Aims: 

Sedentary lifestyle leads to the dramatic increase in the risk of cardiovascular mortality. Carbon monoxide produced by the heme-oxygenase enzyme (HO), and nitric oxide by nitric oxide synthase (NOS) have numerous beneficial actions towards the circulation. The reduced activity of these enzyme systems and the increased level of matrix metalloproteases (MMP) enhance cardiovascular risk. We investigated the effects of long-term recreational physical exercise on HO, NOS and MMP activity and expression. In addition we examined the influence of exercise on angina and myocardial prevention under in vivo and in vitro circumstances.

Methods: 

Male Wistar rats were placed into running wheel cages for 6 weeks. We measured 1.) HO and NOS enzyme activity and expression in the left ventricle (LV) and aorta; 2.) serum MMP-2 level; 3.) cardiac ischemia susceptibility (in vivo; lead II surface ECG); 4.) ischaemia-reperfusion injury of the heart (ex vivo); 5.) perfusion of the isolated heart.

Results: 

A 6 week-period of recreational physical activity led to 1.) the increase in HO activity in the LV and aorta, LV HO-1 isoenzyme expression, the enhancement of cNOS activity and eNOS isoenzyme expression in the LV and aorta; 2.) the reduction in MMP-2 level; 3.) the abolishment of ST segment depression; 4.) the reduction of myocardial infarct size; 5.) the improvement of perfusion of the isolated heart.

Conclusion: 

Long-term recreational type physical exercise has anti-angina action, and protects against ischaemia-reperfusion heart injury. The improved activation of the HO and NOS enzyme systems, and the reduction in MMP-2 level might participate in the cardio-protection provoked by recreational physical exercise.

Support: 

SROP 4.2.1/B-09-1/KNOV-210-0005, SROP 4.2.2.-08/1-2008-0006