Retinal endothelial function in cardiovascular risk patients: A randomized controlled exercise trial. (28th October 2019)

• Record Type: Journal Article
• Authors: Streese, Lukas; Kotliar, Konstantin; Deiseroth, Arne; Infanger, Denis; Gugleta, Konstantin; Schmaderer, Christoph; Hanssen, Henner
• Is Part Of: Scandinavian journal of medicine & science in sports. Volume 30:Number 2(2020)
• Page Start: 272
• Page End: 280
• Publication Date: 2019-10-28
• Subjects: cardiovascular disease -- cerebrovascular health -- high‐intensity interval training -- retinal microcirculation; Sports medicine -- Periodicals; Sports -- Physiological aspects -- Periodicals; Sports -- Periodicals; 617.1027
• DOI: 10.1111/sms.13560
• Languages: English
• ISSNs: 0905-7188

Abstract

Abstract : The aim of this study was to investigate, for the first time, the effects of high‐intensity interval training (HIIT) on retinal microvascular endothelial function in cardiovascular (CV) risk patients. In the randomized controlled trial, middle‐aged and previously sedentary patients with increased CV risk (aged 58 ± 6 years) with ≥ two CV risk factors were randomized into a 12‐week HIIT (n = 33) or control group (CG, n = 36) with standard physical activity recommendations. A blinded examiner measured retinal endothelial function by flicker light‐induced maximal arteriolar (ADmax) and venular (VDmax) dilatation as well as the area under the arteriolar (AFarea) and venular (VFarea) flicker curve using a retinal vessel analyzer. Standardized assessments of CV risk factors, cardiorespiratory fitness, and retinal endothelial function were performed before and after HIIT. HIIT reduced body mass index, fat mass, and low‐density lipoprotein and increased muscle mass and peak oxygen uptake (VO2peak). Both ADmax (pre: 2.7 ± 2.1%, post: 3.0 ± 2.2%, P = .018) and AFarea (pre: 32.6 ± 28.4%*s, post: 37.7 ± 30.6%*s, P = .016) increased after HIIT compared with CG (ADmax, pre: 3.2 ± 1.8%, post: 2.9 ± 1.8%, P = .254; AFarea, pre: 41.6 ± 28.5%*s, post: 37.8 ± 27.0%*s, P = .186). Venular function remained unchanged after HIIT. There was a significant association between ∆‐change VO2peak and ∆‐changes ADmax and AFarea ( P = .026, R 2 = 0.073; P = .019, R 2 = 0.081, respectively). 12‐weeks of HIIT improved retinal endothelial function in middle‐aged patients with increased CV risk independent of the reduction in classical CV risk factors. Exercise has the potential to reverse or at least postpone progression of small vessel disease in older adults with increased CV risk under standard medication. Dynamic retinal vessel analysis seems to be a sensitive tool to detect treatment effects of exercise interventions on retinal microvascular endothelial function in middle‐aged individuals with increased CV risk.