Premium
The Effects of Physical Activity on Arterial Structure and Function in Older Adults
Author(s) -
Tomayko Emily,
Mullen KerriAnne,
Heffernan Kevin,
Feeney Laura,
Evans Ellen,
Fernhall Bo,
Wilund Kenneth
Publication year - 2007
Publication title -
the faseb journal
Language(s) - English
Resource type - Journals
SCImago Journal Rank - 1.709
H-Index - 277
eISSN - 1530-6860
pISSN - 0892-6638
DOI - 10.1096/fasebj.21.6.a749-b
Subject(s) - arterial stiffness , osteocalcin , bone mineral , medicine , cardiology , endocrinology , blood pressure , osteoporosis , alkaline phosphatase , chemistry , biochemistry , enzyme
High levels of coronary artery calcium (CAC) are associated with cardiovascular disease mortality in older adults. Pharmacological interventions designed to prevent CAC are largely ineffective; the purpose of this study is to examine the effects of physical activity on the development of CAC and its relationship to bone mineral density and arterial function in older adults. In 25 adults age 60–80, 13 highly‐trained master athletes (MA) and 12 sedentary (SED), we measured CAC by electron beam computed tomography, bone mineral density by dual x‐ray absorptiometry, and carotid stiffness, compliance and intima‐media thickness by ultrasound. We also measured risk factors for CAC, including circulating levels of lipids and mineral regulatory proteins, including osteopontin, fetuin‐A and osteocalcin. Subjects completed a dietary recall and a calcium frequency questionnaire. Our preliminary data show a trend for lower CAC in the MA group, an inverse relationship between CAC and plasma osteocalcin and an inverse relationship between hip bone mineral density (BMD) and plasma osteocalcin. In addition, there was a positive correlation between plasma fetuin A and brachial compliance, and an inverse correlation between fetuin A and brachial stiffness. This data indicate that exercise may help attenuate the progression of CAC in older adults, and altering circulating levels of mineral regulatory proteins may benefit arterial health and BMD. Additional analysis of data from this ongoing study may provide further insight into the relationship between exercise, mineral metabolism, and arterial function and provide rationale for interventions designed to prevent the accumulation of CAC.