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Published on: July 5, 2017
Regular exercise delays microvascular endothelial dysfunction by regulating antioxidant capacity and cellular
Giorgia Scarfò1, Simona Daniele2, Elisa Chelucci3
1Division of General Medicine, Department of Clinical and Experimental Medicine, University of Pisa, Pisa, Italy.
Regular physical activity in master athletes improves cardiovascular health by enhancing blood flow and endothelial function. This exercise-induced benefit is linked to key molecular and epigenetic regulators like nitric oxide and SIRT1.
Area of Science:
- Cardiovascular Physiology
- Exercise Science
- Aging Research
Background:
- Aging is a primary risk factor for cardiovascular diseases (CVDs).
- Regular physical activity (PA) is known to mitigate aging effects and prevent endothelial dysfunction.
- Mechanisms underlying PA benefits in master athletes remain underexplored.
Purpose of the Study:
- To investigate the impact of regular PA on microcirculatory function in elderly athletes.
- To explore the associated molecular and epigenetic changes, including nitric oxide (NO), oxidative stress, PGC-1α, SIRT1, and miR29.
- To compare these effects against age-matched sedentary individuals.
Main Methods:
- Assessed local blood flow responses to ischemia and heating in master athletes and controls.
- Measured plasma concentrations of NO, antioxidant capacity, and key regulatory molecules (PGC-1α, SIRT1, miR29).
- Analyzed transcriptional levels of PGC-1α and plasma levels of SIRT1 and miR29.
Main Results:
- Regular PA significantly improved post-ischemia and post-heating blood flow, indicating enhanced microcirculatory function.
- Athletes exhibited higher plasma NO concentrations and antioxidant capacity.
- Increased PGC-1α, SIRT1, and miR29 levels were observed in athletes, correlating with improved blood flow and antioxidant status.
Conclusions:
- Regular physical activity confers significant cardiovascular benefits in elderly athletes.
- Enhanced microcirculatory function is associated with improved endothelial function, antioxidant capacity, and specific molecular/epigenetic pathways.
- SIRT1 and miR29 may play crucial roles as epigenetic regulators in mediating exercise adaptations for redox balance and metabolism.
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