL·mm Hg(-1), P < 0.05; HDLC = 70 ± 5 vs 57 ± 4 mg·dL(-1), P < 0.05). Plasma PTX3 concentrations were markedly higher in the endurance-trained men than that in the sedentary controls (0.93 ± 0.11 vs 0.68 ± 0.06 ng·mL(-1), P < 0.05). Relationships between plasma PTX3 concentrations and SAC and HDLC were linear. CONCLUSIONS: This is the first study revealing that endurance-trained individuals had higher levels of circulating PTX3 than sedentary controls. PTX3 may play a partial role in endurance exercise training-induced cardioprotection.

Effects of three consecutive days exercise on lymphocyte DNA damage in young men.

Intense exercise affects the immune system. This study examines effects of three consecutive days of 1 h high-intensity exercise on lymphocyte counts, oxidative DNA damage, and apoptosis in young untrained (n = 8, 23.8 +/- 3.2 years; UT) and endurance-trained (n = 8, 21.1 +/- 3.7 years; TR) subjects. The subjects performed cycle ergometer exercise at 75% VO2max 1 h daily for three consecutive days (exercise session). Blood samples were collected before exercise on the first day of the exercise session (day 1, D1) and at 24 h after the session (day 4, D4). Total lymphocyte counts, a lymphocyte oxidative DNA damage index using Comet assay with human 8-oxoguanine DNA glycosylase, oxidative stress markers, and apoptosis markers were measured. Lymphocyte counts at D1 in TR were significantly lower than in UT. Lymphocyte counts in TR changed little at D4 (from 1,988 +/- 475 to 1,854 +/- 363 cell/microl), but the lymphocyte counts in UT decreased significantly at D4 (from 2,583 +/- 564 to 1,911 +/- 528 cell/microl, P < 0.05). Lymphocyte oxidative DNA damage increased concomitantly with exercise sessions in both the groups (UT, from 31.3 +/- 17.5 to 48.9 +/- 15.7%; TR, from 21.9 +/- 5.2 to 62.1 +/- 12.5%, P < 0.05). Although no change was found in apoptosis markers over time, Annexin-V(+) cells decreased in TR (effect size D = 0.8 is large). Three consecutive days of 1 h exercise decreased lymphocyte counts with increased lymphocyte oxidative DNA damage in UT. Lymphocyte counts remained unchanged irrespective of increased oxidative DNA damage in TR. Decreased lymphocyte apoptosis might prevent the decrease of lymphocytes in TR.

Is pentraxin 3 involved in obesity-induced decrease in arterial distensibility?

AIM: Obesity is a strong risk factor for cardiovascular morbidity and mortality. In addition, decreased central arterial distensibility is recognized as an independent risk factor for cardiovascular disease (CVD). Obese subjects exhibit low arterial distensibillity; however, the mechanism responsible for the decrease in arterial distensibility in obese subjects has not yet been elucidated. Pentraxin 3 (PTX3), a recently identified member of the pentraxin family of proteins, is produced in areas of atherosclerosis. A recent study has revealed that the PTX3 level may indicate the vascular inflammatory status. The aim of this study was to investigate plasma PTX3 concentrations and arterial distensibility in obese subjects. METHODS: Eleven obese men (age: 44+/-2 years, body mass index [BMI]: 32+/-1 kg/m(2)) and 14 nonobese men (age: 42+/-2 years, BMI: 26+/-1 kg/m(2)) participated in this study. We measured arterial compliance (using simultaneous B-mode ultrasound and arterial applanation tonometry of the common carotid artery); beta-stiffness index, an index of arterial compliance adjusted for distending pressure; and plasma PTX3 concentrations. RESULTS: Arterial compliance was significantly lower and the beta-stiffness index was significantly higher in obese men than in non-obese men. Plasma PTX3 concentration was markedly higher in obese than non-obese men. CONCLUSIONS: Obese men have lower arterial distensibility and higher circulating PTX3 levels than non-obese men; therefore, higher PTX3 levels and decreased arterial distensibility coexist in obese men. The high PTX3 concentrations in obese men may be involved in the mechanism underlying the obesity-induced decrease in arterial distensibility.

Additive beneficial effects of lactotripeptides intake with regular exercise on endothelium-dependent dilatation in postmenopausal women.

BACKGROUND: Peripheral conduit artery endothelium-dependent dilatation decreases with aging in humans. Lactotripeptides (LTPs) and regular exercise can improve endothelium-dependent dilatation, but combining these lifestyle modifications may be more effective than either treatment alone. We conducted a randomized, place-controlled trial with four different intervention arms. METHODS: A total of 43 postmenopausal women (50-65 years old) were randomly divided into placebo, LTP, exercise and placebo (Ex+placebo), or exercise and LTP (Ex+LTP) groups. LTP or placebo was administered orally for 8 weeks. The exercise groups completed an 8-week moderate aerobic exercise (walking or cycling) intervention. RESULTS: There were no statistically significant differences in baseline flow-mediated dilatation (FMD) and most other key dependent variables among the groups. FMD significantly increased in the LTP, Ex+placebo, and Ex+LTP groups whereas no such changes were observed in the placebo control group. The magnitude of increases in FMD was significantly greater in the Ex+LTP group than other intervention groups. CONCLUSION: We concluded that LTP ingestion combined with regular aerobic exercise improves endothelium-dependent dilatation to a greater extent than monotherapy with either intervention alone in postmenopausal women.

Epicardial fat tissue: relationship with cardiorespiratory fitness in men.

PURPOSE: To explore the influence of the epicardial fat (EF) tissue on aspects of heart rate recovery (HRR) and cardiorespiratory fitness (V O2peak) in middle-aged men. METHODS: A cross-sectional analysis of EF thickness was performed on 101 overweight or obese men. The men were categorized into low-EF, moderate-EF, and high-EF groups on the basis of ventricular EF thickness, as measured by transthoracic echocardiography. V O2peak was assessed with a graded maximal cycle ergometric test, including measurement of HRR 2 min after test cessation to estimate parasympathetic activity, with assessment of several metabolic parameters. RESULTS: Men in the highest and the middle EF thickness tertile had significantly slower recovery times than subjects in the lowest tertile, respectively (P < 0.05). Subjects with higher EF thickness were more likely to have impaired recovery and to reveal lower cardiorespiratory fitness than low-EF group subjects. There was a significant partial correlation, adjusted by age and body weight, between EF thickness and V O2peak (r = -0.25, P = 0.014). In the hierarchical multiple linear regression analyses, EF thickness was the strongest predicting variable associated with V O2peak in these population (beta = -1.182, P = 0.001). CONCLUSIONS: Higher EF thickness in men is associated with lower HRR at 1 and 2 min, a representation of autonomic dysfunction and poor cardiorespiratory fitness. These data suggest that moderately obese men with thicker EF tissue demonstrate reduced cardiorespiratory fitness and a differing parasympathetic response to exercise testing, as compared with men with lower EF levels.

Additive beneficial effects of lactotripeptides and aerobic exercise on arterial compliance in postmenopausal women.

Central arterial compliance plays an important role in the functional abilities of the vasculature. Two active tripeptides, valine-proline-proline and isoleucine-proline-proline, were isolated from sour milk and were referred to as lactotripeptides (LTP). Because LTP appears to act as an angiotensin-converting enzyme inhibitor, it is plausible to hypothesize that LTP improves arterial compliance. We determined the effects of LTP ingestion alone or in combination with regular aerobic exercise on arterial compliance. A total of 55 postmenopausal women (50-65 yr old) were randomly divided into four groups: placebo, LTP, exercise and placebo (Ex + placebo), or exercise and LTP (Ex + LTP). LTP or placebo was administered orally for 8 wk. The exercise groups completed an 8-wk moderate aerobic exercise intervention. There were no differences in baseline arterial compliance and most other key dependent variables among the groups. Carotid arterial compliance increased significantly in the LTP (0.93 + or - 0.07 vs. 0.99 + or - 0.08 mm(2)/mmHg x 10(-1)), Ex + placebo (0.92 + or - 0.04 vs. 1.00 + or - 0.05 mm(2)/mmHg x 10(-1)), and Ex + LTP groups (0.86 + or - 0.06 vs. 1.00 + or - 0.06 mm(2)/mmHg x 10(-1)), whereas no such changes were observed in the placebo control group (0.86 + or - 0.06 vs. 0.85 + or - 0.07 mm(2)/mmHg x 10(-1)). The magnitude of increases in carotid arterial compliance was significantly greater in the Ex + LTP group (19 + or - 4%) than in other groups. The improvements in arterial compliance with LTP were associated with the corresponding reductions in arterial blood pressure and plasma angiotensin II concentrations. We concluded that LTP ingestion improves carotid arterial compliance and that the combination of LTP ingestion and regular exercise is additive and synergistic in improving arterial compliance in postmenopausal women.

Effect of habitual aerobic exercise on body weight and arterial function in overweight and obese men.

The effect of habitual exercise on vascular function, including central arterial distensibility and endothelial function, in obese subjects has not yet been clarified. We investigated whether aerobic exercise training affects central arterial distensibility and endothelial function in middle-age overweight and obese men. A total of 21 overweight and obese men (age 50 +/- 2 years, body mass index 30 +/- 1 kg/m(2)) completed a 12-week aerobic exercise intervention. Aerobic exercise training significantly reduced their body weight and resulted in a significant decrease in body mass index. After the weight-reduction exercise program, carotid arterial compliance (determined by simultaneous B-mode ultrasonography and arterial applanation tonometry on the common carotid artery) significantly increased; and the beta-stiffness index, an index of arterial compliance adjusted for distending pressure, significantly decreased. The concentrations of plasma endothelin-1, a potent vasoconstrictor peptide produced by vascular endothelial cells, significantly decreased and plasma nitric oxide (measured as the stable end product [nitrite/nitrate]), a potent vasodilator produced by vascular endothelial cells, significantly increased after the weight-reduction exercise program. In conclusion, weight reduction by aerobic exercise training in overweight and obese men increased the central arterial distensibility. This increase might contribute to the improvement in endothelial function, as assessed by a decrease in endothelin-1 and an increase in nitric oxide, after exercise training-induced weight loss.

Effect of 6-day intense Kendo training on lymphocyte counts and its expression of CD95.

This study examines the effects of 6-day intensive training on lymphocyte counts and their expression of CD95. Eight healthy Kendo athletes underwent 6-day Kendo training of about 310 min each day. Blood samples were collected at 2 weeks before (PRE), the first day (Day 1), third day (Day 3), fifth day (Day 5), and 1 week after the training period (POST) to determine lymphocyte counts and CD95 expression on CD95 lymphocytes (CD4(+), CD8(+)) using flow cytometry. The total lymphocyte counts were significantly lower at Day 3 than at PRE. The CD8(+) cell counts were significantly lower at Day 3 than at PRE. The percentage of CD95(+) lymphocytes was significantly higher at Day 1 and Day 3 than at PRE. The percentage of CD8(+)CD95(+) cells did not change significantly. The total lymphocyte counts decreased and a concomitant increase of CD95(+) lymphocyte was observed, whereas the decrease in CD8(+) cell counts was not associated with the increase in CD8(+)CD95(+) cells. Therefore, short-term high-intensity exercise induced a decrease in the T lymphocyte counts without increasing in CD95(+) expression.

Exercise training-induced changes in heart rate recovery in obese men with metabolic syndrome.

BACKGROUND: Heart rate recovery (HRR) as a function of vagal reactivation, which is an independent risk predictor for cardiovascular disease and mortality, is strongly associated with metabolic syndrome. METHODS: Middle-aged obese men (metabolic syndrome, n = 20; non-metabolic syndrome, n = 22) classified on the basis of Adult Treatment Panel III criteria were investigated in this study. Postexercise HRR and the HRR decay constant following a symptom-limited bicycle exercise test were evaluated before and after a 12-week exercise training program (60-70% of maximal heart rate; 60 minutes per day; 3 days per week). RESULTS: Although the peak HR remained unchanged, HR at anaerobic threshold significantly decreased for both groups after exercise training; HR at rest was significantly decreased in the metabolic syndrome group after training (P < 0.05). HRR significantly improved in the metabolic syndrome group (-26.1 +/- 3.6 beats/minute vs. -33.5 +/- 3.8 beats/minute, at 1 minute; -39.9 +/- 4.9 beats/minute vs. -49.5 +/- 4.9 beats/minute, at 2 minute, P < 0.05) with no change for the non-metabolic syndrome group (P > 0.05). HRR decay constant values showed significant improvement in the metabolic syndrome group (0.31 +/- 0.02%/second vs. 0.35 +/- 0.02%/second, P = 0.038) after exercise training but not the non-metabolic syndrome group (P > 0.05). CONCLUSIONS: This study demonstrated that moderate-intensity physical training without caloric restrictions improves HRR in obese men with metabolic syndrome, possibly due to a reduction in the resting HR. Therefore, weight loss-induced exercise training would help in improving the resting HR, and the responsiveness of the autonomic nervous system in obese men with metabolic syndrome.

Combination of polymorphisms in the beta2-adrenergic receptor and nitric oxide synthase 3 genes increases the risk for hypertension.

OBJECTIVE: Hypertension is a major risk factor for cardiovascular disease. Polymorphism in the beta2-adrenergic receptor (ADRB2) and nitric oxide synthase 3 (NOS3) genes is associated with clinical cardiovascular phenotypes. The Arg16Gly and Glu298Asp polymorphisms of ADRB2 and NOS3 genes, respectively, have been reported to be associated with hypertension. We hypothesized that a combination of these two polymorphisms increases the risk for hypertension. Hence, we examined the effect of this combination of single-nucleotide polymorphisms on the risk for hypertension. METHODS: Our cross-sectional study comprised 402 middle-aged and elderly human participants. We determined the genotypes of Arg16Gly and Glu298Asp single-nucleotide polymorphisms in ADRB2 and NOS3, respectively, by TaqMan PCR method; we also measured the resting blood pressure. RESULTS: The odds ratio for the presence of hypertension in individuals having the Gly/Gly genotype of ADRB2 compared with those having the other genotypes (Arg/Arg and Arg/Gly) was 2.87. With regard to the Glu298Asp polymorphism in NOS3, the odds ratio for the presence of hypertension in individuals having the Glu/Glu genotype of NOS3 when compared with those having the other genotypes (Asp/Asp and Asp/Glu) was 2.79. Interestingly, the odds ratio was 7.64 for individuals having a combination of the Gly/Gly genotype of ADRB2 and Glu/Glu genotype of NOS3 when compared with those having a combination of Arg/Arg and Arg/Gly genotypes of ADRB2 and Asp/Asp and Asp/Glu genotypes of NOS3. CONCLUSION: We revealed that a combination of the Arg16Gly and Glu298Asp polymorphisms in ADRB2 and NOS3, respectively, remarkably increased the risk for hypertension in middle-aged and elderly humans.