Mitochondria, a Therapeutic Target of Aerobic Exercise for the Vascular Homeostasis

Abstract

PURPOSE The purpose of this review was to determine the role of mitochondria in the maintenance of vascular homeostasis and to investigate the benefit of exercise in the regulation of mitochondrial integrity. METHODS In this review, a literature review was performed to summarize the role of mitochondria in the functional maintenance of vasculature and the effect of aerobic exercise training on the mitochondrial quantity- and quality-control. RESULTS Enhancing structural and functional integrity of mitochondria is regarded as a novel therapeutic target for the prevention and the improvement of cardiovascular diseases. Mitochondria have been regarded as the intracellular power plant for the generation of ATP, the molecular resource of intracellular energy transfer. However, the role of mitochondria goes beyond the oxidative phosphorylation in the vasculature. Mitochondrial dysfunction is directly associated with the development of cardiovascular diseases, such as atherosclerosis, hypertension, hyperlipidemia, and diabetes, by enhancing pro-inflammatory, pro-apoptotic, and pro-senescent mechanisms. Regular training of aerobic exercise may contribute to the maintenance of vascular homeostasis by regulating mitochondrial biogenesis, dynamics, and clearance. CONCLUSIONS Mitochondria are the emerging therapeutic target of the aerobic exercise for the maintenance and the improvement of vascular homeostasis.

Keywords

• aerobic exercise
• mitochondria
• endothelial cells
• vascular homeostasis
• cardiovascular disease