Cardiac performance, biomarkers and gene expression studies in previously sedentary men participating in half-marathon training

Abstract Background The mechanisms through which exercise reduces cardiovascular disease are not fully understood. We used echocardiograms, cardiac biomarkers and gene expression to investigate cardiovascular effects associated with exercise training. Methods Nineteen sedentary men (22–37 years) completed a 17-week half-marathon training program. Serial measurements of resting heart rate, blood pressure, maximum oxygen consumption, lipids, C-reactive protein, cardiac troponin T, echocardiograms and blood for gene expression were obtained from baseline to peak training. Controls included 22 sedentary men who did not exercise. Results Among the training group, VO2 max increased from 37.1 to 42.0 ml/kg/min (p 2 max identified loci that differentiated these two groups at baseline and after training. Conclusion Intensive exercise training leads to significant increase in cardiac and hemodynamic performance, and significant changes in expression of genes involved in immune and inflammatory response.