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Effect of Chinese herbal medicine on vascular functions during 60-day head-down bed rest.
- Source :
-
European journal of applied physiology [Eur J Appl Physiol] 2015 Sep; Vol. 115 (9), pp. 1975-83. Date of Electronic Publication: 2015 May 09. - Publication Year :
- 2015
-
Abstract
- Purpose: Chinese herbal medicine is a promising countermeasure against cardiovascular dysfunction associated with a sedentary lifestyle. We examined the impact of the Chinese herb, Taikong Yangxin, on the micro- and macrovascular dysfunction associated with a 60-day bed rest.<br />Methods: Fourteen healthy men were randomly divided into two groups: those given herbal supplement, and the control group; the two groups underwent a 60-day bed rest. The macrovasculature was assessed by sonography. Skin microvascular functions were assessed with laser Doppler. The plasma level of endothelial microparticles (EMPs), markers of endothelial injury, was determined.<br />Results: Bed rest induced a 33 % decrease in the femoral artery diameter and compliance whereas carotid wall thickness, diameter, and compliance remained unchanged. The early phase of endothelium-dependent vasodilation to ACh was unmodified by bed rest, while the late phase was reduced by 30 % along with a twofold increase in EMPs. In those given Taikong Yangxin, the early phase was amplified by 2.5-fold, and the effects of bed rest on the late phase were prevented.<br />Conclusion: These findings indicate that Taikong Yangxin ameliorates endothelium-dependent vasodilation, likely by improving the NO pathway. The study suggests Taikong Yangxin as a new countermeasure to prevent the changes in microvascular function induced by physical inactivity.
Details
- Language :
- English
- ISSN :
- 1439-6327
- Volume :
- 115
- Issue :
- 9
- Database :
- MEDLINE
- Journal :
- European journal of applied physiology
- Publication Type :
- Academic Journal
- Accession number :
- 25957107
- Full Text :
- https://doi.org/10.1007/s00421-015-3176-y