Effect of resistance training on biomarkers of vascular function and oxidative stress in young African-American and Caucasian men

Abstract

African Americans (AA) have an earlier onset of hypertension and a different vascular profile than their Caucasian (Cau) peers. Research suggests that biological mediators of vascular inflammation are different among these groups in hypertensive populations. Resistance training (RT) is an important exercise modality which improves the vascular profile of young AA men. We examined the role of RT on biomarkers of vascular function and oxidative stress in BMI-matched AA and Cau men. Six weeks of RT elicited significant changes in circulating MMP-9 and 8-Isoprostane (8-IsoP) in young AA men (n= 14 AA; n= 18 Cau; 18–35 yo). MMP-9 was lower and decreased in AA (pre: p=0.02; post: p<0.001) and a time x group interaction forMMP-9 (F1,30=4.81; p=0.036)and 8-IsoP(F1,24=7.09; p=0.014) was detected. 8-IsoP decreased in AA (p=0.026) but did not change in Cau (p=0.309). Notably, the increase in strength (1-RM) was correlated with the decrease in MMP-9 (r= −0.398; p=0.022). Further, these adaptations were independent of any improvement in cardiorespiratory fitness. We demonstrate that RT effectively reduces matrix remodeling proteins and oxidative stress in young AA men. Increasing strength may be beneficial for improving vascular health and offsetting novel CV risk factors of hypertension in young AA men.

Associação da força de preensão manual com morbidades referidas em adultos de Rio Branco, Acre, Brasil: estudo de base populacional

“…It has been reported that resistance training appears to prevent metabolic disorders such as dyslipidemia, impaired fasting glucose, pre-hypertension, and increased waist circumference, but not hypertension 37 , while recognizing that increased strength may improve vascular health and reduce complications 38 and mortality among hypertensive individuals 39 . The statistical association between handgrip strength and hypertension may mean that muscle strength expresses overall individual fitness 40 more than a direct relationship with hypertension.…”

Matrix Metalloproteinase-9 and Augmentation Index are Reduced with an 8-Week Green-Exercise Walking Programme

“…Previous reports have linked exercise to reductions in MMP-9 levels, but have been limited to resistance training programmes in men only or exerciseplus-diet interventions in men with metabolic syndrome and children with atherosclerotic risk factors [24][25][26]. Similarly, Kadaglou et al demonstrated that in a diabetic population, a 16-week exercise programme resulted in decreased plasma levels of MMP-9 [27].…”

Reactive Oxygen Species, Vascular Noxs, and Hypertension: Focus on Translational and Clinical Research

“…In experimental models of hypertension and in patients with coronary artery disease, exercise reduced vascular Nox activity and ROS production, ameliorated vascular injury, and reduced blood pressure (1). Resistance training in men decreased circulating levels of matrix metalloprotease-9 and 8-isoprostane (43). However, in elderly patients, combining antioxidant therapy with exercise negated blood pressure-lowering beneficial effects of exercise (43).…”

“…Resistance training in men decreased circulating levels of matrix metalloprotease-9 and 8-isoprostane (43). However, in elderly patients, combining antioxidant therapy with exercise negated blood pressure-lowering beneficial effects of exercise (43).…”