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ACE2 gene combined with exercise training attenuates central AngII/AT1 axis function and oxidative stress in a
Xiu-Yun Chen1, Cheng Lin1, Guo-Ying Liu1
1Department of Rehabilitation Medicine, Health School of Fujian Medical University, Fuzhou, China.
Journal of Applied Physiology (Bethesda, Md. : 1985)
|May 12, 2022
Summary
Combining ACE2 gene therapy with exercise training effectively prevents hypertension progression in rats. This approach normalizes blood pressure and improves baroreflex sensitivity by reducing sympathetic nerve activity.
Area of Science:
- Cardiovascular Physiology
- Gene Therapy
- Exercise Physiology
Background:
- Hypertension is a significant cardiovascular risk factor.
- ACE2 gene therapy and exercise training individually show benefits for hypertension.
- The combined effects of ACE2 and exercise training on hypertension are not well understood.
Purpose of the Study:
- To investigate the combined effects of ACE2 gene overexpression and exercise training on hypertension in spontaneously hypertensive rats (SHRs).
- To elucidate the underlying mechanisms, including baroreflex sensitivity, sympathetic nerve activity, and central oxidative stress in the paraventricular nucleus (PVN).
Main Methods:
- Lentivirus-mediated ACE2 gene delivery into the PVN of SHRs.
- Groups included sedentary, exercise-trained, ACE2-overexpressing, and combined ACE2 + exercise groups.
- Wistar-Kyoto rats served as controls; blood pressure, baroreflex sensitivity, and molecular markers in the PVN were assessed.
Main Results:
- Combined ACE2 and exercise training significantly prevented the development and progression of prehypertension.
- The combined intervention normalized arterial baroreflex sensitivity (BRS) and reduced plasma norepinephrine and angiotensin II levels.
- Combined treatment led to greater reductions in Angiotensin II/AT1 axis function and oxidative stress markers (ROS, NOX2, NOX4) in the PVN compared to individual treatments.
Conclusions:
- The combination of ACE2 gene therapy and exercise training offers a synergistic protective effect against hypertension progression.
- This combined approach effectively normalizes baroreflex sensitivity and inhibits sympathetic nerve activity.
- Mechanisms involve the inhibition of the Angiotensin II/AT1 axis and central oxidative stress within the PVN.
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