Effects of Chronic Exercise on Endothelial Progenitor Cells and Microparticles in Professional Runners.

BACKGROUND: The effects of chronic exposure to exercise training on vascular biomarkers have been poorly explored. OBJECTIVE: Our study aimed to compare the amounts of endothelial progenitor cells (EPCs), and endothelial (EMP) and platelet (PMP) microparticles between professional runners and healthy controls. METHODS: Twenty-five half-marathon runners and 24 age- and gender-matched healthy controls were included in the study. EPCs (CD34+/KDR+, CD133+/KDR+, and CD34+/CD133+), EMP (CD51+) and PMP (CD42+/CD31+) were quantified by flow-cytometry. All blood samples were obtained after 12 h of fasting and the athletes were encouraged to perform their routine exercises on the day before. RESULTS: As compared with controls, the CD34+/KDR+ EPCs (p=0.038) and CD133+/KDR+ EPCs (p=0.018) were increased, whereas CD34+/CD133+ EPCs were not different (p=0.51) in athletes. In addition, there was no difference in MPs levels between the groups. CONCLUSION: Chronic exposure to exercise in professional runners was associated with higher percentage of EPCs. Taking into account the similar number of MPs in athletes and controls, the study suggests a favorable effect of exercise on these vascular biomarkers.

Effects of Chronic Exercise on Endothelial Progenitor Cells and Microparticles in Professional Runners / Efeitos de Exercício Crônico Sobre Células Progenitoras Endoteliais e Micropartículas em Corredores Profissionais

Abstract Background: The effects of chronic exposure to exercise training on vascular biomarkers have been poorly explored. Objective: Our study aimed to compare the amounts of endothelial progenitor cells (EPCs), and endothelial (EMP) and platelet (PMP) microparticles between professional runners and healthy controls. Methods: Twenty-five half-marathon runners and 24 age- and gender-matched healthy controls were included in the study. EPCs (CD34+/KDR+, CD133+/KDR+, and CD34+/CD133+), EMP (CD51+) and PMP (CD42+/CD31+) were quantified by flow-cytometry. All blood samples were obtained after 12 h of fasting and the athletes were encouraged to perform their routine exercises on the day before. Results: As compared with controls, the CD34+/KDR+ EPCs (p=0.038) and CD133+/KDR+ EPCs (p=0.018) were increased, whereas CD34+/CD133+ EPCs were not different (p=0.51) in athletes. In addition, there was no difference in MPs levels between the groups. Conclusion: Chronic exposure to exercise in professional runners was associated with higher percentage of EPCs. Taking into account the similar number of MPs in athletes and controls, the study suggests a favorable effect of exercise on these vascular biomarkers.

Resumo Fundamento: Os efeitos da exposição crônica ao exercício sobre biomarcadores vasculares foram pouco estudados. Objetivo: Nosso estudo teve como objetivo comparar as quantidades de células progenitoras endoteliais (CPEs), e de micropartículas endoteliais (MPEs) e plequetárias (MPPs) de corredores profissionais com controles sadios. Métodos: Vinte e cinco corredores de meia maratona e 24 controles pareados quanto à idade e ao sexo foram incluídos no estudo. CPEs (CD34+/KDR+, CD133+/KDR+ e CD34+/CD133+), MPE (CD51+) e MPPs (CD42+/CD31+) foram quantificadas por citometria de fluxo. Todas as amostras de sangue foram obtidas após 12 horas de jejum, e os atletas foram incentivados a realizar seus exercícios de rotina no dia anterior à coleta. Resultados: Em comparação aos controles, CPEs CD34+/KDR+ (p=0,038) e CD133+/KDR+ (p=0,018) estavam aumentados, e CPEs CD34+/CD133+ não foram diferentes (p=0,51) nos atletas. As concentrações de MP não diferiram entre os grupos. Conclusão: A exposição crônica ao exercício em corredores profissionais associou-se a uma maior porcentagem de CPEs. Considerando o número similar de MPs entre atletas e controles, o estudo sugere um efeito favorável do exercício sobre esses biomarcadores vasculares.

Effects of High-Intensity Training of Professional Runners on Myocardial Hypertrophy and Subclinical Atherosclerosis.

To evaluate the effects of long-term exposure to high-intensity training among professional runners on cardiac hypertrophy and subclinical atherosclerosis. Prospective study included runners of both sexes (n = 52) and age and gender matched controls (n = 57), without classical cardiovascular risk factors. Ventricular hypertrophy was quantified by echocardiography by linear method and carotid intima-media thickness (cIMT) by 2-D images obtained by ultrasonography. Endothelial function was evaluated by flow-mediated dilation (FMD). Steroid hormones were quantified by HPLC followed by LC-MS/MS. Higher left ventricular (LV) mass index was found in male athletes (p<0.0001 vs. other groups). When adjusted for gender, the degree of left ventricular mass index classified as mildly, moderately or severely abnormal was obtained in 26%, 35%, and 30%, respectively, of female athletes, and in 39%, 14%, and 21%, respectively, of male athletes. Higher ratio of the early (E) to late (A) ventricular filling velocities was found in athletes of both genders. Male athletes presented lower cIMT in the right (p = 0.012 vs. male controls) and left (p<0.0001 vs. male controls) common carotid arteries, without differences in cIMT between female athletes and controls. FMD results were similar among groups. Higher serum testosterone levels were found in male athletes (p<0.0001 vs. other groups) and they were correlated with LV mass (r = 0.50, p<0.0001). The chronic exposure of high-intensity training among professional runners of both genders was associated with increased ventricular mass and adaptive remodeling. Less subclinical atherosclerosis was found in male athletes. Differences in steroid hormones may account in part for these findings.

Impacto da sensação de distensão vesical na medida da pressão arterial / Impact of the sensation of urinary bladder distension on blood pressure measurement

Sabe-se que alguns fatores podem interferir na medida correta da pressão arterial, sendo a distensão vesical uma delas. O objetivo foi avaliar o comportamento da pressão arterial de acordo com a sensação de distensão vesical, expressa por vontade discreta, moderada e intensa de urinar, e após micção, comparando-se os resultados com os níveis basais em três grupos de pacientes: normotensos (grupo 1), hipertensos não controlados (grupo 2) e hipertensos controlados (grupo 3). Foram avaliados 149 pacientes, com idade média de 42,5 anos ± 19,3 anos. Era verificada a pressão arterial em condições basais. Após ingesta de 1000 mL de água mineral em até 30 minutos aferia-se novamente a pressão arterial, quando, a partir de uma escala de pontos, os pacientes referiam vontade discreta, moderada e intensa de urinar, e cinco minutos após micção. Comparando-se as condições basais versus vontade discreta, moderada, intensa e pósmicção para pressões sistólica e diastólica, os valores de p mostraram-se significantes apenas entre condições basais versus vontade discreta no grupo 3; condições basais versus vontade moderada nos grupos 1 e 3; condições basais versus vontade intensa nos grupos 1 e 3; e nas condições basais versus pós-micção para pressão diastólica do grupo 3. Portanto, há correlação entre distensão vesical, avaliada subjetivamente, pelo menos a partir da vontade moderada de urinar nos grupos 1 e 3. No grupo 2 não houve associação.

Some factors are known to interfere with the correct measurement of blood pressure, bladder distension being one of them. The objective was to evaluate blood pressure variation according to the sensation of bladder distension, rated as a mild, moderate or strong desire to urinate, and after micturition, by comparing the results with baseline levels in three groups of patients: normotensive (group 1), non-controlled hypertensive (group 2), and controlled hypertensive individuals (group 3). 149 patients with a mean age of 42.5 ± 19.3 years were evaluated. Blood pressure was measured at baseline, after the intake of 1000 mL of mineral water in up to 30 minutes, when, using a point score, the patients reported mild, moderate, or strong wish to urinate; then, again, five minutes after micturition. Comparing systolic and diastolic blood pressure measurements at baseline and at mild, moderate, and strong desire, as well as post-micturition, the p values were significant only between baseline and mild desire in group 3; between baseline and moderate desire in groups 1 and 3; between baseline and strong desire in groups 1 and 3; and between baseline and postmicturition for diastolic pressure in group 3. Therefore there is a correlation between bladder distension, as assessed subjectively, and blood pressure measurement, at least as from a moderate wish to urinate in groups 1 and 3. No association was observed in group 2.