The Influence Of Physical Activity And Exercise On Physiological Markers And Genetic Determinants Of Blood Pressure: 1154 Board #9 2:00 PM – 3:30 PM

Schweitzer Natalie; Alessio, Helaine M. FACSM; Sen, Chandan K. FACSM; Roy, Sashwati; Hagerman, Ann E.

Medicine & Science in Sports & Exercise. 37:p S218, May 2005.

Author Information

¹Miami University, Oxford, OH.

²The Ohio State University Medical Center, Columbus, OH.

(Sponsor: Helaine Alessio, FACSM)

Email: schweinb@muohio.edu

The interaction of genetics and environment play a major role in health and disease. Physical activity Influences the expression of specific sets of gene that regulate critical physiological functions. Modeling experiments to investigate gene-environment interaction in a laboratory setting would provide the opportunity to gain mechanistic insight under controlled conditions. In laboratory research it is unclear if the gene-environment interaction of a sedentary lifestyle predisposes laboratory animals to hypokinetic diseases such as hypertension.

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PURPOSE

We sought to compare gene expression and physiological markers of hypertension in animals with: i. A sedentary lifestyle in a standard cage (SED); ii. access to twice-weekly physical activity in a large box outside a standard cage (PA); and iii. access to regular exercise in cages with running wheels (EX).

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METHODS

The GeneChip® Rat Genome 230 2.0 Array was used for comprehensive screening of the transcribed rat genome on a single array. Here, we report results related to genes directly associated with hypertension. Blood pressure was measured by a tail-cuff sphygmomanometer.

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RESULTS

Systolic blood pressure (SBP) was highest in the SED (140.6±3.1 mmHg) vs. EX (129.8±2.6 mmHg, F 1,28 =6.33, p < 0.05). Mean SBP and mean gene expressions showed the following significant correlations: SBP and farnesyl diphosphate farnesyl transferase 1 (Fdft1), r =0.95;SBP and very low-density lipoprotein receptor (Vldlr) r =0.52; and SBP and gap junction membrane channel protein alpha 1 (Gja1), r =0.36, p < 0.05. Fdft1, a regulator of lipid biosynthesis, was highest in SED followed by PA and EX (5713±101 vs. 5527±385 vs. 5097±145). Vldlr, a regular of cholesterol metabolism and lipid transport, was lower in SED vs PA (6899±144 vs. 7782±333, p < 0.05). Gja1, a regulator of cell signaling and heart rate, was lower in SED compared with EX (324±62 vs. 366.7±75, p < 0.05).

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CONCLUSIONS

These results indicate that a sedentary environment can induce hypertension and that certain blood pressure-regulating genes are expressed differently in SED compared to animals with access to either PA or EX.

Supported by NIH Grant 1 R15 AG 20526–01A1.

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Section Description

Posters Displayed One and one-half hour author presentation times are staggered among authors from²:00–3:30 p.m. and 3:30–5:00 p.m.

©2005The American College of Sports Medicine