Effects of Moderate Exercise on theBiochemical, Physiological, Morphologicaland Functional Parameters of the Aorta inthe Presence of Estrogen Deprivation andDyslipidemia: an Experimental Model

ABSTRACT

The estrogen deficiency, abnormal lipid profile, weight gain and a sedentarylifestyle are factors associated with the increased prevalence of cardiovascular disease inmenopausal women. However, physical exercise practice reduces some of these risk factors.Moreover, it has been shown that exercise has an impact on inflammation, in sympatheticactivity and improves endothelial function. Aims: The present study aims to evaluate the effectsof moderate aerobic training on biochemical, morphological and physiological parameters inLDL Knockout mice with estrogen deprivation, evaluating the components of the ascendingaortic wall. Methods: The animals were randomly divided into six groups (n=5) sedentarycontrol (SC), sedentary control ovariectomized (SCO), trained control ovariectomized (TCO),LDL-Knockout sedentary (KS), LDL-Knockout sedentary ovariectomized (KOS) and LDLKnockouttrained ovariectomized (KOT). The trained groups underwent a protocol of moderatetraining for 4 weeks on a treadmill with speed and progressive load. After training, bloodsamples were collected for biochemical assessments and the aorta was removed for dissectionand histological morphometry study. In addition, the expression of angiotensin-convertingenzyme (ACE) and angiotensin II proteins were examined by immunohistochemistry in allgroups of animals. Results: Changes of expressions of ACE and angiotensin II were foundwhen the group was subjected to exercise. The concentrations of cholesterol and triglycerideswere lower in the groups of animals with estrogen deprivation and dyslipidemia. In animals that performed exercises we found significant increase (p<0.05) in Vv[lam]; decrease in Vv[col]and CWT, and a tendency for decrease both in TS and IMT when compared to the SC groups...