We demonstrated the hypothesis that combined exercise improves body composition, cardiometabolic risk factors, blood pressure (BP), arterial stiffness, and physical functions, in obese older men. Older men (n = 20) were randomly assigned to combined exercise training (EXP; n = 10) or control groups (CON; n = 10). The combined exercise was comprised of elastic-band resistance training and walking/running on a treadmill and bicycle at 60–70% of maximal heart rate for 3 days/weeks. EXP showed significant decreases in body weight, body mass index, and %body fat (p < 0.05). The exercise program significantly reduced BP, mean arterial pressure, pulse pressure, and brachial-ankle pulse wave velocity. Furthermore, while the plasma levels of low-density lipoprotein cholesterol and epinephrine were significantly reduced in EXP, VO₂ peak and grip strength were significantly enhanced (p < 0.05). In conclusion, it is indicated that 12-week regular combined exercise improves body composition, cardiometabolic risk factors, hemodynamics, and physical performance in obese older men.

The endothelial cell barrier regulates the passage of fluid between the bloodstream and underlying tissues, and barrier function impairment exacerbates the severity of inflammatory insults. To understand how inflammation alters vessel permeability, we studied the effects of the proinflammatory cytokine TNFα on transendothelial permeability and electrophysiology in ex vivo murine veins and arteries. We found that TNFα specifically decreased the barrier function of venous endothelium without affecting that of arterial endothelium. On the basis of RNA expression profiling and protein analysis, we found that claudin-11 (CLDN11) was the predominant claudin in venous endothelial cells and that there was little, if any, CLDN11 in arterial endothelial cells. Consistent with a difference in claudin composition, TNFα increased the permselectivity of Cl⁻ over Na⁺ in venous but not arterial endothelium. The vein-specific effects of TNFα also required the activation of Pannexin 1 (Panx1) channels and the CD39-mediated hydrolysis of ATP to adenosine, which subsequently stimulated A_2A adenosine receptors. Moreover, the increase in vein permeability required the activation of the Ca²⁺ channel TRPV4 downstream of Panx1 activation. Panx1-deficient mice resisted the pathologic effects of sepsis induced by cecal ligation and puncture on life span and lung vascular permeability. These data provide a targetable pathway with the potential to promote vein barrier function and prevent the deleterious effects of vascular leak in response to inflammation.

Resistance artery vasodilation in response to hypoxia is essential for matching tissue oxygen and demand. In hypoxia, erythrocytic hemoglobin tetramers produce nitric oxide through nitrite reduction. We hypothesized that the alpha subunit of hemoglobin expressed in endothelium also facilitates nitrite reduction proximal to smooth muscle. Here, we create two mouse strains to test this: an endothelial-specific alpha globin knockout (EC Hba1Δ/Δ) and another with an alpha globin allele mutated to prevent alpha globin’s inhibitory interaction with endothelial nitric oxide synthase (Hba1WT/Δ36–39). The EC Hba1Δ/Δ mice had significantly decreased exercise capacity and intracellular nitrite consumption in hypoxic conditions, an effect absent in Hba1WT/Δ36–39 mice. Hypoxia-induced vasodilation is significantly decreased in arteries from EC Hba1Δ/Δ, but not Hba1WT/Δ36–39 mice. Hypoxia also does not lower blood pressure in EC Hba1Δ/Δ mice. We conclude the presence of alpha globin in resistance artery endothelium acts as a nitrite reductase providing local nitric oxide in response to hypoxia.

As blood flow is proportional to the fourth power of the vascular radius small changes in the diameter of resistance arteries/arterioles following an increase in intraluminal pressure would be expected to substantially increase blood flow. However, arteriolar myocytes display an intrinsic ability to locally regulate blood flow according to metabolic demands by tuning the diameter of small arteries in response to local changes in he-modynamics. Critical to this, observations were made more than 100 years ago that mechanosensitive small arteries exhibit the “myogenic response” or pressure-induced vasoconstriction or vasodilation in re-sponse to increased or decreased intravascular pressure, respectively. Although cellular mechanisms underlying the myogenic response have now been studied extensively, the precise cellular mechanisms under-lying this intriguing phenomenon still remain uncertain. In particular, the biological machinery that senses changes in intravascular pressure in vascular smooth muscle cells have not been unquestionably identified and remain a significant issue in vascular biology to be fully elucidated. As such, this brief review focuses on putative mechanosensors that have been proposed to contribute to myogenic vasoreactivity. Specific attention is paid to the roles of integrins, G protein-coupled receptors, and cadherins.

PURPOSE: This study provides fundamental data required to promote the physical and mental health of college students by exploring their subjective health perception relative to physical activity level.METHODS: Individual, in-depth interviews were conducted in 2023 to assess the subjective health perception of eight collegiate students relative to their physical activity levels.RESULTS: The findings indicated that university students do not adhere to physical activity guidelines, with variations in preferences and motivations for engaging in different types of physical activities. Muscle-strengthening exercises were performed most often, reflecting a specific focus on building strength and muscle mass. Although most participants considered themselves healthy, contrasting perceptions existed regarding factors such as alcohol consumption and smoking. The participants actively engaged in diverse physical activities, thereby expressing a positive perception of the value of exercise. Furthermore, the participants demonstrated a proactive approach to health management by avoiding unhealthy foods and incorporating health supplements, exhibiting a deep understanding and commitment to maintaining their well-being. Almost all participants reported overall improvement in stamina from intense physical activities. However, perspectives on the health-enhancing effects of moderate physical activity varied, with some participants expressing uncertainty and others considering it to be the most suitable exercise for their health conditions. Approximately 50% of the participants emphasized the health benefits of strength training, citing its positive effects on muscle strength and increased self-confidence through an improved external image.CONCLUSIONS: This study explored the subjective health perceptions related to physical activity among eight university students, revealing a preference for strength training, generally positive health perceptions, and proactive health management strategies. These findings emphasize the need for personalized exercise programs based on individual health conditions.

PURPOSE: Decreased cerebral blood flow (CBF) is a common symptom in older adults with mild cognitive impairment (MCI). Aerobic exercise is a promising therapeutic intervention for delaying or ameliorating age-related CBF deterioration in older individuals. The review outlines the differences in CBF between healthy older individuals and those with MCI, as well as the benefits of aerobic exercise in augmenting CBF in older adults.METHODS: We used academic search engines, including PubMed, Web of Science, Scopus, Google Scholar, and the Wiley Online Library, to identify studies demonstrating alterations in CBF with aging and the preventive and therapeutic effects of aerobic exercise on CBF in older adults. The keywords included ‘mild cognitive impairment,’ ‘elderly or older people,’ ‘cerebral blood flow,’ ‘cerebral perfusion,’ and ‘aerobic exercise.’RESULTS: Aerobic exercise improves or maintains health by enhancing CBF and cognitive function in healthy older individuals. The beneficial impact applies to older people with MCI, although research has been inconsistent regarding aerobic exercise-induced alterations in CBF.CONCLUSIONS: Aerobic exercise is a promising treatment for MCI in older adults and promotes CBF and cognitive function. However, some studies have reported inconsistent findings regarding changes in CBF. The inconsistencies may be due to several factors, including health and age. Further investigations are warranted to delineate the effects of aerobic exercise on CBF in older adults with MCI.