Title: Impact of inflammation, oxidative stress and age on arterial stiffness and carotid artery intima-media thickness
Abstract: Objective. Regular aerobic training has beneficial effects on inflammatory pathways and on endothelial function, which are both important cardiovascular risk factors. The aim of the present study was to evaluate the effect of extreme physical load on vascular elasticity and inflammatory markers in well-trained healthy men who participated in a high-ranking combat course. Methods. Seven well-trained male cadets were examined during an international military combat course of 3.5-days duration. Small and large artery elasticity was assessed using diastolic pulse wave analysis. Inflammatory markers and vascular elasticity measurement were performed before and after the competition. Results. The extreme prolonged physical load in the cadets caused a different response in arterial elasticity, C-reactive protein (CRP) and creatine kinase depending on individual maximal oxygen consumption (VO2max/kg). VO2max/kg correlated significantly with the change (difference between baseline and 24-hour recovery period) of creatine kinase and small and large arterial elasticity. In multivariate analysis (R=0.89, p=0.01) the change of small artery elasticity index correlated strongly with VO2max/kg (p=0.005) and with the change of CRP (p=0.03). Whereas the change of large artery elasticity correlated only with VO2max/kg, no significant correlation was revealed for the changes of CRP. Conclusions. The major finding of the present study is that extreme prolonged physical stress in well-trained young men caused a different response in arterial elasticity, CRP and creatine kinase depending on individual maximal oxygen consumption. A change in small arterial elasticity significantly depended on VO2max/kg and on the change of CRP, whereas the change of large artery elasticity was only associated with VO2 max/kg, during the strenuous 3.5-day physical load. In addition, our preliminary results indicate that acute inflammation may affect small artery elasticity.
Publication Year: 2007
Publication Date: 2007-06-11
Language: en
Type: dissertation
Access and Citation
Cited By Count: 20
AI Researcher Chatbot
Get quick answers to your questions about the article from our AI researcher chatbot