Effects of regular exercise on vascular function with aging: Does sex matter?

Area of Science:

• Cardiovascular Physiology
• Aging Research
• Exercise Science

Background:

• Vascular aging, marked by endothelial dysfunction and arterial stiffening, elevates cardiovascular disease (CVD) risk.
• Key mechanisms include oxidative stress, inflammation, and reduced nitric oxide bioavailability.
• Cellular aging hallmarks like mitochondrial dysfunction and senescence also contribute to vascular aging.

Purpose of the Study:

• To review vascular adaptations to aerobic and resistance exercise in aging.
• To explore the underlying molecular mechanisms of these adaptations.
• To examine the moderating role of biological sex and gonadal aging.

Main Methods:

• Literature review of studies on exercise, vascular aging, and sex differences.
• Analysis of cellular and molecular mechanisms involved in vascular response to exercise.
• Synthesis of current knowledge on exercise interventions for vascular aging.

Main Results:

• Aerobic exercise improves arterial stiffness in older adults and endothelial function in men.
• Exercise benefits are less consistent in postmenopausal women, possibly due to estrogen decline.
• Sex differences in exercise response may stem from hormonal influences on cellular signaling.

Conclusions:

• Regular physical activity is crucial for mitigating vascular aging and CVD risk.
• Biological sex, particularly gonadal aging and estrogen status, significantly modulates exercise-induced vascular benefits.
• Further research is needed to optimize exercise strategies considering sex-specific adaptations.