Effects of Exercise on the Renin-angiotensin System

Not Applicable

• Conditions: COVID-19 Acute Respiratory Distress Syndrome
• Interventions: Other: VO2 Max test

• Registration Number: NCT05115383
• Lead Sponsor: Western University, Canada

Brief Summary

Angiotensin converting enzyme-2 (ACE2) is part of the renin-angiotensin system (RAS), which is involved in maintaining blood flow and electrolyte balance. It has been shown in obese and hypertensive individuals that levels of another molecule Angiotensin converting enzyme (ACE) are much higher, leading to inflammation, fibrosis, vasoconstriction and high blood pressure. ACE2 has a protective effect from ACE, leading to anti-inflammatory, anti-fibrotic and vasodilating effects.

In animal models, it has been shown that aerobic exercise can increase levels of ACE2, while decreasing levels of ACE and offers protection to the cardiovascular system by keeping these two molecules balanced. Although the effects of exercise on the classical arm of the RAS have been studied significantly, ACE2 is a relatively new discovery and has not been studied as extensively in humans. The purpose of this research is to determine the effects of exercise training status on the RAS, specifically on ACE2 and its products.

Detailed Description

The design of the proposed study is an intervention study, where participants are selected into either a physically active group or a sedentary group. The physically active group will be set as our control, as the physiological stress of the exercise protocol should be lower in the physically active group and limit the magnitude of the response. Both groups will be exposed to the same experimental procedure. Participants will be placed in their group based on their responses to the CSEP Get Active questionnaire. Individuals who do not accumulate less than 75 minutes of moderate to vigorous physical activity a week will be placed in the sedentary group, while those who accumulate more than 150 minutes will be placed in the active group.

Participants will be asked to avoid anti-Inflammatory medications, drugs, alcohol and smoking 48 hours prior to any of the sessions.

Participants in both groups will undergo the same testing procedure. Tests will include densitometry and a graded exercise test to measure maximum VO2 and associated parameters. Venipuncture (10 ml) will be performed before, after and 30 minutes post VO2 max test. The proposed study analysis will be conducted using a dependent groups ANOVA and Tukey's post hoc testing.

Study Timeline

• Study First Submitted: 2021-10-03
• Study First Submitted QC: 2021-10-29
• Study First Posted: 2021-11-10
• Status Verified: 2022-07
• Study Start: 2022-07-08
• Last Update Submitted: 2022-07-12
• Last Update Posted: 2022-07-15
• Primary Completion: 2022-12-31
• Study Completion: 2023-04-30

Recruitment & Eligibility

• Status: UNKNOWN
• Sex: All
• Target Recruitment: 24

Inclusion Criteria

• between the ages of 18-39
• ability to exercise to exhaustion
• ability to give informed consent

Exclusion Criteria

• chronic consumption of recreational drugs, tobacco or alcohol
• on any prescription medication or anti-inflammatory medications
• diagnosed with any chronic conditions
• current diagnosis with COVID-19
• BMI >30
• Engage in 75-150 minutes of moderate to vigorous physical activity a week

Study & Design

• Study Type: INTERVENTIONAL
• Study Design: PARALLEL

Arm && Interventions

Group	Intervention	Description
Sedentary Group	VO2 Max test	Individuals who are physically active for less than 75 minutes of moderate to vigorous physical activity a week will be placed in the sedentary group.
Active Group	VO2 Max test	Individuals who are physically active for greater than 150 minutes of moderate to vigorous physical activity will be placed in the active group.

Primary Outcome Measures

Name	Time	Method
Change in the mean response to an acute bout of physical activity in the components of the renin-angiotensin system	measurements will be taken before, immediately post and 30 minutes post exercise.	Measurements of Angiotensin(1-10) and Angiotensin(1-9) will be analyzed using ELISA kits.

Secondary Outcome Measures

Name	Time	Method
Changes in the baseline measurements of the renin-angiotensin system between physically active and sedentary males.	Measurements will be made prior to commencement of exercise protocols.	Ratios of Angiotensin(1-10) and Angiotensin(1-9) will be compared between the two groups

Trial Locations

Locations (1)

Exercise Nutrition Laboratory, Western University; 🇨🇦 London, Ontario, Canada