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1562488 
Journal Article 
Endothelial dysfunction and cardiovascular risk. Exercise protects endothelial function and prevents cardiovascular disease 
Pellegrin, M; Mazzolai, L; Berthelot, A; Laurant, P 
2009 
1 
Science & Sports
ISSN: 0765-1597 
24 
2 
63-73 
WOS:000265326300001 
Aim. - To describe the characteristics of endothelial function and to review the biological mechanisms by which physical exercise training stimulates and/or restores endothelial function. Current knowledge. - Endothelial function, via the vasoprotective effects of nitric oxide (NO), plays a pivotal role in health and cardiovascular disease. Endothelial dysfunction has been identified as a major predictor of cardiovascular events. Therefore, endothelial function was regarded as the primary therapeutic target to prevent cardiovascular risk. Prospects. - Epidemiological work provides strong evidence that exercise directly improves endothelial function. Experimental studies have shown that regular exercise improves endothelial function through an increase in NO bioavailability. Exercise may stimulate NO production and/or decrease NO inactivation by increasing antioxidant capacity and/or attenuating prooxidant enzymes. Conclusion. - Current knowledge of biological protective mechanisms of exercise should encourage us to practice regular exercise to prevent and reduce cardiovascular mortality. (C) 2008 Elsevier Masson SAS. All rights reserved. 
Exercise; Endothelium; Shear stress; eNOS; NADPH oxydase