Exercise augments the modulatory effects of vitamin E on pre-diabetes-induced aortopathy: a potential role of adiponectin

Abstract

Background: We tested the hypothesis that vitamin E may protect against pre-diabetes-induced aortic injury (aortopathy), and exercise can augment the action of vitamin E.

Material and methods: Rats were either fed with a high fat and fructose diet (HFD) (model group) or a standard laboratory chow (control group) for 15 weeks before being sacrificed. The three protective groups were treated with vitamin E (HFD + Vit E), swimming exercises (HFD + Ex), and vitamin E plus swimming exercises (HFD + VitE + Ex), respectively.

Results: Aortopathy was developed in the model group as demonstrated by substantial tissue ultrastructural alterations, which were partially protected by vitamin E and effectively protected with vitamin E plus swim exercise. Also, swimming exercises significantly (p < .05) increased the modulatory effects of vitamin E on dyslipidemia, insulin resistance, blood pressure, oxidative stress, inflammation, leptin, and adiponectin, except coagulation and thrombosis.

Conclusions: Swim exercise augments the protective effects of vitamin E in a pre-diabetic animal model.

Keywords:

• Aortopathy
• pre-diabetes
• swim exercise
• vitamin E
• rat model

Disclosure statement

The authors declare no competing financial interests.

Additional information

Funding

This work was supported by King Khalid University [grant number KKU-Project No. R.G.P(0).1/27/38].