Inflammatory biomarkers are unrelated to endothelial-mediated vasodilation in physically active young men

Endothelial dysfunction has an important role in genesis of atherosclerosis and is depicted by a series of inflammatory and endothelial biomarkers. Shear stress arising from repeated episodes of increased blood flow with physical activity (PA) is a possible mechanism that improves vascular endothelial function. Our purpose was to examine whether inflammatory markers mediate the association between PA and endothelial function. Subjects were young, healthy men recruited according to recreational PA habits: high-active (n=21) vs. sedentary (n=17). Active subjects reported >45 min/day of moderate-vigorous physical activities, >4 days/week over 6 months, while sedentary subjects reported no recreational physical activity. Fasting serum samples were analyzed for C-reactive protein (CRP), tumor necrosis factor-alpha (TNF-α) and interleukin-6 (IL-6). Endothelial function was determined using flow-mediated dilation of the brachial artery induced by post ischemic reactive hyperemia. Hyperemia response was greater in the high-active than in sedentary men (30.2±8.2 vs. 24.3±5.2 mL/min/100mL; P