Physical activity and prostanoids

Physical activity plays an important role in the prevention of ischaemic heart disease. However, data on the mediating mechanisms are only partly established, and concentrated mainly on plasma lipoproteins. Prostanoids, especially prostacyclin and thromboxane, through their effects on vascular endothelium, platelet function, and interaction with lipoproteins, are postulated to be centrally involved in the pathogenesis of atherosclerosis. The reported acute effects of physical activity on prostanoids and platelet function are contradictory and may be considered both beneficial and unfavourable. On the other hand, although even less is reported on the response to regular exercise, data appear more favourable in relation to atherosclerosis. Currently, data on physical activity and prostanoids, including both acute and chronic effects, are limited and necessitate additional, systematic studies on dose-response relationships.