The effects of exercise training on arterial stiffness in coronary artery disease patients: a state-of-the-art review

Impact of cardiac rehabilitation on ventricular-arterial coupling and left ventricular function in patients with acute myocardial infarction

To maintain efficient myocardial function, optimal coordination between ventricular contraction and the arterial system is required. Exercise-based cardiac rehabilitation (CR) has been demonstrated to improve left ventricular (LV) function. This study aimed to investigate the impact of CR on ventricular-arterial coupling (VAC) and its components, as well as their associations with changes in LV function in patients with acute myocardial infarction (AMI) and preserved or mildly reduced ejection fraction (EF). Effective arterial elastance (EA) and index (EAI) were calculated from the stroke volume and brachial systolic blood pressure. Effective LV end-systolic elastance (ELV) and index (ELVI) were obtained using the single-beat method. The characteristic impedance (Zc) of the aortic root was calculated after Fourier transformation of both aortic pressure and flow waveforms. Pulse wave separation analysis was performed to obtain the reflection magnitude (RM). An exercise-based, outpatient cardiac rehabilitation (CR) program was administered for up to 6 months. Twenty-nine patients were studied. However, eight patients declined to participate in the CR program and were subsequently classified as the non-CR group. At baseline, E' velocity showed significant associations with EAI (beta -0.393; P = 0.027) and VAC (beta -0.375; P = 0.037). There were also significant associations of LV global longitudinal strain (LV GLS) with EAI (beta 0.467; P = 0.011). Follow-up studies after a minimum of 6 months demonstrated a significant increase in E' velocity (P = 0.035), improved EF (P = 0.010), and LV GLS (P = 0.001), and a decreased EAI (P = 0.025) only in the CR group. Changes in E' velocity were significantly associated with changes in EAI (beta -0.424; P = 0.033). Increased aortic afterload and VA mismatch were associated with a negative impact on both LV diastolic and systolic function. The outpatient CR program effectively decreased aortic afterload and improved LV diastolic and systolic dysfunction in patients with AMI and preserved or mildly reduced EF.

MicroRNAs (miRNAs) role in hypertension: pathogenesis and promising therapeutics

Background

MicroRNAs (miRNAs) are small, non-coding RNA molecules that play a crucial role in regulating various cellular processes, including cell proliferation, differentiation, apoptosis, and disease development. Recent studies have highlighted the importance of miRNAs in the development and progression of essential hypertension, a common form of high blood pressure that affects millions of individuals worldwide. The molecular mechanisms by which miRNAs regulate hypertension are complex and multifaceted. MiRNAs target the 3' untranslated regions of mRNA molecules, thereby regulating the synthesis of specific proteins involved in cardiovascular function. For instance, miRNAs are known to regulate the expression of genes involved in blood vessel tone, cardiac function, and inflammation. The growing body of research on miRNAs in hypertension has highlighted their potential as therapeutic targets for managing this condition. Studies have shown that miRNA-based therapies can modulate the expression of key genes involved in hypertension, leading to improvements in blood pressure and cardiovascular function. However, more research is needed to fully understand the mechanisms of miRNA-mediated hypertension and to develop effective therapeutic strategies.

Conclusions

In summary, this review highlights the current understanding of the role of miRNAs in essential hypertension, including their molecular mechanisms and potential therapeutic applications. Further research is needed to fully understand the impact of miRNAs on hypertension and to develop new treatments for this common and debilitating condition.

Arterial Stiffness following Endurance and Resistance Exercise Sessions in Older Patients with Coronary Artery Disease

Arterial stiffness (AS) is associated with coronary artery disease (CAD). Acute endurance training decreases AS, whereas acute resistance training increases it. However, these results are from studies in apparently healthy adults, and there is no information on the effects of such afterload AS in elderly patients with CAD. We aimed to investigate the effect of acute endurance or resistance training on the time course of changes in the indices of AS in elderly patients with CAD in order to understand how stiffness responds after training. We tested 18 trained men with CAD. AS was measured using central and peripheral pulse wave velocity (PWV) after 15 min of rest and after 5, 15, and 30 min of endurance and resistance training sessions. The endurance session consisted of high-intensity interval walking at 85-90% of maximum heart rate, and the resistance session consisted of 70% of the maximum of one repetition. An interaction effect was found for central and peripheral PWV (p ≤ 0.001; carotid, η² = 0.72; aortic, η² = 0.90; femoral, η² = 0.74), which was due to an increase in PWV after resistance and a decrease in central and peripheral PWV after endurance. This study demonstrates that training mode influences the time course of AS responses to acute exercise in these patients. Acute endurance training decreased AS, whereas resistance training significantly increased it.

The benefit of exercise rehabilitation guided by 6-minute walk test on lipoprotein-associated phospholipase A2 in patients with coronary heart disease undergoing percutaneous coronary intervention: a prospective randomized controlled study

Background

Lipoprotein-associated phospholipase A2 (Lp-PLA2) has been taken as a biomarker of inflammation in patients with acute coronary diseases. Regular exercise rehabilitation could attenuate inflammation and promote the rehabilitation of coronary heart disease (CHD). The level of Lp-PLA2 is negatively correlated with 6-min walk test (6-MWT). The exercise prescription of appropriate intensity is the basis of exercise rehabilitation. 6-MWT is associated with maximal oxygen consumption, and can be used to determine the intensity of exercise prescription guiding patients how to do exercise rehabilitation. The aim of this study was to observe the benefit of 6-MWT guided exercise rehabilitation on the level of Lp-PLA2 in patients with CHD undergoing percutaneous coronary intervention (PCI).

Methods

We prospectively, consecutively enrolled 100 patients between Dec 2018 and Dec 2020 in the fourth ward of the Department of Cardiology, Yuebei People's Hospital Affiliated to Shantou University. Eligible patients were 1:1 divided into Group A, with no exercise rehabilitation, and Group B, with regular exercise rehabilitation, using random number table method of simple randomization allocation. Clinical data such as general information, the profile of lipids and the level of Lp-PLA2 were collected at baseline and at 12-week follow-up.

Results

There were no statistically significant differences of the percentages of gender, hypertension, type-2 diabetes mellitus (T2DM), the profile of lipids and level of Lp-PLA2 between the groups at baseline (P > 0.05). The level of Lp-PLA2 decreased at 12-week follow-up, moreover, the decline of the Lp-PLA2 level in Group B was more significant than that in Group A (t = 2.875, P = 0.005). Multivariate linear regression analysis indicated that exercise rehabilitation was independently correlated with the level of Lp-PLA2 (β′ = − 0.258, t = − 2.542, P = 0.013).

Conclusion

Exercise rehabilitation for 12 weeks guided by 6-MWT can further reduce the level of LP-PLA2 in patients with CHD undergoing PCI.

Trial registration This trial was registered on the Chinese Clinical Trial Registry: ChiCTR2100048124, registered 3 July 2021- Retrospectively registered. The study protocol adheres to the CONSORT guidelines.

Vascular Function in Patients After Myocardial Infarction: The Importance of Physical Activity

Background: Patients after myocardial infarction have impaired vascular function. However, effects of lifestyle, e.g., physical activity level, on endothelial function and arterial stiffness remain scarce. The aim of our study was to investigate effects of physical activity level and risk factors on endothelial function and arterial stiffness.

Methods: In this cross-sectional study, we ultrasonographically assessed parameters of vascular function, namely flow mediated dilation (FMD) of the brachial artery and carotid artery stiffness in patients after myocardial infarction referred to the cardiac rehabilitation. The International Physical Activity Questionnaire (IPAQ) was obtained from all participants. Based on the IPAQ, patients were classified into three groups: vigorous, moderate, and low physical activity engagement. ANOVA was used for comparison among three groups using Bonferroni correction to determine differences between two sub-groups.

Results: One hundred and eight patients after myocardial infarction (mean age 53 ± 10 years) were included. There were significant differences in terms of FMD (8.2 vs. 4.2 vs. 1.9%, p < 0.001) and pulse wave velocity (PWV), a measure of arterial stiffness (6.1 vs. 6.4 vs. 6.9 m/s, p = 0.004) among groups of vigorous, moderate, and low physical activity engagement, respectively. However, in younger patients only FMD remained associated with physical activity level, while arterial stiffness was not. Low physical activity engagement was a significant predictor of both FMD and PWV in univariate and multivariate models, adjusted for age, sex, and other risk factors.

Conclusion: Low physical activity level is associated with impaired endothelial function and increased arterial stiffness in patients after myocardial infarction. Future studies are warranted to address this issue in a context of cardiac rehabilitation protocols optimization in order to improve vascular function in these patients.

A Contemporary Review of the Effects of Exercise Training on Cardiac Structure and Function and Cardiovascular Risk Profile: Insights From Imaging

Exercise is a commonly prescribed therapy for patients with established cardiovascular disease or those at high risk for de novo disease. Exercise-based, multidisciplinary programs have been associated with improved clinical outcomes post myocardial infarction and is now recommended for patients with cancer at elevated risk for cardiovascular complications. Imaging studies have documented numerous beneficial effects of exercise on cardiac structure and function, vascular function and more recently on the cardiovascular risk profile. In this contemporary review, we will discuss the effects of exercise training on imaging-derived cardiovascular outcomes. For cardiac imaging via echocardiography or magnetic resonance, we will review the effects of exercise on left ventricular function and remodeling in patients with established or at risk for cardiac disease (myocardial infarction, heart failure, cancer survivors), and the potential utility of exercise stress to assess cardiac reserve. Exercise training also has salient effects on vascular function and health including the attenuation of age-associated arterial stiffness and thickening as assessed by Doppler ultrasound. Finally, we will review recent data on the relationship between exercise training and regional adipose tissue deposition, an emerging marker of cardiovascular risk. Imaging provides comprehensive and accurate quantification of cardiac, vascular and cardiometabolic health, and may allow refinement of risk stratification in select patient populations. Future studies are needed to evaluate the clinical utility of novel imaging metrics following exercise training.

Pulsatile Hemodynamics and Coronary Artery Disease

Coronary artery disease (CAD) is the leading cause of human death and has a high prevalence throughout the world. Therefore, it is important to detect CAD early and to apply individualized therapy according to the patients' risk. There is an increasing interest in pulsatile arterial hemodynamics in the cardiovascular area. Widely used measurements of arterial pulsatile hemodynamics include pulse pressure, pulse wave velocity and augmentation index. Here, we will review underlying pathophysiology linking the association of arterial pulsatile hemodynamics with CAD, and the usefulness of the measurements of pulsatile hemodynamics in the prediction of future cardiovascular events of CAD patients. Clinical and therapeutic implications will be also addressed.

Pulmonary rehabilitation, physical activity and aortic stiffness in COPD

Background

Patients with chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) have elevated cardiovascular risk, and cardiovascular disease is a major cause of death in COPD. The current literature indicates that changes in cardiovascular risk during pulmonary rehabilitation (assessed using aortic stiffness) are heterogeneous suggesting that there may be sub-groups of patients who do and do not benefit.

Objectives

To investigate the characteristics of COPD patients who do and do not experience aortic stiffness reduction during pulmonary rehabilitation, examine how changes relate to physical activity and exercise capacity, and assess whether changes in aortic stiffness are maintained at 6 weeks following rehabilitation.

Methods

We prospectively measured arterial stiffness (aortic pulse-wave velocity), exercise capacity (Incremental Shuttle Walk Test) and physical activity (daily step count) in 92 COPD patients who started a six week pulmonary rehabilitation programme, 54 of whom completed rehabilitation, and 29 of whom were re-assessed six weeks later.

Results

Whilst on average there was no influence of pulmonary rehabilitation on aortic stiffness (pre- vs. post pulse-wave velocity 11.3 vs. 11.1 m/s p = 0.34), 56% patients responded with a significant reduction in aortic stiffness. Change in aortic stiffness (absolute and/or percentage) during rehabilitation was associated with both increased physical activity (rho = − 0.30, p = 0.042) and change in exercise capacity (rho = − 0.32, p = 0.02), but in multivariable analysis most closely with physical activity. 92% of the responders who attended maintained this response six weeks later.

Conclusion

Elevated aortic stiffness in COPD is potentially modifiable in a subgroup of patients during pulmonary rehabilitation and is associated with increased physical activity.

Trial registration

ClinicalTrials.gov Identifier: NCT03003208. Registered 26/12/ 2016.

Arterial Stiffness is Associated With Moderate to Vigorous Physical Activity Levels in Post-Myocardial Infarction Patients

PURPOSE

Arterial stiffness has shown independent predictive value for all-cause and cardiovascular mortalities, as well as fatal and nonfatal coronary events. Physical activity (PA) is associated with reduced cardiovascular morbidity and mortality. The study aims to analyze the cross-sectional association of arterial stiffness with objectively measured PA in patients following acute myocardial infarction.

METHODS

One hundred patients were consecutively recruited after experiencing an acute myocardial infarction. Central arterial stiffness was measured through carotid-femoral pulse wave velocity (cf-PWV) and daily PA was assessed objectively during 7 consecutive days with accelerometers. To be valid, data required recordings of at least 8 hr/d on 5 d.

RESULTS

The cf-PWV showed a negative and significant association with total weekly time spent in moderate to vigorous PA (MVPA) (r = -0.416, P < .001). Patients classified as having higher risk according to arterial stiffness values (cf-PWV ≥10 m/sec) showed significantly lower time spent in MVPA than those below that threshold. The cf-PWV was significantly lower in patients performing >300 min of MVPA/wk than in those performing <150 min/wk (8.53 ± 2.08 vs 10.3 ± 2.44 m/sec, P = .021). Differences remained significant after adjustment for several confounders.

CONCLUSIONS

Moderate to vigorous PA was inversely associated with arterial stiffness and time spent in MVPA was lower in patients after acute myocardial infarction, with cf-PWV above the risk threshold value (≥10 m/sec). These results seem to reinforce the importance of PA as a nonpharmacological tool for secondary cardiovascular prevention.

Exercise training ameliorates bleomycin-induced epithelial mesenchymal transition and lung fibrosis through restoration of H2 S synthesis

AIMS

Clinical trials have shown the beneficial effects of exercise training against pulmonary fibrosis. This study aimed to investigate whether prophylactic intervention with exercise training attenuates lung fibrosis via modulating endogenous hydrogen sulphde (H₂ S) generation.

METHODS

First, ICR mice were allocated to Control, Bleomycin, Exercise, and Bleomycin + Exercise groups. Treadmill exercise began on day 1 and continued for 4 weeks. A single intratracheal dose of bleomycin (3 mg/kg) was administered on day 15. Second, ICR mice were allocated to Control, Bleomycin, H₂ S, and Bleomycin + H₂ S groups. H₂ S donor NaHS (28 μmol/kg) was intraperitoneally injected once daily for 2 weeks.

RESULTS

Bleomycin-treated mice exhibited increased levels of collagen deposition, hydroxyproline, collagen I, transforming growth factor (TGF)-β1, Smad2/Smad3/low-density lipoprotein receptor-related proteins (LRP-6)/glycogen synthase kinase-3β (GSK-3β) phosphorylation, and Smad4/β-catenin expression in lung tissues (P < 0.01), which was alleviated by exercise training (P < 0.01 except for Smad4 and phosphorylated GSK-3β: P < 0.05). Bleomycin-induced lung fibrosis was associated with increased α smooth muscle actin (α-SMA) and decreased E-cadherin expression (P < 0.01). Double immunofluorescence staining showed the co-localization of E-cadherin/α-SMA, indicating epithelial-mesenchymal transition (EMT) formation, which was ameliorated by exercise training. Moreover, exercise training restored bleomycin-induced downregulation of cystathionine-β-synthase (CBS) and cystathionine-γ-lyase (CSE) expression, as well as H₂ S generation in lung tissue (P < 0.01). NaHS treatment attenuated bleomycin-induced TGF-β1 production, activation of LRP-6/β-catenin signalling, EMT and lung fibrosis (P < 0.01 except for β-catenin: P < 0.05).

CONCLUSION

Exercise training restores bleomycin-induced downregulation of pulmonary CBS/CSE expression, thus contributing to the increased H₂ S generation and suppression of TGF-β1/Smad and LRP-6/β-catenin signalling pathways, EMT and lung fibrosis.

Arterial Stiffness is Related to Impaired Exercise Capacity in Patients With Coronary Artery Disease and History of Myocardial Infarction

BACKGROUND

Augmented arterial stiffness and reduced cardiorespiratory fitness are associated with increased morbidity and mortality from coronary artery disease (CAD). The relationship between exercise capacity and arterial stiffness is independent of known influencing variables in CAD. This study aimed to analyse the interaction between exercise capacity, arterial stiffness and early vascular ageing in patients with CAD.

METHODS

This cross-sectional study included 96 CAD patients with myocardial infarction (55.9±10.9years, 81 men) referred to cardiac rehabilitation. Arterial stiffness was assessed using carotid-femoral pulse wave velocity (cf-PWV). Cardiopulmonary exercise test was performed to measure VO₂peak. Comparisons of VO₂peak across cf-PWV risk threshold values (high-risk cf-PWV≥10m/s) and tertile groups, and across cf-PWV threshold values and age groups (younger group<60 years) were performed. Correlation tests were used to study the association between pair of variables.

RESULTS

Patients with high-risk cf-PWV had lower VO₂peak than those with low-risk cf-PWV (p<0.001). VO₂peak decreased across tertiles of cf-PWV, showing significantly lower values in the third tertile (p<0.001). There were no differences in the VO₂peak between younger patients with high-risk cf-PWV and older patients irrespective of their cf-PWV values. VO₂peak showed an upward trend in younger patients with low-risk cf-PWV compared to their age-mates with high-risk cf-PWV (p=0.09). VO₂peak was strongly and inversely correlated with cf-PWV (r=-0.502, p<0.001).

CONCLUSIONS

Arterial stiffening is associated with lower cardiorespiratory fitness in CAD patients with myocardial infarction. When its values are above risk threshold, exercise capacity is impaired regardless of the relationship between age and arterial stiffness.

Claimed effects, outcome variables and methods of measurement for health claims proposed under European Community Regulation 1924/2006 in the framework of protection against oxidative damage and cardiovascular health

BACKGROUND AND AIMS

The high number of negative opinions from the European Food Safety Authority (EFSA) to the requests for authorization of health claims is largely due to the design of human intervention studies, including the inappropriate choice of outcome variables (OVs) and of their methods of measurement (MMs). The present manuscript reports the results of an investigation aimed to collect, collate and critically analyse the information in relation to claimed effects, OVs and MMs, in the context of protection against oxidative damage and cardiovascular health compliant with Regulation 1924/2006.

METHODS AND RESULTS

Claimed effects, OVs and the related MMs were collected from EFSA Guidance documents and applications for authorization of health claims under Articles 13.5 and 14. The OVs and their MMs were evaluated only if the claimed effect was sufficiently defined and was considered beneficial by EFSA. The collection, collation and critical analysis of the relevant scientific literature consisted in the definition of the keywords, the PubMed search strategies and the creation of databases of references. The critical analysis of the OVs and their MMs was performed on the basis of the literature review and was aimed at defining the appropriateness of OVs and MMs in the context of the specific claimed effects.

CONCLUSIONS

The information provided in this document could serve to EFSA for the development of further guidance on the scientific requirements for health claims, as well as to the stakeholders for the proper design of human intervention studies aimed to substantiate such health claims.

Cardiac rehabilitation after acute coronary syndrome: Do all patients derive the same benefit?

INTRODUCTION

Cardiac rehabilitation (CR) has been demonstrated to improve exercise capacity in acute coronary syndrome (ACS), but not all patients derive the same benefit. Careful patient selection is crucial to maximize resources.

OBJECTIVE

To identify in a heterogeneous ACS population which patients would benefit the most with CR, in terms of functional capacity (FC), by using cardiopulmonary exercise testing (CPET).

METHODS

A retrospective analysis of consecutive ACS patients who underwent CR and CPET was undertaken. CPET was performed at baseline and after 36 sessions of exercise. Peak oxygen uptake (pVO₂), percentage of predicted pVO₂, minute ventilation/CO₂ production (VE/VCO₂) slope, VE/VCO₂ slope/pVO₂ and peak circulatory power (PCP) (pVO₂ times peak systolic blood pressure) were assessed in two moments. The differences in pVO₂ (ΔpVO₂), %pVO₂, PCP and exercise test duration were calculated. Patients were classified according to baseline pVO₂ (group 1, <20 ml/kg/min vs. group 2, ≥20 ml/kg/min) and left ventricular ejection fraction (group A, <50% vs. group B, ≥50%).

RESULTS

We analyzed 129 patients, 86% male, mean age 56.3±9.8 years. Both group 1 (n=31) and group 2 (n=98) showed significant improvement in FC after CR, with a more significant increase in pVO₂, in group 1 (ΔpVO₂ 4.4±7.3 vs. 1.6±5.4; p=0.018). Significant improvement was observed in CPET parameters in group A (n=34) and group B (n=95), particularly in pVO₂ and test duration.

CONCLUSION

Patients with lower baseline pVO₂ (<20 ml/kg/min) presented more significant improvement in FC after CR. CPET which is not routinely used in assessement before CR in context of ACS, could be a valuable tool to identify patients who will benefit the most.

Physical activity in primary and secondary prevention of cardiovascular disease: Overview updated

Although the observed progress in the cardiovascular disease treatment, the incidence of new and recurrent coronary artery disease remains elevated and constitutes the leading cause of death in the developed countries. Three-quarters of deaths due to cardiovascular diseases could be prevented with adequate changes in lifestyle, including increased daily physical activity. New evidence confirms that there is an inverse dose-response relationship between physical activity and cardiovascular disease and mortality risk. However, participation in moderate to vigorous physical activity may not fully attenuate the independent effect of sedentary activities on increased risk for cardiovascular diseases. Physical activity also plays an important role in secondary prevention of cardiovascular diseases by reducing the impact of the disease, slowing its progress and preventing recurrence. Nonetheless, most of eligible cardiovascular patients still do not benefit from secondary prevention/cardiac rehabilitation programs. The present review draws attention to the importance of physical activity in the primary and secondary prevention of cardiovascular diseases. It also addresses the mechanisms by which physical activity and regular exercise can improve cardiovascular health and reduce the burden of the disease.

Arterial stiffness and coronary artery disease

PURPOSE OF REVIEW

The current traditional risk scores are not sufficient to predict the full incidence of cardiovascular disease. In this brief review, we discuss the pathophysiological mechanisms through which arterial stiffness affects cardiac function and the additive value of markers of arterial stiffness, to detect the presence of coronary artery disease (CAD) and predict adverse outcome in these patients.

RECENT FINDINGS

Arterial stiffness causes early arrival of wave reflections in systole instead of diastole and, thus, increases systolic afterload and reduces diastolic coronary perfusion pressure. Abnormal collagen turnover, cytokines, and metalloproteinase activity are common biochemical links between vascular and myocardial stiffness. Pulse wave velocity, augmentation index, and central pressures measured by simple noninvasive methods are related to atheromatic plaque vulnerability, incidence, severity, and extent of CAD. Recent meta-analyses have shown the additive value of markers of arterial stiffness, and particularly of pulse wave velocity, to detect CAD, predict cardiovascular events, and reclassify patients to a higher cardiovascular risk. Studies assessing whether reduction of arterial stiffness is associated with improved prognosis are lacking.

SUMMARY

Markers of arterial stiffness are useful tools to identify early atherosclerosis and adverse clinical outcomes in young adults and individuals with a modest risk factor profile. Assessing arterial stiffness may facilitate cardiovascular risk stratification beyond traditional risk scores.

Does pulmonary rehabilitation reduce peripheral blood pressure in patients with chronic obstructive pulmonary disease?

Pulmonary rehabilitation (PR) can improve aerobic exercise capacity, health-related quality of life and dyspnoea in patients with chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD). Recent studies have suggested that exercise training may improve blood pressure and arterial stiffness, albeit in small highly selected cohorts. The aim of the study was to establish whether supervised outpatient or unsupervised home PR can reduce peripheral blood pressure. Resting blood pressure was measured in 418 patients with COPD before and after outpatient PR, supervised by a hospital-based team (HOSP). Seventy-four patients with COPD undergoing an unsupervised home-based programme acted as a comparator group (HOME). Despite significant improvements in mean (95% confidence interval) exercise capacity in the HOSP group (56 (50-60) m, p < 0.001) and HOME group (30 (17-42) m, p < 0.001) systolic blood pressure (SBP), diastolic blood pressure (DBP) and mean arterial blood pressure (MAP) did not change in either the HOSP (SBP: p = 0.47; DBP: p = 0.06; MAP: p = 0.38) or HOME group (SBP: p = 0.67; DBP: p = 0.38; MAP: p = 0.76). Planned subgroup analysis of HOSP patients with known hypertension and/or cardiovascular disease showed no impact of PR upon blood pressure. PR is unlikely to reduce blood pressure, and by implication, makes a mechanism of action in which arterial stiffness is reduced, less likely.

Mechanisms and therapeutic potential of microRNAs in hypertension

Hypertension is the major risk factor for the development of stroke, coronary artery disease, heart failure and renal disease. The underlying cellular and molecular mechanisms of hypertension are complex and remain largely elusive. MicroRNAs (miRNAs) are short, noncoding RNA fragments of 22-26 nucleotides and regulate protein expression post-transcriptionally by targeting the 3'-untranslated region of mRNA. A growing body of recent research indicates that miRNAs are important in the pathogenesis of arterial hypertension. Herein, we summarize the current knowledge regarding the mechanisms of miRNAs in cardiovascular remodeling, focusing specifically on hypertension. We also review recent progress of the miRNA-based therapeutics including pharmacological and nonpharmacological therapies (such as exercise training) and their potential applications in the management of hypertension.

Exercise training in the management of patients with resistant hypertension

Hypertension is a very prevalent risk factor for cardiovascular disease. The prevalence of resistant hypertension, i.e., uncontrolled hypertension with 3 or more antihypertensive agents including 1 diuretic, is between 5% and 30% in the hypertensive population. The causes of resistant hypertension are multifactorial and include behavioral and biological factors, such as non-adherence to pharmacological treatment. All current treatment guidelines highlight the positive role of physical exercise as a non-pharmacological tool in the treatment of hypertension. This paper draws attention to the possible role of physical exercise as an adjunct non-pharmacological tool in the management of resistant hypertension. A few studies have investigated it, employing different methodologies, and taken together they have shown promising results. In summary, the available evidence suggests that aerobic physical exercise could be a valuable addition to the optimal pharmacological treatment of patients with resistant hypertension.

Effect of exercise-based cardiac rehabilitation on arterial stiffness and inflammatory and endothelial dysfunction biomarkers: a randomized controlled trial of myocardial infarction patients

BACKGROUND

Arterial stiffness have shown an independent predictive value for cardiovascular and all-cause mortality.

OBJECTIVE

This study sought to evaluate the effects of an 8-week exercise-based cardiac rehabilitation program (ECR) on arterial stiffness, and on inflammatory and endothelial dysfunction biomarkers. Additionally, it was assessed two potential confounding variables, daily physical activity and dietary intake.

METHODS

In this parallel-group trial, 96 patients (56 ± 10 years) were randomized to either the exercise group (EG) or control group (CG) 4 weeks after suffering acute myocardial infarction (MI). ECR consisted of 8 weeks of aerobic exercise at 70-85% of maximal heart rate during 3 sessions weekly, plus usual care. CG participants received only usual care. Baseline and final assessments included arterial stiffness through carotid-femoral pulse wave velocity (cf-PWV), inflammatory and endothelial dysfunction biomarkers, daily physical activity, and dietary intake. (ClinicalTrials.gov: NCT01432639).

RESULTS

After 8 weeks, no significant changes were found between groups in cf-PWV, inflammatory and endothelial dysfunction biomarkers, daily physical activity, or dietary intake. Excluding those patients (n = 7) who did not attend, at least 80% of the exercise sessions provided similar results, excepting a significant reduction in cf-PWV in the EG compared to the CG.

CONCLUSIONS

A short-term ECR does not seem to reduce arterial stiffness and inflammatory and endothelial dysfunction biomarkers of post-MI patients under optimized medication. Nevertheless, the decrease of cf-PWV observed in the EG, when considering only those patients who attended at least 80% of exercise sessions, warrants further investigation.