Endothelial Dysfunction, Inflammation, and Exercise

Abstract

Vascular endothelial function is essential for the maintenance of health of the vessel wall and for the vasomotor control in both conduit and resistance vessels. These functions are due to the production of numerous vasomodulators, of which nitric oxide (NO) has been the most significant and the most widely studied. Endothelial function deteriorates with age and in the presence of several other risk factors for atherosclerosis, including diabetes, obesity, hypercholesterolemia, hypertension, hyperhomocysteinemia, and smoking. In addition, endothelial dysfunction is highly related with chronic vascular inflammation and is considered to be an independent risk factor for atherosclerosis. Physical training has beneficial effects on multiple cardiovascular risk factors, such as dyslipidemia, hypertension, diabetes, and cardiovascular events, by augmenting endothelial, NO-dependent vasodilation in both large and small arteries. In addition, physical activity shows beneficial effect on the chronic vascular inflammation, reducing most of the biochemical inflammation markers.