Title:Regular Physical Activity and Vascular Aging
Volume: 22
Issue: 24
Author(s): Bárbara M.M. Antunes, Fabrício E. Rossi, Jason M. Cholewa and Fábio S. Lira
Affiliation:
Keywords:
Oxidative stress, endothelial dysfunction, atherosclerosis, exercise, physical activity.
Abstract: Background: Aging and low physical activity are associated with the development of
diseases (hypertension, type 2 diabetes, dyslipidemia, obesity) marked by chronic low-grade
inflammation. Cardiovascular disease is the most common cause of death worldwide, while exercising
muscle tissue can increase the secretion of myokines that can reestablish a possible inflammatory
process in virtue of the anti-inflammatory effect. Methods: The objective of this review is to focus on molecular mechanisms
involved between different kinds of exercise and cellular oxidative stress, and the emerging therapeutic strategies which have the potential
to promote benefits in vascular health. Results: Regular exercise increases shear stress, mitochondrial biogenesis, and upregulates mitochondrial
antioxidant system, inducing anti-inflammatory actions, such as suppression of TNF-α which may offer protection against
TNF-α-induced vascular impairment. Conclusion: Exercise training of various durations and intensities appears to prevent and restore the
age-related impairment of endothelial function, likely through the restoration of NO availability, reduction in oxidative stress, and turnover
of the apoptotic process in the endothelium, thus minimizing vascular inflammation and decreasing the formation of atherosclerotic
plaques.