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Published on: July 5, 2017
Moderate Aerobic Training Improves Cardiorespiratory Parameters in Elastase-Induced Emphysema
Isabela Henriques1, Miquéias Lopes-Pacheco2, Gisele A Padilha1
1Laboratory of Pulmonary Investigation, Carlos Chagas Filho Institute of Biophysics, Federal University of Rio de Janeiro Rio de Janeiro, Brazil.
Aerobic training improved lung function in an emphysema model by reducing inflammation and remodeling. This exercise intervention also decreased cardiac strain and pulmonary hypertension.
Area of Science:
- Pulmonary Medicine
- Cardiovascular Physiology
- Exercise Science
Background:
- Emphysema is characterized by lung tissue destruction, inflammation, and impaired respiratory mechanics.
- Elastase-induced emphysema in mice serves as a relevant model for studying disease progression and therapeutic interventions.
- Cardiac dysfunction, including right ventricular hypertrophy and pulmonary arterial hypertension, is a common complication of emphysema.
Purpose of the Study:
- To investigate the therapeutic effects of aerobic training on lung mechanics, inflammation, and cardiac function in an elastase-induced emphysema model.
- To assess the impact of exercise on biological markers of inflammation and endothelial cell damage.
- To evaluate changes in lung morphometry and pulmonary arterial pressure following aerobic training.
Main Methods:
- Mice were induced with emphysema using porcine pancreatic elastase or saline control.
- Emphysematous mice were divided into sedentary and aerobic training groups.
- Aerobic training involved treadmill running at moderate intensity for 30 minutes, 3 times per week for 4 weeks.
Main Results:
- Emphysema led to reduced lung elastance, increased collagen and elastic fibers, alveolar hyperinflation, and elevated inflammatory markers (TNF-α, IL-1β).
- Cardiac assessment revealed increased right ventricular diastolic area (RVA) in emphysematous mice, indicating cardiac strain.
- Aerobic training in emphysematous mice reduced hyperinflation, inflammation, collagen deposition, and RVA, while improving lung elastance and VEGF levels.
Conclusions:
- Four weeks of moderate-intensity aerobic training effectively modulated lung inflammation and remodeling in an emphysema model.
- Aerobic exercise improved pulmonary function and reduced markers of cardiac strain and pulmonary arterial hypertension.
- Regular aerobic training demonstrates therapeutic potential for managing emphysema and its associated cardiopulmonary complications.
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