Angiotensin-(1-7) oral formulation improves physical performance in mountain bike athletes: a double-blinded crossover study

Background

The ECA2/Ang-(1–7)/Mas axis is shown to be involved in effects mediated by physical exercise, as it can induce the release of nitric oxide (ON) and bradykinin (BK), which are potent vasodilators. The vasodilating action the NO/BK can contribute to increased metabolic efficiency in muscle tissue and central nervous system. The formulation HPβ-CD-Ang-(1–7) through its mechanisms of action can be a promising supplement to aid in the maintenance and improvement of performance and may also favor recovery during competitions. The premise of this study was to investigate the effects of acute oral supplementation HPβ-CD-Ang-(1–7) on the performance of mountain bike (MTB) practitioners.

Methods

Fourteen recreational athletes, involved in training programs for at least one year, participated in this crossover design study. Subjects underwent two days of testing with a seven-day interval. HPβ-CD-Ang-(1–7) (1.75 mg) and HPβCD-Placebo were provided in capsules three hours prior to tests. To determine the safety of the HPβ-CD-Ang-(1–7) formulation associated with physical effort, cardiovascular parameters heart rate (HR) and blood pressure (BP) were analyzed. Physical performance was measured using maximal oxygen uptake (VO₂), total exercise time (TET), mechanical work (MW), mechanical efficiency (ME), and rating of perceived exertion (RPE). Respiratory exchange coefficient (REC), lactate and non-esterified fatty acids (NEFAs) were measured. Maximal incremental tests were performed on a progressively loaded leg cycle ergometer.

Results

There were no significant differences in terms of HR or BP at rest and maximum effort between the HPβ-CD-Ang-(1–7) and placebo groups. The VO₂max showed significant differences (p = 0.04). It was higher in the Ang-(1–7)condition (66.15 mlO₂.kg^− 1.min^− 1) compared to the placebo (60.72 mlO₂.kg^− 1.min^− 1). This was also observed for TET (Ang-(1–7) 39.10 min vs. placebo 38.14 min; p = 0.04), MW (Ang-(1–7) 156.7 vs. placebo 148.2; p = 0.04), and at the lowest RPE (Ang-(1–7) vs. placebo; p = 0.009). No significant differences were observed for REC, NEFAs, or Lactate.

Conclusions

These results suggest that HPβ-CD-Ang-(1–7) improves the physical performance of MTB recreational athletes and could be a promising supplement.

Trial registration

RBR-2 × 56pw8, registered January 15th, 2021. The study was prospectively registered.