Integrative Physiology
Obesity (2008) 16 3, 578–584. doi:10.1038/oby.2007.87
The Flow-mediated Dilation Response to Acute Exercise in Overweight Active and Inactive Men
Ryan A. Harris1, Jaume Padilla1, Kevin P. Hanlon1, Lawrence D. Rink2 and Janet P. Wallace1
- 1Clinical Exercise Physiology Laboratory, Department of Kinesiology, School of Health, Physical Education and Recreation, Indiana University, Bloomington, Indiana, USA
- 2Internal Medicine Associates, Bloomington, Indiana, USA
Correspondence: Ryan A. Harris (harrisra@indiana.edu)
Received 23 March 2007; Accepted 12 July 2007; Published online 17 January 2008.
Abstract
Objective:
Inflammation has been found to play a role in the etiology of cardiovascular disease as well as provoke endothelial dysfunction. Inflammatory cytokines associated with endothelial function are interleukin-6 (IL-6) and tumor necrosis factor-
(TNF-). IL-6 is exercise intensity dependent and has been shown to inhibit TNF- expression directly. The aim of this study was to investigate the interaction of IL-6 and TNF- on endothelial function in response to acute exercise in overweight men exhibiting different physical activity profiles.
Methods and Procedures:
Using a randomized mixed factorial design, 16 overweight men (8 active, maximal exercise capacity (VO2peak) = 34.2 
1.7, BMI = 27.4 0.7 and 8 inactive, VO2peak = 30.9 1.2, BMI = 29.3 1.0) performed three different intensity acute exercise treatments. Brachial artery flow-mediated dilation (FMD) and subsequent blood samples were taken pre-exercise and 1 h following the cessation of exercise.
Results:
Independent of exercise intensity, the active group displayed a 24% increase (P = 0.034) in FMD following acute exercise compared to a 32% decrease (P = 0.010) in the inactive group. Elevated (P < 0.001) concentrations of IL-6 following moderate (50% VO2) and high (75% VO2) intensity acute exercise were observed in both groups; however, concentrations of TNF-
were unchanged in response to acute exercise (P = 0.584).
Discussion:
The FMD response to acute exercise is enhanced in active men who are overweight, whereas inactive men who are overweight exhibit an attenuated response. The interaction of IL-6 and TNF- did not provide insight into the physiological mechanisms associated with the disparity of FMD observed between groups.
