OBJECTIVES: To compare the inflammatory and oxidative stress (OS) states of adults with bronchiectasis with those of healthy controls and correlate inflammatory and OS levels with lung function and physical capacity. METHODS: This study used a cross-sectional design. Seventy-four adults with bronchiectasis (age: 49±15 years, forced expiratory volume in 1 second [FEV1]: 52.5±25.6%) and 42 healthy controls (age: 44±17 years, FEV1: 95.9±14.0%) performed cardiopulmonary exercise tests and incremental shuttle walking tests. Their physical activity in daily life, inflammatory cytokine, and antioxidant levels in plasma were measured. RESULTS: Compared to that of the controls, the levels of interleukin (IL)-6 (p<0.001), IL-10 (p<0.001), carbonylated proteins (p=0.001), and superoxide anions (p=0.046) were significantly increased in adults with bronchiectasis. Catalase activity was also reduced in this group (p<0.001). The inflammatory markers IL-1β, IL-6, and tumor necrosis factor-α correlated negatively with aerobic capacity (r=-0.408, r=-0.308, and r=-0.207, respectively). We observed similar correlations with OS markers (thiobarbituric acid and carbonyls; r=-0.290 and r=0.379, respectively), and these markers also significantly correlated with the aerobic capacity. CONCLUSIONS: Adults with bronchiectasis presented an increased systemic inflammatory response that correlated negatively with physical capacity.

OBJECTIVES: Acute post-stroke patients present cardiovascular autonomic dysfunction, which manifests as lower heart rate variability and impaired baroreflex sensitivity. However, few studies performed to date have evaluated cardiovascular autonomic function in chronic post-stroke patients. The aim of this study was to evaluate cardiovascular autonomic modulation in chronic post-ischemic stroke patients. METHODS: The seventeen enrolled subjects were divided into a stroke group (SG, n=10, 5±1 years after stroke) and a control group (CG, n=7). Non-invasive curves for blood pressure were continuously recorded (Finometer®) for 15 minutes while the subject was in a supine position. Heart rate variability and blood pressure variability were analyzed in the time and frequency domains. RESULTS: No differences were observed in systolic and diastolic pressure and heart rate between post-stroke patients and healthy individuals. The SG group had lower indexes for heart rate variability in the time domain (standard deviation of normal to normal R-R intervals, SDNN; variance of normal to normal R-R intervals, VarNN; and root mean square differences of successive R-R intervals, RMSSD) and a lower high-frequency band for heart rate variability than was observed in the CG. Systolic blood pressure variability and the low-frequency band for systolic pressure were higher in post-stroke patients, while the alpha index was lower in the SG than in the CG. CONCLUSION: After ischemic stroke, affected patients present chronically reduced heart rate variability, impaired cardiac vagal modulation, increased systolic blood pressure variability and higher sympathetic vascular modulation along with impaired baroreflex sensitivity, which can increase the risk of cardiovascular events, despite adequate blood pressure control.

Introdução: Achados da literatura sugerem que oscilações dos hormônios sexuais femininos podem alterar o consumo máximo de oxigênio (VO2max).Objetivo: Comparar o VO2max entre ratos machos (M, n=8), fêmeas nas fases ovulatórias (OV, n=8) ou não-ovulatórias (NOV, n=8) do ciclo estral e ooforectomizadas (OS, n=8).Métodos: A avaliação do consumo de oxigênio foi realizada em esteira rolante com caixa metabólica acoplada.Resultados: Em repouso, o VO2 foi semelhante entre os grupos estudados. O grupo M apresentou maior VO2max em relação ao grupo NOV, mas valores semelhantes ao do grupo OV. O VO2max foi menor no grupo ooforectomizado (OS: 62±3 ml.kg-1.min-1) quando comparado aos demais grupos (M: 92±2; NOV: 77±4; OV: 87±3 ml.kg-1.min-1).Conclusões: Esses achados evidenciam que a variação hormonal decorrente das diferentes fases do ciclo estral e da privação dos hormônios ovarianos pode induzir alterações no consumo máximo de oxigênio em ratos.

Introduction: Literature findings suggest that fluctuations of female sex hormones may change the maximum oxygen consumption (VO2max).Objective:To compare the VO2max among male rats (M, n = 8), female rats on ovulatory (OV, n=8) or non-ovulatory (NOV, n=8) phases of the estrous cycle and ovariectomized (OS, n=8).Methods:The evaluation of oxygen consumption was performed on a treadmill coupled with metabolic box.Results: At rest VO2 was similar among groups. The M group had a higher VO2max compared to the NOV group, however showed similar values when compared to OV group. The VO2max was lower in the ovariectomized group (OS: 62±3 ml.kg-1.min-1) compared to other groups (M: 92±2; NOV: 77 ± 4; OV: 87 ± 3 ml.kg-1.min-1).Conclusions: These findings suggest that hormonal variation resulting from different phases of the estrous cycle and ovarian hormone deprivation can induce changes in maximal oxygen uptake in rats.

Introducción: Hallazgos de la literatura sugieren que oscilaciones de las hormonas sexuales femeninas pueden alterar el consumo máximo de oxígeno (VO2max).Objetivo: Comparar el VO2max entre ratas machos (M, n=8), hembras en las fases ovulatorias (OV, n=8) o no ovulatorias (NOV, n=8) del ciclo estral y ooforectomizadas (OS, n=8).Métodos: La evaluación del consumo de oxígeno fue realizada en cinta rodante con caja metabólica acoplada.Resultados: En reposo, el VO2 fue semejante entre los grupos estudiados. El grupo M presentó mayor VO2max en relación al grupo NOV, pero valores semejantes a los del grupo OV. El VO2max fue menor en el grupo ooforectomizado (OS: 62±3 ml.kg-1.min-1) cuando comparado a los demás grupos (MS: 92±2; NOV: 77±4; OV: 87±3 ml.kg-1.min-1).Conclusiones: Esos hallazgos evidencian que la variación hormonal proveniente de las diferentes fases del ciclo estral y de la privación de las hormonas ováricas puede inducir alteraciones en el consumo máximo de oxígeno en ratas.

OBJETIVO: Avaliar a influência do número de séries nas alterações cardiovasculares e na variabilidade da frequência cardíaca (VFC) pós exercício resistido (ER) em homens fisicamente ativos. MÉTODOS: A amostra foi composta por 13 homens (27,38 ± 1,59 anos), normotensos, praticantes de musculação, submetidos a duas rotinas de musculação. A rotina 1 (R1) foi composta por duas séries de 10RM com intervalo de um minuto entre as séries e dois minutos entre os exercícios, e a rotina 2 (R2) foi similar a R1, no entanto, com três séries para cada exercício. A pressão arterial (PA), o intervalo de pulso (IP) e a VFC foram medidos em repouso e no período de recuperação (60 minutos) do ER. RESULTADOS: O ER induziu redução da PA sistólica pós-R1 (pré: 119,4 ± 1,70 versus pós: 110,8 ± 1,80 mmHg) e R2 (pré: 121,6 ± 2,20 versus pós: 110,3 ± 1,11 mmHg). Entretanto, a PA diastólica (pré: 71,2 ± 1,80 versus pós: 64,3 ± 2,40 mmHg) e a PA média (pré: 88,0 ± 1,60 versus pós: 80,7 ± 1,60 mmHg) reduziram somente após a R2, observando-se frequência cardíaca (FC) aumentada neste momento. A R2 promoveu redução da variância do IP na recuperação quando comparada à R1. Somente a R2 induziu aumento da banda de baixa frequência e redução da banda de alta frequência do IP em relação ao repouso. CONCLUSÃO: A redução da PA foi associada ao maior número de séries, mas não com redução da FC e/ou da modulação simpática cardíaca em praticantes de musculação.

OBJECTIVE: To evaluate the influence of the number of sets on cardiovascular changes and heart rate variability (HRV) in resistance exercise (RE) recovery period in physically active men. METHODS: The sample was composed of 13 (27.38 ± 1.59 years) normotensive men, practitioners of RE. Two RE routines were performed: routine 1 (R1) consisted of two sets of 10RM with 1 minute between sets and 2 minutes between exercises; and routine 2 (R2) was similar to R1; however, with three sets of each exercise. Blood pressure (BP), pulse interval (PI) and HRV were measured at rest and during recovery (60 minutes) from the RE. RESULTS: RE induced reduction in systolic BP after R1 (pre: 119.4 ± 1.70 vs. post: 110.8 ± 1.80 mmHg) and R2 (pre: 121.6 ± 2.20 vs. post: 110 3 ± 1.11 mmHg). However, diastolic BP (pre: 71.2 ± 1.80 vs. post: 64.3 ± 2.40 mmHg) and mean BP (pre: 88.0 ± 1.60 vs. post: 80.7 ± 1.60 mmHg) reduced only after the R2, and heart rate (HR) was increased at this time. The R2 promoted variance of PI reduction in the recovery when compared to the R1. Furthermore, only the R2 induced increase in low frequency band and reduction in high frequency band of PI compared to rest values. CONCLUSION: BP reduction was associated with higher number of sets, but not with reduction in HR and/or cardiac sympathetic modulation in RE practitioners.

OBJECTIVE: High fructose consumption contributes to the incidence of metabolic syndrome and, consequently, to cardiovascular outcomes. We investigated whether exercise training prevents high fructose diet-induced metabolic and cardiac morphofunctional alterations. METHODS: Wistar rats receiving fructose overload (F) in drinking water (100 g/l) were concomitantly trained on a treadmill (FT) for 10 weeks or kept sedentary. These rats were compared with a control group (C). Obesity was evaluated by the Lee index, and glycemia and insulin tolerance tests constituted the metabolic evaluation. Blood pressure was measured directly (Windaq, 2 kHz), and echocardiography was performed to determine left ventricular morphology and function. Statistical significance was determined by one-way ANOVA, with significance set at p<0.05. RESULTS: Fructose overload induced a metabolic syndrome state, as confirmed by insulin resistance (F: 3.6 ± 0.2 vs. C: 4.5 ± 0.2 mg/dl/min), hypertension (mean blood pressure, F: 118 ± 3 vs. C: 104 ± 4 mmHg) and obesity (F: 0.31±0.001 vs. C: 0.29 ± 0.001 g/mm). Interestingly, fructose overload rats also exhibited diastolic dysfunction. Exercise training performed during the period of high fructose intake eliminated all of these derangements. The improvements in metabolic parameters were correlated with the maintenance of diastolic function. CONCLUSION: The role of exercise training in the prevention of metabolic and hemodynamic parameter alterations is of great importance in decreasing the cardiac morbidity and mortality related to metabolic syndrome.

O objetivo do presente estudo foi verificar os efeitos de uma sessão de exercício aeróbio (SEA) no perfil metabólico e hemodinâmico em filhos de diabéticos do tipo II. Jovens saudáveis do sexo masculino foram divididos em dois grupos: filhos de diabéticos (FD, n = 7) e filhos de normoglicêmicos (FN, n = 7). Foram realizadas medidas metabólicas (triglicérides e glicemia) e cardiovasculares (pressão arterial, PA, e frequência cardíaca, FC) em repouso, durante e após a SEA. A SEA foi realizada em esteira ergométrica com duração de 30 minutos e intensidade progressiva. Os grupos apresentaram valores semelhantes em relação ao triglicérides, PA e FC em repouso. A glicemia de jejum do grupo FD foi maior em relação ao grupo FN (99 ± 2 versus 89 ± 2mg/dL). O grupo FD apresentou maior resposta cronotrópica no início da SEA quando comparado ao grupo FN (86 ± 4 versus 125 ± 8bpm), mas a FC foi semelhante entre os grupos nas demais intensidades. No quinto minuto de recuperação da SEA a FC foi maior no grupo FD comparado ao grupo FN (FN: 88 ± 3 versus FD: 97 ± 4bpm). A PA foi semelhante entre os grupos durante e após a SEA. Os resultados demonstram que filhos de diabéticos jovens já apresentam alterações metabólicas em repouso e resposta exacerbada da FC no início e nos primeiros minutos de recuperação da SEA, sugerindo um maior risco cardiovascular nessa população.

The aim of this study was to verify the effects of one aerobic exercise session (AES) on the metabolic and hemodynamic profile in diabetes type II offspring. Healthy young males were assigned into 2 groups: diabetic offspring (DO, n=7) and euglicemic offspring (EO, n=7). Metabolic (triglycerides and glucose levels) and cardiovascular (arterial pressure, AP, heart rate, HR) measures were realized before, during and after the AES. The AES was realized on a treadmill during 30 minutes, with progressive intensity. The groups showed similar triglycerides, AP and HR values at rest. The glucose level was higher in DO group when compared to the ED group (99±2 vs. 89±2 mg/dL). The DO group showed higher chronotropic response at the beginning of AES when compared to the EO group (86±4 vs. 125±8 bpm), however, the HR was similar between the groups at the other exercise intensities. At the fifth minute of the recovery, the HR was higher in the DO group when compared to the EO group (FN: 88 ± 3 vs FD: 97± 4 bpm). The AP was similar between groups during and after the AES. The results showed that young diabetic offspring presented metabolic alterations at rest, and exacerbated HR response at the beginning and in the recovery period of the AES, suggesting a higher cardiovascular risk in this population.

OBJECTIVES: To investigate the effects of hyperglycemia on left ventricular dysfunction, morphometry, myocardial infarction area, hemodynamic parameters, oxidative stress profile, and mortality rate in rats that had undergone seven days of myocardial infarction. INTRODUCTION: Previous research has demonstrated that hyperglycemia may protect the heart against ischemic injury. METHODS: Male Wistar rats were divided into four groups: control-sham, diabetes-sham, myocardial infarction, and diabetes + myocardial infarction. Myocardial infarction was induced 14 days after diabetes induction. Ventricular function and morphometry, as well as oxidative stress and hemodynamic parameters, were evaluated after seven days of myocardial infarction. RESULTS: The myocardial infarction area, which was similar in the infarcted groups at the initial evaluation, was reduced in the diabetes + myocardial infarction animals (23 ± 3%) when compared with the myocardial infarction (42 ± 7%, p<0.001) animals at the final evaluation. The ejection fraction (22%, p = 0.003), velocity of circumferential fiber shortening (30%, p = 0.001), and left ventricular isovolumetric relaxation time (26%, p = 0.002) were increased in the diabetes + myocardial infarction group compared with the myocardial infarction group. The diabetes-sham and diabetes + myocardial infarction groups displayed increased catalase concentrations compared to the control-sham and myocardial infarction groups (diabetes-sham: 32± 3; diabetes + myocardial infarction: 35± 0.7; control-sham: 12 ± 2; myocardial infarction: 16 ± 0.1 pmol min-1 mg-1 protein). The levels of thiobarbituric acid-reactive substances were reduced in the diabetes-sham rats compared to the control-sham rats. These positive adaptations were reflected in a reduced mortality rate in the diabetes + myocardial infarction animals (18.5%) compared with the myocardial infarction animals (40.7%, p = 0.001). CONCLUSIONS: These data suggest that short-term hyperglycemia initiates compensatory mechanisms, as demonstrated by increased catalase levels, which culminate in improvements in the ventricular response, infarcted area, and mortality rate in diabetic rats exposed to ischemic injury.

The aging process is associated with alterations in the cardiovascular and autonomic nervous systems. Autonomic changes related to aging involve parasympathetic and sympathetic alterations leading to a higher incidence of cardiovascular disease morbidity and mortality. Several studies have suggested that physical exercise is effective in preventing deleterious changes. Chronic exercise in geriatrics seems to be associated with improvement in the cardiovascular system and seems to promote a healthy lifestyle. In this review, we address the major effects of aging on the autonomic nervous system in the context of cardiovascular control. We examine the use of chronic exercise to prevent cardiovascular changes during the aging process.

OBJETIVO: avaliar o estresse oxidativo em tecido cardíaco de ratas ooforectomizadas, com ou sem terapia hormonal. MÉTODOS: ratas Wistar foram divididas em três grupos: grupo controle (GC), grupo ooforectomizada (GO) e grupo ooforectomizada + suplementação hormonal (GOS). A privação estrogênica foi obtida pela ooforectomia bilateral. Uma semana após a ooforectomia, um pellet de 1,5 mg de 17beta-estradiol foi implantado nos animais do grupo GOS. Nove semanas após a ooforectomia, o tecido cardíaco foi obtido para a análise do estresse oxidativo por meio da medida da quimiluminescência e da atividade das enzimas antioxidantes catalase (CAT), superóxido dismutase (SOD) e glutationa peroxidase (GPx). RESULTADOS: a quimiluminescência estava aumentada no GO (7348±312 cps/mg proteína) quando comparado ao GC (6250±41 cps/mg proteína, p<0,01), mas não houve diferença significante entre GC e GOS (6170±237 cps/mg proteína). A ooforectomia reduziu a atividade da SOD (22%, p<0,001) e da CAT (35%, p<0,05) no GO comparado ao GC. A terapia hormonal normalizou a atividade das enzimas antioxidantes no GOS. Não houve significância estatística na atividade da GPx quando os grupos estudados foram comparados. CONCLUSÕES: a privação dos hormônios ovarianos induziu aumento do estresse oxidativo e redução das defesas antioxidantes no tecido cardíaco. No entanto, a terapia hormonal preveniu o estresse oxidativo após a ooforectomia, provavelmente devido a um aumento das enzimas CAT e SOD no músculo cardíaco. Esses achados sugerem uma importante participação do estresse oxidativo nas disfunções cardiovasculares observadas em mulheres após a menopausa, reforçando a importância da terapia hormonal para o manejo dos riscos de doenças cardiovasculares neste grupo de mulheres.

PURPOSE: to evaluate oxidative stress in cardiac tissue of ovariectomized rats, with and without hormonal therapy. METHODS: female Wistar rats were divided in three groups: control group (CG); ovariectomized group (OG); ovariectomized group with estrogen supplementation (ESG). The estrogen deprivation was done through bilateral ovariectomy. After one week from the ovariectomy, a pellet of 1.5 mg of 17beta-estradiol was implanted in the ESG animals. Nine weeks after the ovariectomy, cardiac tissue was obtained for the analysis of the oxidative stress through CL (chemiluminescence), and measurement of antioxidant enzymes catalase (CAT), superoxide dismutase (SOD) and gluthatione peroxidase (GPx). RESULTS: CL was increased in the OG (7348±312 cps/mg protein) when compared with the CG (6250±41 cps/mg protein, p<0.01), but there was no significant difference between the CG and the ESG (6170±237 cps/mg protein). Ovariectomy reduced SOD (35%, p<0.05) and CAT (22%, p<0.001) activities in the OG as compared with the CG. Hormonal therapy normalized antioxidant enzymes activities in the ESG. There was no statistically significant difference in GPx activity among the groups studied. CONCLUSIONS: ovarian hormone deprivation induced an increase of oxidative stress with reduction of antioxidant defenses in the cardiac tissue. However, hormonal therapy prevented oxidative stress after ovariectomy, probably due to an increase of the CAT and SOD activities in the cardiac muscle. These findings suggest an important oxidative stress contribution in cardiovascular dysfunctions observed in women after menopause, reinforcing the importance of hormonal therapy in the management of cardiovascular diseases risk in this group of women.

OBJETIVO: O objetivo do presente estudo foi investigar a modulação autonômica do sistema cardiovascular em ratos espontâneamente hipertensos (SHR) e diabéticos por estreptozotocina (STZ), avaliando a sensibilidade do reflexo barorreceptor e a variabilidade da pressão arterial e da freqüência cardíaca. MÉTODOS: Ratos SHR machos foram divididos em grupos controle (SHR) e diabéticos (SHR+DM, 5 dias após STZ). A pressão arterial (PA) e a sensibilidade dos barorreceptores (avaliada pelas respostas taquicárdicas e bradicárdicas a alterações da PA) foram monitoradas. Os sinais de pressão arterial sistólica (PAS) e o intervalo de pulso (IP) foram analisados no domínio do tempo e da freqüência pelo método autoregressivo sendo quantificados os componentes oscilatórios de baixa (BF: 0,2-0,6Hz) e alta (AF:0,6-3,0Hz) freqüência. RESULTADOS: A PA média e a freqüência cardíaca estavam reduzidas no grupo SHR+DM (131±3 mmHg e 276±6 bpm) em relação ao grupo SHR (160±7 mmHg e 330±8 bpm). A bradicardia reflexa a aumentos de PA estava atenuada no grupo SHR+DM quando comparada ao grupo SHR (0,55±0,1 vs 0,97±0,1 bpm/mmHg). A variabilidade da PAS no domínio do tempo (desvio padrão batimento-a-batimento da série temporal da PAS) foi menor no grupo SHR+DM (3,1±0,2 mmHg) quando comparada ao grupo SHR (5,7±0,6 mmHg). O desvio padrão do IP foi semelhante entre os grupos. O diabetes reduziu o componente BF da PAS (3,3±0,8 vs 28,7±7,6 mmHg² no SHR), mas não alterou o componente AF da PAS. Em relação aos componentes oscilatórios do IP não houve diferença entre os grupos. CONCLUSÕES: Estes resultados sugerem que a associação de hipertensão e diabetes causa uma importante diminuição da modulação simpática cardiovascular periférica que poderia, pelo menos em parte, ser responsável pela redução da PA. Além disso, este estudo demonstra que o diabetes pode, de fato, piorar a já reduzida função de tamponamento dos barorreceptores ao mesmo tempo em que reduz a pressão arterial.

OBJECTIVE: The aim of the present study was to evaluate the autonomic modulation of the cardiovascular system in streptozotocin (STZ)-induced diabetic spontaneously hypertensive rats (SHR), evaluating baroreflex sensitivity and arterial pressure and heart rate variability. METHODS: Male SHR were divided in control (SHR) and diabetic (SHR+DM, 5 days after STZ) groups. Arterial pressure (AP) and baroreflex sensitivity (evaluated by tachycardic and bradycardic responses to changes in AP) were monitored. Autoregressive spectral estimation was performed for systolic AP (SAP) and pulse interval (PI) with oscillatory components quantified as low (LF:0.2-0.6Hz) and high (HF:0.6-3.0Hz) frequency ranges. RESULTS: Mean AP and heart rate in SHR+DM (131±3 mmHg and 276±6 bpm) were lower than in SHR (160±7 mmHg and 330±8 bpm). Baroreflex bradycardia was lower in SHR+DM as compared to SHR (0.55±0.1 vs. 0.97±0.1 bpm/mmHg). Overall SAP variability in the time domain (standard deviation of beat-by-beat time series of SAP) was lower in SHR+DM (3.1±0.2 mmHg) than in SHR (5.7±0.6 mmHg). The standard deviation of the PI was similar between groups. Diabetes reduced the LF of SAP (3.3±0.8 vs. 28.7±7.6 mmHg2 in SHR), while HF of SAP were unchanged. The power of oscillatory components of PI did not differ between groups. CONCLUSIONS: These results show that the association of hypertension and diabetes causes an impairment of the peripheral cardiovascular sympathetic modulation that could be, at least in part, responsible for the reduction in AP levels. Moreover, this study demonstrates that diabetes might actually impair the reduced buffer function of the baroreceptors while reducing blood pressure.

Insulinoterapia, atividade física regular e planejamento alimentar, em conjunto, consistem na abordagem mais completa no tratamento de portadores de diabetes mellitus tipo 1 (DM1). Estudos clínicos e experimentais têm evidenciado os benefícios do treinamento físico em indivíduos com DM1, tais como melhora na sensibilidade à insulina, redução das doses de insulina e atenuação das disfunções autonômicas e cardiovasculares. Essa revisão aborda as adaptações fisiológicas ao treinamento físico no indivíduo com DM1 e discute as recomendações e prescrição de atividade física para esta população.

Insulin therapy, regular physical activity and an individualized dietary plan are considered to be the ideal approach for the treatment plan of type 1 diabetes mellitus (T1DM) patients. Clinical and experimental studies have shown the benefits of exercise training in T1DM, as demonstrated by insulin sensitivity improvement, reduction in insulin requirement and an attenuation of autonomic and cardiovascular dysfunction. This review explores the physiological adaptations to exercise training in T1DM, and discuss the guidelines for physical activity recommendations and prescription in this setting.