Concurrent exercise training potentiates the effects of angiotensin-converting enzyme inhibitor on regulatory systems of blood pressure control in ovariectomized hypertensive rats.

OBJECTIVE: Enalapril has shown satisfactory potential in controlling increased and sustained blood pressure (BP). However, multiple dysregulated mechanisms that interact with each other and are involved in the pathophysiology of arterial hypertension may not be affected, contributing to the remaining cardiovascular risk. Using an exercise training protocol, we investigated whether adding both approaches to arterial hypertension management could promote higher modulation of regulatory mechanisms of BP in postmenopausal rats. METHODS: Spontaneously hypertensive rats were allocated into sedentary (S) and ovariectomized groups: sedentary (OS), sedentary treated with enalapril maleate (OSE) and trained treated with enalapril maleate (OTE). Both the pharmacological and exercise training protocols lasted for 8 weeks. The BP was directly recorded. Inflammation and oxidative stress were evaluated in the cardiac tissue. RESULTS: Although BP reduction was similar between OSE and OTE, trained group showed lower vasopressor systems outflow after sympathetic ganglion blocking by hexamethonium (mean BP) (OTE: -53.7 ±â€Š9.86 vs. OS: -75.7 ±â€Š19.2 mmHg). Bradycardic and tachycardic response were increased in OTE group (-1.4 ±â€Š0.4 and -2.6 ±â€Š0.4 vs. OS: -0.6 ±â€Š0.3 and -1.3 ±â€Š0.4 bpm/mmHg, respectively), as well as BP variability. In addition, the combination of approaches induced an increase in interleukin 10, antioxidant defense (catalase and glutathione peroxidase) and nitrite levels compared with the OS group. CONCLUSION: Despite similar BP, the inclusion of exercise training in antihypertensive drug treatment exacerbates the positive adaptations induced by enalapril alone on autonomic, inflammatory and oxidative stress profiles, probably affecting end-organ damage and remaining risk.

Impact of an active lifestyle on cardiovascular autonomic modulation and oxidative stress in males with overweight and parental history of hypertension.

Family history of hypertension is associated with early autonomic dysfunction and increased oxidative stress. These alterations have been found to be reinforced by the overweight factor. Conversely, an active lifestyle is effective in improving the mechanisms regulating blood pressure control. Hence, we ought to investigate the effects of an active lifestyle on the hemodynamic, autonomic and oxidative stress parameters in individuals carrying both family history of hypertension and overweight risk factors. Fifty-six normotensive males were divided into four groups: eutrophic offspring of normotensive parents (EN, n = 12), eutrophic and inactive with hypertensive parents (EH, n = 14), overweight and inactive with hypertensive parents (OH, n = 13), and overweight and physically active with hypertensive parents (OAH, n = 17). Cardiovascular autonomic modulation was assessed by heart rate (HRV) and blood pressure (BPV) variability indexes. Oxidative stress included pro/antioxidant markers and nitrite concentration. Inactive offspring of hypertensive parents (EH and OH) showed higher LFSBP (vs EN), an indicator of sympathetic outflow to the vasculature and reduced anti-oxidant activity (vs EN), while higher pro-oxidant markers were found exclusively in OH (vs EN and EH). Conversely, the OAH group showed bradycardia, higher vagally-mediated HFabs index (vs OH and EN), lower sympathovagal balance (vs OH) and preserved LFSBP. Yet, the OAH showed preserved pro/antioxidant markers and nitrite levels. Our findings indicates that overweight offspring of hypertensive parents with an active lifestyle have improved hemodynamic, cardiac autonomic modulation and oxidative stress parameters compared to their inactive peers.

Impacto do treinamento físico no perfil inflamatório e redox renal no desenvolvimento de síndrome metabólica / Impact of exercise training on inflammatory and redox renal profiles in metabolic syndrome development

Objetivo: Investigar o efeito do treinamento físico aeróbio (TF) no perfil inflamatório e de estresse oxidativo renal em modelo experimental de desenvolvimento de síndrome metabólica (SM). Métodos: Ratos Wistar e espontaneamente hipertensos (SHR) distribuídos nos grupos: controle (C), hipertenso (H), hipertenso frutose (HF) e hipertenso frutose treinado (HFT). Os grupos HF e HFT foram submetidos à sobrecarga de frutose (10%, 60 dias) desde o desmame. O TF foi realizado em esteira por 60 dias (5dias/semana, 40-60% velocidade máxima do teste de esforço). Resultados: O TF promoveu redução de ânion superóxido, peróxido de hidrogênio e proteínas oxidadas comparado ao grupo HF. Além disso, o grupo HFT apresentou aumento de FRAP e nitritos comparado aos grupos H e HF. No perfil inflamatório, o TF proporcionou aumento de IL-10 e redução da razão TNFα/IL-10. Conclusão: Os resultados demostraram que o treinamento aeróbio atenuou o estresse oxidativo e favoreceu um perfil anti-inflamatório no tecido renal em um modelo de desenvolvimento de SM.

Objective: To investigate the effect of aerobic exercise training (ET) on renal inflammatory and oxidative stress profiles in an experimental model of metabolic syndrome (MS) development. Methods: Wistar and spontaneously hypertensive (SHR) rats were distributed into control (C), hypertensive (H), hypertensive fructose (HF) and trained hypertensive fructose (THF) groups. The HF and THF groups were submitted to fructose overload (10%, 60 days) since weaning. The ET was performed on a treadmill for 60 days (5 days/week, 40-60% maximum speed of the exercise test). Results: The ET promoted reduction in renal superoxide anion, hydrogen peroxide and oxidized proteins compared to the HF group. In addition, the THF group showed an increase in FRAP and in nitrites compared to the H and HF groups. In the inflammatory profile, ET provided an increase in IL-10 and a reduction in TNFα/IL-10 ratio. Conclusion: The results showed that aerobic training attenuated oxidative stress and favored an anti-inflammatory profile in renal tissue in a model of MS development.

Saccharomyces boulardii exerts renoprotection by modulating oxidative stress, renin angiotensin system and uropathogenic microbiota in a murine model of diabetes.

AIMS: We aimed to investigate whether Saccharomyces boulardii strain might exert renoprotective effects by modulating renal renin angiotensin system, oxidative stress and intestinal microbiota in streptozotocin-diabetic mice. MAIN METHODS: Thirty-six C57BL/6 male mice were divided into four groups: control (C), control + probiotic (CP), diabetes (D), diabetes + probiotic (DP). Diabetes was induced by one intraperitoneal injection of streptozotocin and Saccharomyces boulardii was administered by oral gavage for 8 weeks. Blood glucose, albuminuria and urinary volume were measured. Renal levels of angiotensin peptides (angiotensin I, II and 1-7) and the activities of angiotensin-converting enzyme (ACE) and ACE2 were determined, besides that, renal morphology, serotonin and dopamine levels and also microbiota composition were analyzed. KEY FINDINGS: Probiotics significantly increased C-peptide secretion and reduced blood glucose of diabetic animals. Saccharomyces boulardii also improved renal antioxidant defense, restored serotonin and dopamine concentration, and activated the renin-angiotensin system (RAS) vasodilator and antifibrotic axis. The modulation of these markers was associated with a beneficial impact on glomerular structure and renal function of diabetic treated animals. The phenotypic changes induced by Saccharomyces boulardii were also related to modulation of intestinal microbiota, evidenced by the decreased abundance of Proteus and Escherichia-Shigella, considered diabetic nephropathy biomarkers. SIGNIFICANCE: Therefore, probiotic administration to streptozotocin-induced diabetic mice improves kidney structure and function in a murine model and might represent a reasonable strategy to counteract nephropathy-associated maladaptive responses in diabetes.

Impact of Overweight in Mens with Family History of Hypertension: Early Heart Rate Variability and Oxidative Stress Disarrangements.

AIM: To evaluate cardiovascular, autonomic, and oxidative stress markers in eutrophic and overweight offspring of hypertensive parents comparing them to eutrophic and overweight offspring of normotensive parents. METHODS: We conducted a cross-sectional study. We selected 71 male and sedentary subjects, divided into 4 groups: eutrophic group with a negative family history of hypertension (EH-, n = 18) or positive family history of hypertension (EH+, n = 17), overweight group with a negative family history of hypertension (OH-, n = 19) or a positive family history of hypertension (OH+, n = 17), and aged between 18 and 35 years. RESULTS: Blood glucose was higher in the OH+ group when compared to other groups. Diastolic blood pressure was increased in OH- and OH+ groups when compared to eutrophic groups. Regarding the HRV, the LF abs was higher in OH- and OH+ groups when compared to the EH- group. LF/HF values were higher in EH+ and OH+ groups when compared to the EH- and OH- groups. As to oxidative stress and the metabolism of nitric oxide, we observed an increase in hydrogen peroxide and nitrite levels in the OH+ group, and in the NADPH oxidase in OH- and OH+ groups when compared to the other groups. CONCLUSION: Our findings demonstrate that the overweight group with a family history of hypertension presented all the dysfunctions observed in isolation from these risk factors. We observed an exacerbation of cardiac sympathetic modulation and early prooxidants increase, which may be associated with target organ damage and cardiovascular risk in this population.

Correction: Impact of combined exercise training on the development of cardiometabolic and neuroimmune complications induced by fructose consumption in hypertensive rats.

[This corrects the article DOI: 10.1371/journal.pone.0233785.].

Impact of combined exercise training on the development of cardiometabolic and neuroimmune complications induced by fructose consumption in hypertensive rats.

This study evaluated the impact of combined exercise training on the development of cardiovascular and neuroimmune complications induced by fructose consumption (10% in the drinking water) in hypertensive rats (SHR). After weaning, SHR were divided into 3 groups: SHR (H), SHR+fructose (HF) and SHR+fructose+combined exercise training (treadmill+ladder, 40-60% of maximum capacity) (HFTC). Metabolic, hemodynamic, autonomic, inflammatory and oxidative stress parameters were evaluated in the subgroups (n = 6 group/time) at 7, 15, 30 and 60 days of protocol. Fructose consumption (H vs. HF groups) decreased spontaneous baroreflex sensitivity and total variance of pulse interval at day 7 (7 to 60); increased IL-6 and TNFα in the heart (at day 15, 30 and 60) and NADPH oxidase activity and cardiac lipoperoxidation (LPO) (day 60); increased white adipose tissue weight, reduced insulin sensitivity and increased triglycerides (day 60); induced an additional increase in mean arterial pressure (MAP) (days 30 and 60). Combined exercise training prevented such dysfunctions and sustained increased cardiac IL-10 (day 7) and glutathione redox balance (GSH/GSSG) for the entire protocol. In conclusion, combined exercise training performed simultaneously with exacerbated fructose consumption prevented early cardiovascular autonomic dysfunction, probably trigging positive changes in inflammation and oxidative stress, resulting in a better cardiometabolic profile in rats genetically predisposed to hypertension.

Sedentary lifestyle in adolescents is associated with impairment in autonomic cardiovascular modulation / Sedentarismo em adolescentes é associado ao comprometimento da modulação cardiovascular autonômica / Sedentarismo en adolescentes es asociado al compromiso de la modulación cardiovascular autonómica

ABSTRACT Introduction Regular physical exercise, or a more active lifestyle, are important to prevent cardiovascular diseases, reducing not only cardiovascular mortality but also promoting a reduction in the risk factors related to these diseases. Objective To assess the association between physical inactivity and heart rate variability (HRV) in adolescents. Methods This was a cross-sectional study of the Diagnostic Type with Level of Evidence II according to the Oxford table. One hundred and twenty-nine adolescents were evaluated, aged 15 and 17 years old, divided into four groups: male teenagers who were insufficiently active (IAM n = 28) or physically active (FAM n = 29), and female teenagers who were insufficiently active (IAF n = 42) or physically active (FAF n = 30). The level of physical activity was assessed by the IPAQ. The HRV was evaluated in the time and frequency domains. Results Reduced pulse interval variance was observed in the insufficiently active male or female groups (5089 ± 378 ms2 and 4335 ± 276 ms2 respectively) compared to the physically active groups (9106 ± 606 ms2 and 6182 ± 366 ms2 respectively). Moreover, the insufficiently active groups presented higher cardiac sympathetic/vagal balance values (0.81 ± 0.05 and 0.80 ± 0.05 respectively) compared to the physically active groups (0.63 ± 0.05 and 0.55 ± 0.05 respectively). Conclusion A physically active lifestyle was associated with better cardiovascular autonomic modulation in adolescents. Level of Evidence II; Diagnostic Studies - Investigating a Diagnostic Test.

RESUMO Introdução A prática regular de exercícios físicos ou o estilo de vida mais ativo são importantes na prevenção de doenças cardiovasculares, reduzindo não somente a mortalidade cardiovascular, mas também favorecendo a redução dos fatores de risco relacionados com essas doenças. Objetivo Avaliar a associação entre inatividade física e variabilidade da frequência cardíaca (VFC) em adolescentes. Métodos Este foi um estudo transversal do tipo Diagnóstico com Nível de Evidência II segundo a tabela de Oxford. Foram avaliados 129 adolescentes com idades entre 15 e 17 anos, divididos em quatro grupos: adolescentes insuficientemente ativos (IAM, n = 28) ou fisicamente ativos (FAM, n = 29) do sexo masculino e adolescentes, insuficientemente ativos (IAF, n = 42) ou fisicamente ativos do sexo feminino (FAF, n = 30). O nível de atividade física foi avaliado por meio do IPAQ. A VFC foi avaliada no domínio do tempo e da frequência. Resultados Nos adolescentes do sexo masculino e feminino, foram observados valores menores na variância do intervalo de pulso nos grupos insuficientemente ativos (5.089 ± 378 ms2 e 4.335 ± 276 ms2, respectivamente) quando comparados com os grupos fisicamente ativos (9.106 ± 606 ms2 e 6.182 ± 366 ms2, respectivamente). Além disso, os grupos insuficientemente ativos apresentaram maiores valores de balanço simpato-vagal cardíaco (0,81 ± 0,05 e 0,80 ± 0,05, respectivamente) comparados aos dos grupos fisicamente ativos (0,63 ± 0,05 e 0,55 ± 0,05, respectivamente). Conclusão A vida fisicamente ativa foi associada à melhor modulação cardiovascular autonômica em adolescentes. Nível de Evidência II; Estudos diagnósticos - Investigação de um exame para diagnóstico.

RESUMEN Introducción La práctica regular de ejercicios físicos o el estilo de vida más activo son importantes en la prevención de enfermedades cardiovasculares, reduciendo no sólo la mortalidad cardiovascular, sino también favoreciendo la reducción de los factores de riesgo relacionados con esas enfermedades. Objetivo Evaluar la asociación entre inactividad física y variabilidad de la frecuencia cardíaca (VFC) en adolescentes. Métodos Este fue un estudio transversal del tipo Diagnóstico con Nivel de Evidencia II según la tabla de Oxford. Se evaluaron 129 adolescentes con edades entre 15 y 17 años, divididos en cuatro grupos: adolescentes insuficientemente activos (IAM, n=28) o físicamente activos (FAM, n=29) del sexo masculino y adolescentes insuficientemente activos (IAF, n=42) o físicamente activos del sexo femenino (FAF, n=30). El nivel de actividad física fue evaluado a través del IPAQ. La VFC fue evaluada en el dominio del tiempo y de la frecuencia. Resultados Los adolescentes del sexo masculino y femenino insuficientemente activos presentaron valores menores en la varianza del intervalo de pulso (5.089 ± 378; y 4.335 ± 276 ms2, respectivamente) cuando se compararon con los grupos físicamente activos (9.106 ± 606 y 6.182 ± 366 ms2, respectivamente). Además, los grupos insuficientemente activos presentaron mayores valores del balance simpático-vagal cardíaco (0,81 ± 0,05 y 0,80 ± 0,05, respectivamente) comparados a los grupos físicamente activos (0,63 ± 0,05 y 0,55 ± 0,05, respectivamente). Conclusión La vida físicamente activa fue asociada a la mejor modulación cardiovascular autonómica en adolescentes. Nivel de Evidencia II; Estudios de diagnósticos - Investigación de un examen para diagnóstico.

Combined aerobic and resistance exercise training attenuates cardiac dysfunctions in a model of diabetes and menopause.

The study aimed at evaluating the effects of combined aerobic and resistance exercise training on cardiac morphometry and function, oxidative stress and inflammatory parameters in diabetic ovariectomized rats. For this, female Wistar rats (10 weeks-old) were divided into 4 groups (n = 8): euglycemic (E), diabetic (streptozotocin, 50 mg/kg, iv) (D), diabetic ovariectomized (DO) and trained diabetic ovariectomized (TDO). The combined exercise training was performed on a treadmill and in a ladder adapted to rats (8 weeks, at 40-60% of maximal capacity). The left ventricle (LV) morphometry and function were evaluated by echocardiography. Oxidative stress and inflammatory markers were measured on ventricles tissue. The sedentary diabetic animals (D and DO) showed impaired systolic and diastolic functions, as well as increased cardiac overload, evaluated by myocardial performance index (MPI- D: 0.32 ± 0.05; DO: 0.39 ± 0.13 vs. E: 0.25 ± 0.07), in relation to E group. Systolic and MPI dysfunctions were exacerbated in DO when compared to D group. The DO group presented higher protein oxidation and TNF-α/IL-10 ratio than D groups. Glutathione redox ratio (GSH/GSSG) and IL-10 were decreased in both D and DO groups when compared to E group. Exercise training improved exercise capacity, systolic and diastolic functions and MPI (0.18±0.11). The TDO group showed reduced protein oxidation and TNF-α/IL-10 ratio and increased GSH/GSSG and IL-10 in relation to the DO group. These results showed that combined exercise training was able to attenuate the cardiac dysfunctions, probably by reducing inflammation and oxidative stress in an experimental model of diabetes and menopause.

Association between Diastolic Dysfunction with Inflammation and Oxidative Stress in Females ob/ob Mice.

Objective: To evaluate autonomic and cardiovascular function, as well as inflammatory and oxidative stress markers in ob/ob female mice. Methods: Metabolic parameters, cardiac function, arterial pressure (AP), autonomic, hormonal, inflammatory, and oxidative stress markers were evaluated in 12-weeks female wild-type (WT group) and ob/ob mice (OB group). Results: OB animals showed increased body weight, blood glucose, and triglyceride levels, along with glucose intolerance, when compared to WT animals. Ejection fraction (EF) and AP were similar between groups; however, the OB group presented diastolic dysfunction, as well as an impairment on myocardial performance index. Moreover, the OB group exhibited important autonomic dysfunction and baroreflex sensitivity impairment, when compared to WT group. OB group showed increased Angiotensin II levels in heart and renal tissues; decreased adiponectin and increased inflammatory markers in adipose tissue and spleen. Additionally, OB mice presented a higher damage to proteins and lipoperoxidation and lower activity of antioxidant enzymes in kidney and heart. Correlations were found between autonomic dysfunction with angiotensin II and inflammatory mediators, as well as between inflammation and oxidative stress. Conclusions: Our results showed that female adult ob/ob mice presented discrete diastolic dysfunction accompanied by autonomic disorder, which is associated with inflammation and oxidative stress in these animals.

Uma sessão de exercício resistido dinâmico não induz hipotensão pós-exercício em ratas shr / A dynamic resistance exercise session does not induce post-exercise hypotension in female shr rats / Una sesión de ejercicio resistido dinámico no induce hipotensión post-ejercicio en ratas shr hembras

RESUMO Introdução: O exercício resistido dinâmico tem sido recomendado como complemento do aeróbico em indivíduos hipertensos. No entanto, poucos estudos avaliaram os efeitos do exercício resistido nessa população, principalmente em mulheres. Objetivo: Avaliar os efeitos de uma sessão de exercício resistido dinâmico sobre a pressão arterial, a frequência cardíaca e sobre o duplo produto em ratas SHR com hipertensão espontânea. Métodos: Foram utilizadas oito ratas SHR em fase não ovulatória do ciclo estral. Dois dias depois da canulação de artéria carótida, a pressão arterial foi diretamente registrada por 20 minutos no período basal e durante 60 minutos (5 min., 15-30 min., 30-45 min. e 45-60min.) após uma sessão de exercício resistido dinâmico em escada (20%-40% da carga máxima). Resultados: Não foram observadas mudanças na pressão arterial sistólica (basal 191 ± 6,1 vs. recuperação 45-60 min. 191 ± 7,8 mmHg), diastólica (basal 157 ± 2,6 vs. recuperação 45-60 min. 156 ± 3,7 mmHg) e média (basal 174 ± 2,5 vs. recuperação 45-60 min. 173 ± 4,9 mmHg) durante os 60 minutos pós-exercício. No entanto, houve redução da frequência cardíaca (45-60 min. 330 ± 10 vs. 379 ± 15 bpm) e normalização do duplo produto (64390 ± 3529 mmHg.bpm) no período de recuperação com relação ao período basal. Conclusão: Os resultados do presente estudo demonstram que o exercício resistido dinâmico de moderada intensidade induz redução da frequência cardíaca associada à normalização do duplo produto em ratas SHR apesar de não ter sido observada hipotensão pós-exercício. Tais resultados sugerem um bom controle do risco cardiovascular depois uma sessão de exercício resistido dinâmico de moderada intensidade em pacientes hipertensos.

ABSTRACT Introduction: Dynamic resistance exercise has been recommended as an aerobic complement in hypertensive individuals. However, few studies evaluated the effects of resistance exercise in this population, especially in women. Objective: To evaluate the effects of a session of dynamic resistance exercise on blood pressure, heart rate and the double product in SHR female rats with spontaneous hypertension. Methods: We used 8 female SHR rats in the non-ovulatory phases of estrous cycle. Two days after the carotid artery cannulation, blood pressure was recorded for 20 minutes at baseline and for 60 minutes (5 min.; 15-30 min.; 30-45 min. and 45-60min.) after one session of dynamic resistance exercise in a ladder (20-40% of maximum load). Results: There were no changes in systolic blood pressure (baseline: 191±6.1 vs. recovery 45-60min., 191±7.8 mmHg), diastolic (baseline: 157±2.6 vs. recovery 45-60min., 156±3.7 mmHg) and mean blood pressure (baseline: 174±2.5 vs. recovery 45-60min., 173±4.9 mmHg) during the 60 minutes post-exercise. However, there was a reduction in heart rate (45-60min. 330±10 vs. 379±15 bpm) and normalization of the double product (64390±3529 mmHg.bpm) in the recovery period compared to the baseline. Conclusion: The results of the present study demonstrated that moderate-intensity dynamic resistance exercise induces reduced heart rate associated with normalization of the double product in female SHR rats, despite the absence of post-exercise hypotension. These results suggest good control of cardiovascular risk after a dynamic resistance exercise of moderate intensity in hypertensive patients.

RESUMEN Introducción: El ejercicio resistido dinámico ha sido recomendado como complemento del aeróbico en individuos hipertensos. Sin embargo, pocos estudios han evaluado los efectos del ejercicio resistido en esa población, principalmente en mujeres. Objetivo: Evaluar los efectos de una sesión de ejercicio resistido dinámico sobre la presión arterial, la frecuencia cardiaca y sobre el doble producto en ratas SHR hembras con hipertensión espontánea. Métodos: Se utilizaron ocho ratas SHR hembras en fase no ovulatoria del ciclo estral. Dos días después de la canulación de la arteria carótida, la presión arterial fue registrada directamente durante 20 minutos en el período basal y durante 60 minutos (5 min., 15-30 min., 30-45 min. y 45-60 min.) después de una sesión de ejercicio resistido dinámico en escalera (20%-40% de la carga máxima). Resultados: No se observaron cambios en la presión arterial sistólica (basal 191 ± 6,1 vs. recuperación 45-60 min, 191 ± 7,8 mmHg), diastólica (basal 157 ± 2,6 vs. recuperación 45-60 min., 156 ± 3,7 mmHg) y media (basal 174 ±2 ,5 vs. recuperación 45-60 min, 173 ± 4,9 mmHg) durante los 60 minutos posteriores al ejercicio. Sin embargo, hubo reducción de la frecuencia cardiaca (45-60 min. 330 ± 10 vs. 379 ± 15 bpm) y normalización del doble producto (64390 ± 3529 mmHg.bpm) en el período de recuperación con relación al período basal. Conclusión: Los resultados del presente estudio demuestran que el ejercicio resistido dinámico de intensidad moderada induce reducción de la frecuencia cardiaca asociada a la normalización del doble producto en ratas SHR hembras, a pesar de no haber sido observada hipotensión post-ejercicio. Estos resultados indican un buen control del riesgo cardiovascular después de una sesión de ejercicio resistido dinámico de intensidad moderada en pacientes hipertensos.

Influence of Estimated Training Status on Anti and Pro-Oxidant Activity, Nitrite Concentration, and Blood Pressure in Middle-Aged and Older Women.

The purpose of this study was to compare the association between anti and pro-oxidant activity, nitrite concentration, and blood pressure (BP) in middle-aged and older women with different levels of estimated training status (TS). The sample consisted of 155 females (50-84 years) who were submitted to a physical examination to evaluate estimated TS through the "Functional Fitness Battery Test," BP measurements, and plasma blood samples to evaluate pro-oxidant and antioxidant activity and nitrite concentrations. Participants were separated by age into a middle-aged group (<65 years) and an older (≥65 years) group and then subdivided in each group according to TS. Blood biochemistry was similar between groups. On the other hand, protein oxidation was lower in participants with higher TS, independent of age. Older females with higher TS presented higher nitrite concentrations, lower lipoperoxidation, and lower values of BP compared with those with lower TS. Lower GPx activity was observed in participants with higher TS compared with middle-aged with lower TS. Thus, our results suggest that good levels of TS may be associated with lower oxidative stress and higher nitrite concentration and may contribute to maintain normal or reduced blood pressure values.

Exercise Training Prevents Cardiovascular Derangements Induced by Fructose Overload in Developing Rats.

The risks of chronic diseases associated with the increasing consumption of fructose-laden foods are amplified by the lack of regular physical activity and have become a serious public health issue worldwide. Moreover, childhood eating habits are strongly related to metabolic syndrome in adults. Thus, we aimed to investigate the preventive role of exercise training undertaken concurrently with a high fructose diet on cardiac function, hemodynamics, cardiovascular autonomic modulation and oxidative stress in male rats after weaning. Male Wistar rats were divided into 4 groups (n = 8/group): Sedentary control (SC), Trained control (TC), Sedentary Fructose (SF) and Trained Fructose (TF). Training was performed on a treadmill (8 weeks, 40-60% of maximum exercise test). Evaluations of cardiac function, hemodynamics, cardiovascular autonomic modulation and oxidative stress in plasma and in left ventricle (LV) were performed. Chronic fructose overload induced glucose intolerance and an increase in white adipose tissue (WAT) weight, in myocardial performance index (MPI) (SF:0.42±0.04 vs. SC:0.24±0.05) and in arterial pressure (SF:122±3 vs. SC:113±1 mmHg) associated with increased cardiac and vascular sympathetic modulation. Fructose also induced unfavorable changes in oxidative stress profile (plasmatic protein oxidation- SF:3.30±0.09 vs. SC:1.45±0.08 nmol/mg prot; and LV total antioxidant capacity (TRAP)- SF: 2.5±0.5 vs. SC:12.7±1.7 uM trolox). The TF group showed reduced WAT, glucose intolerance, MPI (0.35±0.04), arterial pressure (118±2mmHg), sympathetic modulation, plasmatic protein oxidation and increased TRAP when compared to SF group. Therefore, our findings indicate that cardiometabolic dysfunctions induced by fructose overload early in life may be prevented by moderate aerobic exercise training.

Impact of aging on cardiac function in a female rat model of menopause: role of autonomic control, inflammation, and oxidative stress.

OBJECTIVE: The aim of this study was to evaluate the effects of aging on metabolic, cardiovascular, autonomic, inflammatory, and oxidative stress parameters after ovarian hormone deprivation (OVX). METHODS: Female Wistar rats (3 or 22 months old) were divided into: young controls, young ovariectomized, old controls, and old ovariectomized (bilateral ovaries removal). After a 9-week follow-up, physical capacity, metabolic parameters, and morphometric and cardiac functions were assessed. Subsequently, arterial pressure was recorded and cardiac autonomic control was evaluated. Oxidative stress was measured on the cardiac tissue, while inflammatory profile was assessed in the plasma. RESULTS: Aging or OVX caused an increase in body and fat weight and triglyceride concentration and a decrease in both insulin sensitivity and aerobic exercise capacity. Left ventricular diastolic dysfunction and increased cardiac overload (myocardial performance index) were reported in old groups when compared with young groups. Aging and OVX led to an increased sympathetic tonus, and vagal tonus was lower only for the old groups. Tumor necrosis factor-α and interleukin-6 were increased in old groups when compared with young groups. Glutathione redox balance (GSH/GSSG) was reduced in young ovariectomized, old controls, and old ovariectomized groups when compared with young controls, indicating an increased oxidative stress. A negative correlation was found between GSH/GSSG and tumor necrosis factor-α (r=-0.6, P<0.003). Correlations were found between interleukin-6 with adipose tissue (r=0.5, P<0.009) and vagal tonus (r=-0.7, P<0.0002); and among myocardial performance index with interleukin-6 (r=0.65, P<0.0002), sympathetic tonus (r=0.55, P<0.006), and physical capacity (r=-0.55, P<0.003). The findings in this trial showed that ovariectomy aggravated the impairment of cardiac and functional effects of aging in female rats, probably associated with exacerbated autonomic dysfunction, inflammation, and oxidative stress.

Red and Infrared Low-Level Laser Therapy Prior to Injury with or without Administration after Injury Modulate Oxidative Stress during the Muscle Repair Process.

INTRODUCTION: Muscle injury is common among athletes and amateur practitioners of sports. Following an injury, the production of reactive oxygen species (ROS) occurs, which can harm healthy muscle fibers (secondary damage) and delay the repair process. Low-level laser therapy (LLLT) administered prior to or following an injury has demonstrated positive and protective effects on muscle repair, but the combination of both administration times together has not been clarified. AIM: To evaluate the effect of LLLT (660 nm and 780 nm, 10 J/cm², 40 mW, 3.2 J) prior to injury with or without the administration after injury on oxidative stress during the muscle repair process. METHODS: Wistar rats were divided into following groups: control; muscle injury alone; LLLT 660 nm + injury; LLLT 780 nm + injury; LLLT 660 nm before and after injury; and LLLT 780 nm before and after injury. The rats were euthanized on days 1, 3 and 7 following cryoinjury of the tibialis anterior (TA) muscle, which was then removed for analysis. RESULTS: Lipid peroxidation decreased in the 660+injury group after one day. Moreover, red and infrared LLLT employed at both administration times induced a decrease in lipid peroxidation after seven days. CAT activity was altered by LLLT in all periods evaluated, with a decrease after one day in the 780+injury+780 group and after seven days in the 780+injury group as well as an increase in the 780+injury and 780+injury+780 groups after three days. Furthermore, increases in GPx and SOD activity were found after seven days in the 780+injury+780 group. CONCLUSION: The administration of red and infrared laser therapy at different times positively modulates the activity of antioxidant enzymes and reduces stress markers during the muscle repair process.

Insulin resistance: an additional risk factor in the pathogenesis of cardiovascular disease in type 2 diabetes.

Sedentary life style and high calorie dietary habits are prominent leading cause of metabolic syndrome in modern world. Obesity plays a central role in occurrence of various diseases like hyperinsulinemia, hyperglycemia and hyperlipidemia, which lead to insulin resistance and metabolic derangements like cardiovascular diseases (CVDs) mediated by oxidative stress. The mortality rate due to CVDs is on the rise in developing countries. Insulin resistance (IR) leads to micro or macro angiopathy, peripheral arterial dysfunction, hampered blood flow, hypertension, as well as the cardiomyocyte and the endothelial cell dysfunctions, thus increasing risk factors for coronary artery blockage, stroke and heart failure suggesting that there is a strong association between IR and CVDs. The plausible linkages between these two pathophysiological conditions are altered levels of insulin signaling proteins such as IR-ß, IRS-1, PI3K, Akt, Glut4 and PGC-1α that hamper insulin-mediated glucose uptake as well as other functions of insulin in the cardiomyocytes and the endothelial cells of the heart. Reduced AMPK, PFK-2 and elevated levels of NADP(H)-dependent oxidases produced by activated M1 macrophages of the adipose tissue and elevated levels of circulating angiotensin are also cause of CVD in diabetes mellitus condition. Insulin sensitizers, angiotensin blockers, superoxide scavengers are used as therapeutics in the amelioration of CVD. It evidently becomes important to unravel the mechanisms of the association between IR and CVDs in order to formulate novel efficient drugs to treat patients suffering from insulin resistance-mediated cardiovascular diseases. The possible associations between insulin resistance and cardiovascular diseases are reviewed here.

Training Status as a Marker of the Relationship between Nitric Oxide, Oxidative Stress, and Blood Pressure in Older Adult Women.

The purpose of this study was to evaluate the influence of functional fitness and oxidative capacity on the nitric oxide concentration associated with hemodynamic control in older adult women. The sample consisted of 134 women (65.73 ± 6.14 years old). All subjects underwent a physical examination to assess body mass index, waist-hip ratio, body fat measurement by dual energy X-ray absorptiometry, and blood pressure (BP). Training status (TS) was evaluated by indirect determination of maximal oxygen uptake by a treadmill test using Balke protocol modified for older adults. Functional fitness was also evaluated through a "Functional Fitness Battery Test" to determine the general fitness functional index (GFFI). All participants were separated according to the functional fitness (TS1, very weak and weak; TS2, regular; TS3, good and very good). Plasma blood samples were used to evaluate prooxidant and antioxidant activity and nitrite and nitrate concentrations. The general results of this study showed that good levels of TS were related to lower levels of lipoperoxidation and protein damage, higher levels of antioxidant, and higher concentration of nitrite and nitrate. This combination may be responsible for the lower levels of BP in subjects with better TS.

Positive effect of combined exercise training in a model of metabolic syndrome and menopause: autonomic, inflammatory, and oxidative stress evaluations.

It is now well established that after menopause cardiometabolic disorders become more common. Recently, resistance exercise has been recommended as a complement to aerobic (combined training, CT) for the treatment of cardiometabolic diseases. The aim of this study was to evaluate the effects of CT in hypertensive ovariectomized rats undergoing fructose overload in blood pressure variability (BPV), inflammation, and oxidative stress parameters. Female rats were divided into the following groups (n = 8/group): sedentary normotensive Wistar rats (C), and sedentary (FHO) or trained (FHOT) ovariectomized spontaneously hypertensive rats undergoing and fructose overload. CT was performed on a treadmill and ladder adapted to rats in alternate days (8 wk; 40-60% maximal capacity). Arterial pressure (AP) was directly measured. Oxidative stress and inflammation were measured on cardiac and renal tissues. The association of risk factors (hypertension + ovariectomy + fructose) promoted increase in insulin resistance, mean AP (FHO: 174 ± 4 vs. C: 108 ± 1 mmHg), heart rate (FHO: 403 ± 12 vs. C: 352 ± 11 beats/min), BPV, cardiac inflammation (tumor necrosis factor-α-FHO: 65.8 ± 9.9 vs. C: 23.3 ± 4.3 pg/mg protein), and oxidative stress cardiac and renal tissues. However, CT was able to reduce mean AP (FHOT: 158 ± 4 mmHg), heart rate (FHOT: 303 ± 5 beats/min), insulin resistance, and sympathetic modulation. Moreover, the trained rats presented increased nitric oxide bioavailability, reduced tumor necrosis factor-α (FHOT: 33.1 ± 4.9 pg/mg protein), increased IL-10 in cardiac tissue and reduced lipoperoxidation, and increased antioxidant defenses in cardiac and renal tissues. In conclusion, the association of risk factors promoted an additional impairment in metabolic, cardiovascular, autonomic, inflammatory, and oxidative stress parameters and combined exercise training was able to attenuate these dysfunctions.

Aerobic exercise training promotes additional cardiac benefits better than resistance exercise training in postmenopausal rats with diabetes.

OBJECTIVE: The aim of this study was to evaluate the effects of aerobic exercise training or resistance exercise training on cardiac morphometric, functional, and oxidative stress parameters in rats with ovarian hormone deprivation and diabetes. METHODS: Female Wistar rats (200-220 g) were divided into a sham-operated group (euglycemic sham-operated sedentary [ES]; n = 8) and three ovariectomized (bilateral removal of ovaries) and diabetic (streptozotocin 50 mg/kg IV) groups as follows: diabetic ovariectomized sedentary (DOS; n = 8), diabetic ovariectomized undergoing aerobic exercise training (DOTA; n = 8), and diabetic ovariectomized undergoing resistance exercise training (DOTR; n = 8). After 8 weeks of resistance (ladder) or aerobic (treadmill) exercise training, left ventricle function and morphometry were evaluated by echocardiography, whereas oxidative stress was evaluated at the left ventricle. RESULTS: The DOS group presented with increased left ventricle cavity in diastole and relative wall thickness (RWT), and these changes were attenuated in both DOTA and DOTR groups. Systolic and diastolic function was impaired in the DOS group compared with the ES group, and only the DOTA group was able to reverse this dysfunction. Lipoperoxidation and glutathione redox balance were improved in both trained groups compared with the DOS group. Glutathione peroxidase and superoxide dismutase were higher in the DOTA group than in the other studied groups. Correlations were observed between lipoperoxidation and left ventricle cavity in diastole (r = 0.55), between redox balance and RWT (r = 0.62), and between lipoperoxidation and RWT (r = -0.60). CONCLUSIONS: Aerobic exercise training and resistance exercise training promote attenuation of cardiac morphometric dysfunction associated with a reduction in oxidative stress in an experimental model of diabetes and menopause. However, only dynamic aerobic exercise training is able to attenuate systolic and diastolic dysfunction under this condition.

Cardiovascular autonomic dysfunction and oxidative stress induced by fructose overload in an experimental model of hypertension and menopause.

BACKGROUND: Metabolic syndrome is characterized by the association of 3 or more risk factors, including: abdominal obesity associated with an excess of abdominal fat, insulin resistance, type 2 diabetes, dyslipidemia and hypertension. Moreover, the prevalence of hypertension and metabolic dysfunctions sharply increases after the menopause. However, the mechanisms involved in these changes are not well understood. Thus, the aim of this study was to assess the effects of fructose overload on cardiovascular autonomic modulation, inflammation and cardiac oxidative stress in an experimental model of hypertension and menopause. METHODS: Female SHR rats were divided into (n = 8/group): hypertensive (H), hypertensive ovariectomized (HO) and hypertensive ovariectomized undergoing fructose overload (100 g/L in drinking water) (FHO). Arterial pressure (AP) signals were directly recorded. Cardiac autonomic modulation was evaluated by spectral analysis. Oxidative stress was evaluated in cardiac tissue. RESULTS: AP was higher in the FHO group when compared to the other groups. Fructose overload promoted an increase in body and fat weight, triglyceride concentration and a reduction in insulin sensitivity. IL-10 was reduced in the FHO group when compared to the H group. TNF-α was higher in the FHO when compared to all other groups. Lipoperoxidation was higher and glutathione redox balance was reduced in the FHO group when compared to other groups, an indication of increased oxidative stress. A negative correlation was found between IL-10 and adipose tissue. CONCLUSION: Fructose overload promoted an impairment in cardiac autonomic modulation associated with inflammation and oxidative stress in hypertensive rats undergoing ovarian hormone deprivation.