Physical exercise and taurine supplementation restore endothelial dysfunction and antioxidant defense in obese rats.

Abstract

This study aimed to evaluate the effects of physical exercise (PE) and taurine (Tau) supplementation on endothelium‐dependent relaxation and oxidative stress biomarkers in obese rats. Thirty male Wistar rats were divided: lean control; obese sedentary; obese sedentary taking Tau or trained; and obese trained and taking Tau. Exercise training (treadmill: 20 m/min, 60 min, 5 days/week) and Tau supplementation (2%) started after 4 weeks of cafeteria diet consumption and was carried out for further 7 weeks. Data were analyzed using ANOVA and Tukey post‐hoc (p<0.05). Obese rats showed an impaired endothelium‐dependent relaxation to acetylcholine (about 26%) and higher plasma levels of TBARS (138%) and lower NOx (62%), compared to lean rats. Besides, Cu/Zn SOD and EC SOD aortic protein expression were reduced in obese rats (52% and 28%, for Cu/Zn and EC respectively). Either exercise or Tau restored the impaired endothelium‐dependent relaxation observed in obese sedentary rats. Both treatments increased NOx concentration (88% in Tau and 108% in exercised rats) and lowered TBARS (18% and 46% to Tau and exercised rats). Increase in aortic expression of Cu/Zn and EC SOD was also seen in Tau or exercised rats. Concomitant intervention with exercise+Tau did not produce additive effects. Physical exercise, as well Tau supplementation, improves endothelium‐dependent relaxation related to a reduction in oxidative stress due to improvement on antioxidant defense. Financial support: FAPESP