Young women are protected against leg endothelial dysfunction induced by adoption of a Westernized lifestyle

Abstract

BackgroundA Westernized lifestyle is characterized by sedentary behavior and consumption of diets high in refined sugars. This lifestyle is associated with weight gain, insulin resistance and the development of cardiovascular disease (CVD). Endothelial dysfunction is one of the key events in the pathogenesis of CVD. We have previously demonstrated that short‐term exposure to physical inactivity results in popliteal artery endothelial dysfunction evaluated by flow‐mediated dilation (FMD) in healthy men. However, it is unknown if transition to a Westernized lifestyle differentially impacts upper‐ and lower‐limb vascular health of healthy young women versus men.MethodsTwelve recreationally active women (aged 23±1 yrs; BMI 22.2±1.02 kg/m2) and 9 men (aged 27±2 years; BMI 24.73±1.27 kg/m2) were recruited from the community to undergo a 10‐day intervention period of sedentary behavior combined with consumption of six cans of high‐fructose carbonated soda per day. Ambulation, body composition, brachial (arm) and popliteal (leg) artery FMD and biochemical parameters were assessed at baseline and at the end of the intervention.ResultsAdoption of a sedentary behavior (reduction in ambulation from 12383±382 steps/day to 3992±151steps/day; p=0.0001) and high‐fructose consumption for 10 days did not result in significant changes in body weight or percent fat mass, but increased fasting triglycerides (basal: 63±7.26 vs. post: 79±9.23, p=0.04) and HOMA‐insulin resistance index (basal: 0.6±0.1 vs. post: 1.0±0.1, p=0.001), independent of sex. Notably, the Westernized lifestyle reduced popliteal artery FMD in men (basal: 5.7±1.0 vs. post: 3.1±0.8, p=0.04) but not in women (basal: 3.6±0.7 vs. post: 5.7±0.9, p=0.05). Brachial artery FMD remained unchanged following the intervention in both men and women.ConclusionsOur results indicate that physically active young females, but not males, are protected from leg endothelial dysfunction induced by short‐term exposure to a Westernized lifestyle.Support or Funding Informationnone