Exercise training improves plasma lipid and inflammatory profiles and increases cholesterol transfer to high-density lipoprotein in elderly women

ABSTRACT

Although proatherogenic alterations inplasma lipids and inflammatory factors accompany aging,moderate-intensity exercise can improve them. Low-densitylipoprotein cholesterol (LDL-C) and triacylglycerol(TAG) levels typically increase in elderly adults, and highdensitylipoprotein cholesterol (HDL-C) levels decrease.Proinflammatory cytokines, such as interleukin-6 (IL-6)and tumor necrosis factor alpha (TNF-a), increase.1,2HDL has several atheroprotective functions and hasbeen recognized as a longevity marker.3 HDL has chiefroles in plasma cholesterol esterification and reverse cholesteroltransport and additional anti-inflammatory, antioxidant,anticoagulant, antithrombotic, vasodilatory, andantiapoptotic properties. All those functions can be, atleast in part, independent of HDL-C plasma levels. HDL iscontinuously remodeled, and lipid transfers involving thislipoprotein are essential parts of HDL metabolism andatheroprotective functions. The actions of cholesteryl ester(CE) transfer protein and phospholipid transfer protein,which are involved in the transfer of core (CE, TAG) andsurface (phospholipids (PL), unesterified cholesterol (UC))lipids, respectively, facilitate lipid transfers.4An in vitro assay showed that transfers of EC and UCto HDL were low in individuals with coronary heart disease(CHD).4 Transfers of UC and EC were greater in marathonrunners than in sedentary individuals.5 The hypothesis thatregular moderate-intensity physical activity in older adultscould increase cholesterol transfer rates to HDL as estimatedusing in vitro HDL transfer assay was tested...