The effect of eight weeks combined exercise training on the levels of adropin and VEGFR-2 in obese men with hypertension

Hypertension is one of the main risk factors for cardiovascular disease that mostly associated with obesity and physical inactivity. The aim of present study was to identify the effect of eight weeks combined exercise training on the levels of adropin and VEGFR-2 in obese men with hypertension.

24 obese men with hypertension (systolic blood pressure more than 140 or diastolic blood pressure more than 90 mmHg) assigned in two control and combined training group. Combined training program conducted for eight weeks and three sessions per week. In each combined training session, firstly circuit resistance training and immediately after endurance training performed. 48 hours after last exercise session, blood samples collected and adropin and VEGFR-2 levels were measured by ELISA method. Data were analyzed by SPSS software version 24 and analysis of covariance test.

The results showed that adropin (p=0.041) and VEGFR-2 (p>0.001) significantly increased in combined exercise training group compared to control group. Decrease in systolic blood pressure (p>0.001) and lipid profile improvement (p<0.05) were also significant in combined training group in comparison to control group.

Although, the information is limited about the effects of combined exercise training on hypertension, but the present study results indicated that positive effects of combined training in control of blood pressure in hypertensive patients partly related to up regulation of Adropin and VEGFR-2 levels.