α‐Linolenic acid and exercise training independently and additively decrease blood pressure and prevent diastolic dysfunction in obese Zucker rats

摘要

Key points class="unordered" style="list-style-type:disc" id="tjp12361-list-0001">α‐linolenic acid (ALA) and exercise training both attenuate hyperlipidaemia‐related cardiovascular derangements, however, there is a paucity of information pertaining to their mechanisms of action when combined.We investigated both the independent and combined effects of exercise training and ALA consumption in obese Zucker rats, aiming to determine the potential for additive improvements in cardiovascular function.ALA and exercise training independently improved cardiac output, end‐diastolic volume, left ventricular fibrosis and mean blood pressure following a 4 week intervention.Combining ALA and endurance exercise yielded greater improvements in these parameters, independent of changes in markers of oxidative stress or endogenous anti‐oxidants.We postulate that divergent mechanisms of action may explain these changes: ALA increases peripheral vasodilation, and exercise training stimulates angiogenesis.