Arginine and aerobic training prevent endothelial and metabolic alterations in rats at high risk for the development of the metabolic syndrome

Abstract

Endothelial function is a key mechanism in the development of CVD. Arginine and exercise are important non-pharmacological strategies for mitigating the impact of metabolic changes in the metabolic syndrome, but the effect of their combined administration is unknown. Thus, the aim of this study was to investigate the isolated and combined effects of aerobic training and arginine supplementation on metabolic variables and vascular reactivity in rats at high risk for developing the metabolic syndrome. Wistar rats were divided into two groups: control and fructose (F - water with 10 % fructose). After 2 weeks, the F group was divided into four groups: F, fructose+arginine (FA, 880 mg/kg per d of l-arginine), fructose+training (FT) and fructose+arginine+training (FTA); treatments lasted for 8 weeks, and no difference was observed in body mass gain. Arginine did not improve the body protein content, and both the FA and FT groups show a reversal of the increase in adipose tissue. Insulin increase was prevented by training and arginine, without additive effect, and the increase in serum TAG was prevented only by training. The F group showed impaired endothelium-dependent vasodilation and hyperreactivity to phenylephrine, but arginine and training were capable of preventing these effects, even separately. Higher nitric oxide level was observed in the FA and FT groups, and no potentiating effect was detected. Thus, only training was able to prevent the increase in TAG and improve the protein mass, and training and arginine exert similar effects on fat content, insulin and endothelial function, but these effects are not additive.

Dietary supplementation with camu-camu and continuous exercises in the treatment of obesity

“…In the present study, we demonstrated that the pulp of Camu-camu reduced body weight and epididymal and visceral fat, such as reduced fat deposited in the face, heart and liver, in addition to decrease the inflammatory proteins [16]. Several experimental studies have shown that exercise combined with continued dieting results in reduced adiposity, lipid profile and reduction of biochemical parameters in rats [17][18][19].…”

Aerobic Training Associated with Arginine Supplementation Reduces Collagen-Induced Platelet Hyperaggregability in Rats under High Risk to Develop Metabolic Syndrome

“…The antiplatelet effect observed is probably related to the association of an enhancement of NO production and a reduction in oxidative stress and inflammatory cytokines, resulting in a reduction in platelet TXA 2 production and platelet activation and aggregation (Figure 5). Similar results were observed by our group in vascular beds [9, 19].…”

“…These results point out the antiplatelet effects when arginine supplementation is associated with aerobic exercise. Our research group [19] showed a vasodilator activity associated with an improvement of endothelial function and an increased NO bioavailability, observed in the group that received arginine supplementation, as well as in the aerobic exercise group treated with fructose. On the other hand, no additive effect in vascular relaxation in the interventions associated was observed [19].…”

Arginine supplementation and cardiometabolic risk

“…This was concomitant with a marked increase in cold-induced glucose oxidation in men of European descent only. As with endothelial function, these findings have been supported by data in rats [13] and earlier findings in humans at moderate doses of arginine [16].…”

“…For instance, in fructose-fed rats, supplemental arginine prevented the impairment of endotheliumdependent vasodilation and hyper-reactivity to phenylephrine, to the same degree as aerobic training [13]. Both treatments increased plasma nitrite, indicative of increased eNOS activity.…”