Korean J Obes.  2015 Sep;24(3):126-131. 10.7570/kjo.2015.24.3.126.

Vascular Endothelial Dysfunction and Exercise in Metabolic Syndrome Patients

Affiliations
  • 1Division of Health and Exercise Science, College of Arts and Physical Education, Incheon National University, Incheon, Korea.
  • 2Department of Physical Education, College of Natural Sciences, Kunsan National University, Gunsan, Korea. simyoungje@gmail.com

Abstract

Metabolic syndrome, a constellation of cardiovascular disease risk factors, is a global pandemic. Over 30% of the adult population in both South Korea and the United States are currently classified as having metabolic syndrome. Vascular endothelial function is a precursor of future atherosclerotic cardiovascular disease. Conduit artery flow-mediated dilation using ultrasonography is considered the non-invasive, gold standard for assessing nitric oxide-mediated vascular endothelial function. Patients with metabolic syndrome commonly exhibit increased insulin resistance and hyperglycemia, which are thought to impair vascular endothelial function by increasing oxidative stress and reducing nitric oxide bioavailability in the vascular endothelium and in smooth muscle cells. Previous findings have indicated that long-term aerobic exercise has a positive effect on impaired vascular endothelial function in metabolic syndrome patients, but the underlying mechanisms have not been fully elucidated. Therefore, further studies are needed that will apply different exercise modalities and intensities with the goal of improving vascular endothelial function in patients with metabolic syndrome, as well as investigation of the associated mechanisms. Ultimately, well-designed future studies will help to establish and develop exercise prescription and/or exercise therapy programs that can reduce cardiovascular disease risk and improve cardiovascular health in metabolic syndrome patients.

Keyword

Metabolic syndrome; Flow-mediated dilation; Vascular endothelium; Cardiovascular disease; Exercise

MeSH Terms

Adult
Arteries
Biological Availability
Cardiovascular Diseases
Endothelium, Vascular
Exercise
Exercise Therapy
Humans
Hyperglycemia
Insulin Resistance
Korea
Myocytes, Smooth Muscle
Nitric Oxide
Oxidative Stress
Pandemics
Prescriptions
Risk Factors
Ultrasonography
United States
Nitric Oxide
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