Moderate Intensity Exercise Is Associated With Decreased Angiotensin-converting Enzyme, Increased β2-Adrenergic Receptor Gene Expression, and Lower Blood Pressure in Middle-Aged Men

Abstract

Purpose:The purpose of the current study was to characterize the role of aerobic exercise in the gene expression of the angiotensin-converting enzyme (ACE) and the β2-adrenergic receptor (ADRB2) in untrained men.Methods:Twenty untrained middle-aged men were randomly assigned to exercise (Exe) and control (Con) groups. The Exe group performed aerobic exercises for eight weeks. ACE mRNA and ADRB2 mRNA were determined by PCR.Results:The expression of ACE in week 4 and in the Exe group decreased significantly (p < .001). ADRB2 in the Exe group, in week 4 and in week 8, was markedly higher, and blood pressure was significantly lower than in the Con group (p < .001). In the Con group ADRB2 mRNA decreased.Conclusion:These results suggest that moderate intensity exercise promotes the leukocyte expression of gene markers that may affect blood pressure by improving cardiovascular fitness levels in middle-aged men.