%0 Journal Article
%T Molecular Mechanisms in Exercise-Induced Cardioprotection
%A Saeid Golbidi
%A Ismail Laher
%J Cardiology Research and Practice
%D 2011
%I Hindawi Publishing Corporation
%R 10.4061/2011/972807
%X Physical inactivity is increasingly recognized as modifiable behavioral risk factor for cardiovascular diseases. A partial list of proposed mechanisms for exercise-induced cardioprotection include induction of heat shock proteins, increase in cardiac antioxidant capacity, expression of endoplasmic reticulum stress proteins, anatomical and physiological changes in the coronary arteries, changes in nitric oxide production, adaptational changes in cardiac mitochondria, increased autophagy, and improved function of sarcolemmal and/or mitochondrial ATP-sensitive potassium channels. It is currently unclear which of these protective mechanisms are essential for exercise-induced cardioprotection. However, most investigations focus on sarcolemmal KATP channels, NO production, and mitochondrial changes although it is very likely that other mechanisms may also exist. This paper discusses current information about these aforementioned topics and does not consider potentially important adaptations within blood or the autonomic nervous system. A better understanding of the molecular basis of exercise-induced cardioprotection will help to develop better therapeutic strategies. 1. Introduction It is generally accepted that regular exercise is an effective way for reducing cardiovascular morbidity and mortality [1]. Physical inactivity and obesity are also increasingly recognized as modifiable behavioral risk factors for a wide range of chronic diseases, including cardiovascular diseases. Furthermore, epidemiologic investigations indicate that the survival rate of heart attack victims is greater in physically active persons compared to sedentary counterparts [2]. Several large cohort studies have attempted to quantify the protective effect of physical activity on cardiovascular and all cause mortality. Nocon et al. [3] in a meta-analysis of 33 studies with 883,372 participants reported significant risk reductions for physically active participants. All-cause mortality was reduced by 33%, and cardiovascular mortality was associated with a 35% risk reduction. Exercise capacity or cardiorespiratory fitness is inversely related to cardiovascular and all-cause mortality, even after adjustments for other confounding factors [4¨C6]. The American College of Sports Medicine defines exercise as ˇ°Any and all activity involving generation of force by the activated muscle(s) that results in disruption of a homeostatic stateˇ±. Exercise is classified by the type, intensity, and duration of activity. Endurance exercise reflects prolonged and continuous periods of contractile activity
%U http://www.hindawi.com/journals/crp/2011/972807/