The acute effects of low-intensity exercise on plasma lipids in endurance-trained and untrained young adults

Influence of acute and chronic intermittent hypoxic-hyperoxic exposure prior to aerobic exercise on cardiovascular risk factors in geriatric patients-a randomized controlled trial

Background: Intermittent hypoxic-hyperoxic exposure (IHHE) and aerobic training have been proposed as non-pharmacological interventions to reduce age-related risk factors. However, no study has yet examined the effects of IHHE before aerobic exercise on cardiovascular risk factors in the elderly. Therefore, the aim of this study was to investigate the acute and chronic effects of IHHE prior to aerobic cycling exercise on blood lipid and lipoprotein concentrations as well as blood pressure in geriatric patients. Methods: In a randomized, controlled, and single-blinded trial, thirty geriatric patients (72-94 years) were assigned to two groups: intervention (IG; n = 16) and sham control group (CG; n = 14). Both groups completed 6 weeks of aerobic cycling training, 3 times a week for 20 min per day. The IG and CG were additionally exposed to IHHE or sham IHHE (i.e., normoxia) for 30 min prior to aerobic cycling. Blood samples were taken on three occasions: immediately before the first, ∼10 min after the first, and immediately before the last session. Blood samples were analyzed for total (tCh), high-density (HDL-C), and low-density lipoprotein cholesterol (LDL-C), and triglyceride (Tgl) serum concentration. Resting systolic (SBP) and diastolic blood pressure (DBP) was assessed within 1 week before, during (i.e., at week two and four), and after the interventions. Results: The baseline-adjusted ANCOVA revealed a higher LDL-C concentration in the IG compared to the CG after the first intervention session (ηp 2 = 0.12). For tCh, HDL-C, Tgl, and tCh/HDL-C ratio there were no differences in acute changes between the IG and the CG (ηp 2 ≤ 0.01). With regard to the chronic effects on lipids and lipoproteins, data analysis indicated no differences between groups (ηp 2 ≤ 0.03). The repeated measures ANOVA revealed an interaction effect for SBP (ηp 2 = 0.06) but not for DBP (ηp 2 ≤ 0.01). Within-group post-hoc analysis for the IG indicated a reduction in SBP at post-test (d = 0.05). Conclusion: Applying IHHE prior to aerobic cycling seems to be effective to reduce SBP in geriatric patients after 6 weeks of training. The present study suggests that IHHE prior to aerobic cycling can influence the acute exercise-related responses in LDL-C concentration but did not induce chronic changes in basal lipid or lipoprotein concentrations.

Association of the "Weekend Warrior" and Other Physical Activity Patterns with Metabolic Syndrome in the South Korean Population

These days, it is not common for people to have time to do physical activities regularly because of their own work. So, they perform physical activities all at once, which is often called the "weekend warrior". Therefore, this study aimed to examine the association of the "weekend warrior" and other physical activity patterns with metabolic syndrome. Data from the Korea National Health and Nutrition Examination Survey were used, and 27,788 participants were included. The participants were divided into inactive, weekend warriors, and regularly active based on physical activity patterns. The risk of metabolic syndrome in each group was analyzed using multiple logistic regression. The inactive and weekend warrior groups showed a higher likelihood of developing metabolic syndrome than the regularly active groups (weekend warrior: odds ratio (OR) 1.29, confidence interval (CI) 1.02-1.65; inactive: OR 1.38, CI 1.25-1.53). According to the physical activity patterns, the weekend warrior group showed a dose-response relationship compared to the regularly active group (only moderate: OR 1.85, CI 1.25-2.72; only vigorous: OR 1.41, CI 0.93-2.14; both: OR 0.84, CI 0.56-1.27). This study found increasing the amount of physical activity and performing vigorous-intensity physical activity helped manage metabolic syndrome in the weekend warrior group.

Effects of Light Intensity Activity on CVD Risk Factors: A Systematic Review of Intervention Studies

The effects of light intensity physical activity (LIPA) on cardiovascular disease (CVD) risk factors remain to be established. This review summarizes the effects of LIPA on CVD risk factors and CVD-related markers in adults. A systematic search of four electronic databases (PubMed, Academic Search Complete, SPORTDiscus, and CINAHL) examining LIPA and CVD risk factors (body composition, blood pressure, glucose, insulin, glycosylated hemoglobin, and lipid profile) and CVD-related markers (maximal oxygen uptake, heart rate, C-reactive protein, interleukin-6, tumor necrosis factor-alpha, and tumor necrosis factor receptors 1 and 2) published between 1970 and 2015 was performed on 15 March 2015. A total of 33 intervention studies examining the effect of LIPA on CVD risk factors and markers were included in this review. Results indicated that LIPA did not improve CVD risk factors and CVD-related markers in healthy individuals. LIPA was found to improve systolic and diastolic blood pressure in physically inactive populations with a medical condition. Reviewed studies show little support for the role of LIPA to reduce CVD risk factors. Many of the included studies were of low to fair study quality and used low doses of LIPA. Further studies are needed to establish the value of LIPA in reducing CVD risk.

Metabolic dysfunction in anorexia nervosa

SUMMARY

CONTEXT

Anorexia nervosa (AN) is an eating disorder characterized by self-induced energy deficit and low body weight with major consequences for most organ systems and a tendency towards self-perpetuation.

OBJECTIVES

To compare metabolic responses to glucose and exercise in women hospitalized with AN (n = 10) before and after 6-weeks weight gain program and in lean healthy weight women (BMI < 22 kg/m(2)) (n = 7).

MAIN OUTCOMES

Weight, body composition, indirect calorimetry, and response of serum insulin, glucose, adiponectin and leptin to oral glucose (75 g) and to 30-min of cycling at 50 rpm.

RESULTS

Patients with AN had similar lean mass to controls, but had significantly less body fat. Adiponectin was 43% higher (p < 0.01) and leptin 47% lower in AN subjects versus controls (p = 0.04). In response to moderate exercise, fasting glucose increased in AN (p < 0.05), but was unchanged in controls. After glucose ingestion, a trend towards a greater increase in diet-induced thermogenesis was also observed in patients with AN (p = 0.07). Despite a further 6 weeks as in patients, weight was not significantly changed in AN. Similarly, glucose, insulin, leptin or adiponectin were not altered.

CONCLUSIONS

AN patients appear metabolically healthy under resting conditions, but their responses to physiological stressors differed from those of controls. Potential impediments to weight gain should be further investigated to define mechanisms with a view to improving the effectiveness of nutritional management.

Lipid profiles are influenced by arm cranking exercise and training in individuals with spinal cord injury

STUDY DESIGN

A prospective, two-group comparative intervention study.

OBJECTIVE

To determine the acute and training effects of arm cranking exercise on blood lipid profiles in wheel chair bound individuals with spinal cord injury (SCI) and normal able-bodied subjects.

SETTING

Faculty of Science, School of Sport and Exercise Science, Liverpool John Moores University, England.

METHODS

Total cholesterol, triglyceride and high-density lipoprotein cholesterol (HDL-C) at rest and in response to arm cranking exercise before and after 12 weeks of training were compared between individuals with SCI (N = 5) and able-bodied subjects (N = 7). Following the determination of peak oxygen consumption (VO2peak), all subjects performed a submaximal arm cranking exercise at an intensity corresponding to 60-65% VO2peak for 30 min. Venous blood samples were obtained before and after submaximal exercise and measured for total cholesterol, triglycerides and HDL-C concentrations. These lipid parameters were remeasured in all subjects at rest and in response to the same submaximal arm cranking exercise after 12 weeks of individually supervised arm cranking training programme.

RESULTS

Before training, the resting mean value of triglyceride in individuals with SCI was significantly (P < 0.05) higher than that found in able-bodied persons. Acute arm cranking exercise did not change total cholesterol or triglyceride concentrations in either the SCI or the able-bodied groups. However, HDL-C increased significantly following exercise in the able-bodied subjects. Following training, the resting mean value of total cholesterol in the group with SCI was significantly (P < 0.05) higher compared with able-bodied individuals. Furthermore, the resting and post submaximal arm cranking exercise mean values of total cholesterol in the able-bodied group, but not in the group with SCI, were significantly lower than those observed before training. While the resting mean value of HDL-C before training in the group with SCI was lower than that found in the able-bodied, this difference did not reach the designated level of significance (P > 0.05). Submaximal arm cranking exercise was followed by a significant increase in HDL-C only in the able-bodied individuals. Compared to pretraining, the resting and post arm cranking exercise levels of HDL-C in the group with SCI increased significantly (P < 0.05) after training.

CONCLUSION

It is concluded that acute arm cranking exercise and training in individuals with SCI is associated with favourable effects on HDL-C, whereas total cholesterols and triglycerides were not altered. The mechanism responsible for the increase in HDL-C with training in individuals with SCI is not known, but it is likely to be related to increased activity of cholesterol transport enzymes lipoprotein lipase and acyltransferase.

Exercise in the treatment of lipid disorders

As a result of scientific evaluation, we know that exercise has a positive impact on the lipid and lipoprotein profile, and we have a greater understanding for the necessary amount of exercise needed to cause these changes. In the case of hyperlipidemic disorders, we know the primary means for intervention is pharmacological, and that diet, weight loss, and exercise are viewed as adjunctive therapies. Because much is known about the exercise training-induced plasma lipid and lipoprotein modifications as well as the lipoprotein enzyme changes, future research should continue to focus on the molecular basis for these changes. For example by knowing a person's apo E genotype, we gain better comprehension as to why some individuals respond to exercise, while others do not. Another area for further investigation is the assessment of drug and exercise interaction. Presently, little is known regarding the use of lipid-lowering drugs and the impact of exercise. Finally, these investigations could provide new insights for better understanding the exercise CAD protective effects. The future challenge is to better understand the impact that regular exercise participation has in optimizing the lipid and lipoprotein profile with individuals with special lipid disorders.

Acute effects of moderate exercise on serum lipids, lipoproteins and apolipoproteins in sedentary young women

1. The aim of the present study was to examine the effects of moderate exercise on serum lipids, lipoproteins and apolipoproteins in seven sedentary young women under controlled conditions. 2. The subjects exercised on separate days for 30 or 60 min at an intensity of 60% of maximal oxygen uptake on a cycle ergometer. Total cholesterol, triglycerides, high-density lipoprotein-cholesterol (HDL-C), HDL2-C, HDL3-C, low-density lipoprotein-cholesterol, apolipoproteins A-I, A-II and B were measured in the serum at the end of the 60 min rest period before each exercise, immediately after the performance of each exercise and at 30 min and 1, 2 and 24 h after each exercise. 3. The results showed that there were no significant differences between the pre- and postexercise samples for any of the parameters tested. 4. The results of the present study suggest that a single bout of exercise designed to simulate a typical training workout has no noticeable effect on serum lipids, lipoproteins and apolipoproteins in normal sedentary young women who have normal lipid profiles, are in the follicular phase of their menstrual cycle and who consume a relatively low-fat diet.

Favorable life-style modification and attenuation of cardiovascular risk factors

In order to develop an effective counseling system for prevention of cardiovascular diseases, the association of a favorably changed life-style with improved risk factors was examined. Participants were 7,321 office workers aged 30-69 years from in and around Nagoya city. The age-adjusted odds ratio (OR) and its 95% confidence interval (CI) were calculated to assess the likelihood of risk factor improvement by favorable life-style modifications during a 3-year period. Those who began to eat breakfast and increased their vegetable intake normalized their previously abnormal diastolic blood pressure with more than twice the likelihood (adjusted OR [95% CI] 2.89 [1.29-6.46] and 2.60 [1.18-5.75], respectively). 'Began to eat breakfast' was also significantly associated with normalized total cholesterol (TC) (1.84, [1.05-3.21]). 'Stopped eating till full' significantly normalized the body mass index (2.03; [1.25-3.28]), uric acid (1.65; [1.07-2.52]) and TC (1.43; [1.04-1.97]). Those who started regular exercise significantly normalized their high-density lipoprotein-cholesterol (HDL-C) abnormality with 1.69-times the likelihood (1.69; [1.24-2.29]) and those who began to walk briskly also improved their TC abnormality (1.85; [1.19-2.89]). HDL-C was normalized with 2.55-times the likelihood in those who quit smoking (2.55; [1.68-3.86]). Because favorable life-style modifications can attenuate abnormal cardiovascular risk factors, then proper advice on specific risk factors should be routinely given at each health check-up in order to prevent the onset of cardiovascular diseases in subsequent years.

Effects of training and a single session of exercise on lipids and apolipoproteins in hypercholesterolemic men

To differentiate between transient (acute) and training (chronic) effects of exercise at two different intensities on blood lipids and apolipoproteins (apo), 26 hypercholesterolemic men (cholesterol = 258 mg/dl, age = 47 yr, weight = 81.9 kg) trained three times per week for 24 wk, 350 kcal/session at high (80% maximal O2 uptake, n = 12) or moderate (50% maximal O2 uptake, n = 14) intensity. Serum lipid and apolipoprotein (apo) concentrations (plasma volume adjusted) were measured before and immediately, 24, and 48 h after exercise on four different occasions corresponding to 0, 8, 16, and 24 wk of training. Data were analyzed using three-way repeated-measures multivariate analysis of variance followed by analysis of variance and Duncan's procedures (alpha = 0.05). A transient 6% rise in low-density-lipoprotein cholesterol measured before training at the 24-h time point was no longer evident after training. Triglycerides fell and total cholesterol, high-density-lipoprotein cholesterol (HDL-C), HDL3-C, apo A-I, and apo B rose 24-48 h after exercise regardless of training or intensity. Total cholesterol, HDL3-C, apo A-I, and apo B were lower and HDL2-C was higher after training than before training. Thus exercise training and a single session of exercise exert distinct and interactive effects on lipids and apolipoproteins. These results support the practice of training at least every other day to obtain optimal exercise benefits.

Changes in lipid profile variables in response to submaximal and maximal exercise in trained cyclists

This study examined the effect of prolonged submaximal exercise followed by a self-paced maximal performance test on cholesterol (T-Chol), triglycerides (TG), and high-density lipoprotein cholesterol (HDLC). Nine trained male athletes cycled at 70 percent of maximal oxygen consumption for 60 min, followed by a self-paced maximal ride for 10 min. Venous blood samples were obtained at rest, at 30 and 60 min during submaximal exercise, and immediately after the performance test. Lactic acid, haematocrit (Hct), haemoglobin (Hb), T-Chol and TG were measured in the blood, while plasma was assayed for HDL-C. Plasma volume changes in response to exercise were calculated from Hct and Hb values and all lipid measurements were corrected accordingly. In order to ascertain the repeatability of lipid responses to exercise, all subjects were re-tested under identical testing conditions and experimental protocols. When data obtained during the two exercise trials were analysed by two-way ANOVA no significant differences (P > 0.05) between tests were observed. Consequently the data obtained during the two testing trials were pooled and analysed by one-way ANOVA. Blood lactic acid increased nonsignificantly (P > 0.05) during the prolonged submaximal test, but rose markedly (P <0.05) following the performance ride. Lipid variables ascertained at rest were within the normal range for healthy subjects. ANOVA showed that blood T-Chol and TG were unchanged (P > 0.05), whereas HDL-C rose significantly (P <0.05) in response to exercise. Post hoc analyses indicated that the latter change was due to a significant rise in HDL-C after the performance ride. It is concluded that apparent favourable changes in lipid profile variables occur in response to prolonged submaximal exercise followed by maximal effort, and these changes showed a good level of agreement over the two testing occasions.

The influence of the intensity of treadmill walking upon changes in lipid and lipoprotein variables in healthy adults

The purpose of the present study was to compare the acute and delayed effects of low- and moderate-intensity exercise on serum lipoprotein concentrations. Twelve healthy volunteers (five men, seven women), aged 28 (2) years [mean (SEM)], maximal oxygen uptake (VO2max) 48 (3) ml.kg-1.min-1 walked on a treadmill for 90 min, on two separate occasions, in a balanced design. On one occasion walking was at a grade which elicited 32.1 (0.8)% of VO2max, i.e. low intensity, while on the other it elicited 60.1 (1.6)% of VO2max, i.e. moderate intensity (MI). Serum concentrations of total cholesterol (TC), triacylglycerol (TAG), high density lipoprotein cholesterol (HDL-C) and the subfraction HDL2-C free fatty acids (FFA) and free glycerol were measured in venous blood samples drawn before exercise (after a 12-h fast), during walking and after 1 h and 24 h of recovery. Serum TAG concentrations decreased as a result of the exercise bout over the period of observation (P < 0.05), but this decrease was not different between the two intensities. Changes in serum TC concentrations over time differed between trials (P < 0.05). Serum free glycerol and FFA concentrations increased during exercise bouts, these increases being (P < 0.05) greater with MI. The decrease in serum TAG concentrations during and after a single episode of either prolonged low or moderate intensity exercise may be associated with an increased clearance and/or a decreased secretion of TAG-rich lipoproteins.

Effects of acute exercise on the changes of lipid profiles and peroxides, prostanoids, and platelet activation in hypercholesterolemic patients before and after treatment

The effects of acute exercise on the changes of plasma lipid profiles and peroxides, prostanoids and platelet activation in hypercholesterolemic patients before and after pravastatin 5 mg twice daily treatment for 4 weeks was studied in 30 (M/F = 21/9, age = 52 +/- 7, Mean +/- SD) patients with plasma total cholesterol level > 240 mg/dl. Pravastatin significantly reduced plasma total and low density lipoprotein cholesterol levels as expected. All patients before and after treatment and 30 healthy controls performed a treadmill exercise test using the standard Bruce protocol. The cardiac performance was similar in all groups. Treadmill exercise did not influence lipid levels after plasma volume correction. Hypercholesterolemic patients had significantly higher pre-exercise levels of malondialdehyde, thromboxane beta 2 and beta-thromboglobulin than after treatment or than pre-exercise levels in the control group. Treatment with lipid lowering drug pravastatin lowered the levels of these three parameters. At peak exercise, superoxide dismutase activity and 6-keto-PGF1 alpha were elevated. At 10 min post exercise only malondialdehyde returned to pre-exercise levels. The superoxide dismutase, thromboxane B2 and beta-thromboglobulin remained significantly higher. In the control subjects plasma beta-thromboglobulin and thromboxane 2 returned to pre-exercise levels. These results suggest that hypercholesterolemia may induce lipid peroxidation and platelet activation in resting status. Lowering of plasma cholesterol of pravastatin causes a concomitant decrease in plasma malondialdehyde, thromboxane and beta-thromboglobulin suggesting a decrease in lipid peroxidation and platelet activation. These changes were more pronounced in the hypercholesterolemic patients. Pravastatin treatment attenuated the increase in both malondialdehyde, beta-thromboglobulin and the prostanoids, but not to the level of normal subjects.

Exercise testing and training in physically disabled men with clinical evidence of coronary artery disease

A prospective, randomized, controlled clinical trial in patients with coronary artery disease (CAD) and a concurrent physical disability evaluated the effects of a home exercise training program on cardiovascular function and blood lipids. Eighty-eight men between the ages of 42 and 72 years (mean 62) with documented CAD and a physical disability with functional use of > or = 2 extremities including 1 arm were randomized to either a 6-month home exercise training program using wheelchair ergometry or to a control group that received usual and customary care. Both groups received dietary instructions and were requested to follow a fat-controlled diet. Exercise test variables with echocardiography and blood lipids were measured at baseline and at 6 months. The home exercise training group significantly improved both peak exercise left ventricular ejection fraction (p = 0.007) and fractional shortening (p = 0.01) between baseline to 6 months, whereas the control group showed no significant changes. Exercise training effects of decreased resting heart rate (p = 0.03) and decreased peak rate pressure product (p = 0.03) were also found in the treatment group. No exercise-related cardiac complications occurred. Both groups significantly (p < or = 0.01) increased high-density lipoprotein cholesterol levels. These results indicate that physically disabled men with CAD can safely participate in a home exercise training program which may result in intrinsic cardiac benefits. The metabolic cost of activities of daily living imposed on this disabled population may also have a positive effect on high-density lipoprotein cholesterol levels.