Rockville, Md. (November 11, 2020) – In this study, researchers studied how untrained intrinsic exercise capacity influences cardiovascular physiology. It was conducted in a rat model of low-capacity running (LCR) and high-capacity running (HCR).
The findings indicate LCR rats showed signs of dysfunction in arteries important for blood pressure regulation and in the fat surrounding blood vessels. By contrast, HCR rats duplicated qualities important for health such as improved vascular relation. Using a rat model where the mitochondrial DNA was swapped between LCR rats and HCR rats, scientists found that LCR with the mitochondrial DNA of HCR showed signs of improved vascular function while HCR with the mitochondrial DNA of LCR displayed signs of poor cardiovascular function. Therefore, elevated exercise capacity, inherited in part from a subject’s parents, is fundamental for health by reducing the burden of chronic diseases and preventing early death.
Read the full article, “Intrinsic exercise capacity and mitochondrial DNA lead to opposing vascular-associated risks,” published ahead of print in Function. Contact the APS Communications Office or call 301.634.7314 to schedule an interview with a member of the research team.
