Exercise training initiated at old stage of lifespan attenuates aging-and ovariectomy-induced cardiac and renal oxidative stress: Role of baroreflex

• Published in: Experimental gerontology Vol. 124; p. 110635
• Main Authors: da Silva Dias, Danielle, Moraes-Silva, Ivana C., Bernardes, Nathalia, de Oliveira Brito-Monzani, Janaina, Stoyell-Conti, Filipe Fernandes, Machi, Jacqueline Freire, Llesuy, Susana, Irigoyen, Maria-Claudia, De Angelis, Kátia
• Format: Journal Article
• Language: English
• Published: England Elsevier Inc 01.09.2019
• Subjects: Aging; Autonomic nervous system; Exercise training; Hemodynamics; Menopause; Oxidative stress; Aging; Oxidative stress; Exercise training; Hemodynamics; Autonomic nervous system; Menopause
• ISSN: 0531-5565; 1873-6815
• DOI: 10.1016/j.exger.2019.110635

The association of aging and menopause is a potent risk factor for cardiometabolic disease. We studied the impact of aerobic exercise training (ET) initiated in the old stage of lifespan in hemodynamics, metabolic, autonomic and oxidative stress. Aged (18 months old) female Wistar rats were divided into: ovariectomized and untrained (AG-OVX), and ovariectomized and trained (AG-OVXt, ET for 8 weeks). Intact aged (AG) and young female rats (3 months old; Y) were also studied. Blood pressure and metabolic parameters were measured. Baroreflex sensitivity (BRS) was studied by bradycardic (BR) and tachycardic (TR) responses to vasoactive drugs. Cardiac and renal lipid peroxidation (LPO), catalase (CAT), superoxide dismutase (SOD) and gluthatione peroxidase (GPx), and gluthatione redox balance (GSH/GSSG) were analyzed. AG-OVXt group increased aerobic performance in 35%, decreased adipose tissue and triglycerides in 36% and 27%, respectively, and improved insulin tolerance in 50% in comparison to AG-OVX. AG-OVX presented hypertensive levels of blood pressure (systolic: 155 ± 5, diastolic: 111 ± 3 mmHg). In contrast, AG-OVXt presented blood pressure values similar to Y rats (systolic: 129 ± 3, diastolic: 112 ± 3 mmHg). TR and BR were reduced by 70% and 46%, respectively, in AG-OVX vs. Y. Once more, AG-OVXt presented similar results to Y. ET decreased LPO in the heart and kidney. In the latter, renal CAT and SOD were corrected by ET, while cardiac redox balance was partially recovered. Improved BRS was correlated with improved oxidative stress markers. Even when initiated after aging and ovariectomy deleterious effects, ET is able to normalize BRS and highly improve cardiac and renal oxidative stress. •Exercise training benefits exist even when initiated in late stages of lifespan.•Cardiometabolic effects of aging and menopause can be highly improved by training.•Baroreflex and oxidative stress seem to be key mechanisms in exercise-induced improvements.