Effects of resistance exercise on endothelial progenitor cell mobilization in women

Abstract

This study aimed to determine the effect of a single bout of resistance exercise at different intensities on the mobilization of circulating EPCs over 24 hours in women. In addition, the angiogenic factors stromal cell-derived factor 1 (SDF-1α), vascular endothelial growth factor (VEGF), hypoxia-inducible factor 1-alpha (HIF-1α) and erythropoietin (EPO) were measured as potential mechanisms for exercise-induced EPCs mobilization. Thirty-eight women performed a resistance exercise session at an intensity of 60% (n = 13), 70% (n = 12) or 80% (n = 13) of one repetition maximum. Each session was comprised of three sets of 12 repetitions of four exercises: bench press, dumbbell curl, dumbbell squat, and standing dumbbell upright row. Blood was sampled at baseline and immediately, 6 hours, and 24 hours post-exercise. Circulating EPC and levels of VEGF, HIF-1α and EPO were significantly higher after exercise (P < 0.05). The change in EPCs from baseline was greatest in the 80% group (P < 0.05), reaching the highest at 6 hours post-exercise. The change in EPCs from baseline to 6 hours post-exercise was correlated with the change in VEGF (r = 0.492, P = 0.002) and HIF-1α (r = 0.388, P = 0.016). In general, a dose-response relationship was observed, with the highest exercise intensities promoting the highest increases in EPCs and angiogenic factors.

Cardiovascular Effects and Benefits of Exercise

“…A subsequent study found that a bout of intense exercise was associated with a release of CD34 + /KDR + endothelial progenitor cells from the bone marrow and that this effect was enhanced in individuals with elevated LDL/HDL and LDL/TC profiles ( 107 ). Likewise, a significant increase in the number of circulating EPCs, associated with increased levels of VEGF, HIF-1α, and EPO was found within hours after varying intensities of resistance training in women ( 108 ). Nonetheless, the physiological significance of these responses remains unclear, as the effects of exercise on angiogenesis and the wound healing response have not been systematically studied.…”

The Effect of Exercise on the Prevention of Osteoporosis and Bone Angiogenesis

“…Previous studies have demonstrated that exercise or physical activity could increase the level of HIF in skeletal muscle, which is involved in the angiogenesis process [80–82]. Ribeiro et al showed that a bout of resistance exercise promotes the increases in EPCs and the expression of angiogenic genes such as VEGF and HIF1 α [80].…”

The Role of PGC-1α/UCP2 Signaling in the Beneficial Effects of Physical Exercise on the Brain

“…Even single exercise sessions, which increases the production of endogenous opioids (Geneen et al, 2017), angiogenesis factors (such as vascular endothelial growth factor [VEGF], hypoxia-induced 1 alpha factor [HIF-1α] and erythropoietin [EPO]) (Ribeiro et al, 2017) appear to be healthy, and they protect against hyperglycemia peaks (Lang Lehrskov et al, 2018) in humans. A single exercise session increases the plasma endocannabinoid levels in mice (Fuss et al, 2015), which is a possible mechanism for the euphoric state (runner’s high) that occurs after long runs (Boecker et al, 2008).…”