Effect of Aerobic Training on Concentration of Plasma Angiotensin-Converting Enzyme (ACE) in Postmenopausal Women

Abstract

Background: Angiotensin converting enzyme (ACE) is secreted from vascular endothelium. This enzyme is one of the main determinants of blood pressure regulation. This study aimed to investigate the effect of aerobic training on plasma concentration of angiotensin-converting enzyme in postmenopausal women. Methods: 14 postmenopausal women (40-65 years old) were enrolled. Plasma levels of angiotensin-converting enzyme, anthropometric indices, maximal oxygen uptake (VO2max), and systolic and diastolic blood pressure were measured before and after a training program. The exercise intensity started by 40-45% of maximum heart rate reserve for the first week and gradually received to 70-80% of maximum heart rate reserve in eight weeks. Findings: The plasma levels of angiotensin-converting enzyme after 8 weeks of aerobic exercise significantly increased (P = 0.020). In addition, a significant decrease in waist circumference was observed (P < 0.001). Maximal oxygen uptake increased significantly, too (P < 0.001). There was significant negative correlation between the changes in angiotensin-converting enzyme and the changes in waist circumference (P = 0.020, r = -0.601), weight (P = 0.020, r = -0.63) and body mass index (BMI) (P = 0.010, r = -0.637). Conclusion: This study indicated that aerobic training could increase plasma levels of angiotensin-converting enzyme in postmenopausal women, without significant changes in body composition and blood pressure. Further studies with more numbers of subjects are needed to confirm these results.

Keywords

• Angiotensin-converting enzyme
• Aerobic training
• Blood pressure
• Fat percentage
• Body composition