Physical Activity and Atherosclerosis: Which Animal Model?

Abstract

Atherosclerosis is a progressive disease that is the most important single contributor to human cardiovascular morbidity and mortality. Epidemiologic studies show that physical activity, or routine exercise, reduces the risk of developing cardiovascular disease. The mechanisms through which exercise may function in primary or secondary prevention of atherosclerosis remain largely to be established. Most studies in humans are performed after the onset of clinical signs when disease is well advanced and the prescription of exercise is based on empirical evidence of benefit in secondary prevention. Animal models per-mit the study of the initiation and progression of preclinical stages of atherosclerosis. In order to provide information relevant to treatment and prevention, these models should mimic human disease and interactions of physical activity with disease processes as closely as possible. The purpose of this review is to compare animal models of atherosclerosis and to summarize the available data in those models in regard to the effects of exercise.

Production of endothelial nitric oxide synthase (eNOS) over-expressing piglets

“…To circumvent malignant hyperthermia and ventricular fibrillation associated with protocols for large domestic swine, miniature swine (e.g., Yucatan, Gö ttingen, Minnesota/Hormel, Hanford) have been developed for long-term chronic studies (Hughes 1986;Lai et al 2000;Panepinto and Phillips 1986;Swindle et al 1986). Moreover, miniature swine are easier to handle and are closer in size to an adult human than standard farm breeds and are an excellent animal model for exercise studies (Turk and Laughlin 2004).…”

“…Murine models have been essential in establishing the biochemical link between gene function and disease; however, differences in basic physiology between rodents and humans show the limitations of these models. Since the cardiovascular system in swine and humans is similar based on physiology and blood flow dynamics, swine are a suitable model for heart disease (Turk and Laughlin 2004).…”

Effects of rehabilitation management on gastric emptying function in older adults with diabetes

“…Modest exercise is an important factor in the control of blood glucose (Chiasson and Rabasa-Lhoret, 2004) by promoting the production of insulin receptors or improving insulin sensitivity. Regular exercise can promote the use of fatty acids in muscle tissue, reduce the triglycerides in serum, increase the number of high-density lipoproteins, and block the occurrence or development of atherosclerosis (Kelley and Goodpaster, 2001;Turk and Laughlin, 2004). With increasing age and reduced activities, older people may be affected by the changed proportion of fat and muscle tissues and eventually have difficulty in glucose utilization.…”

Targeted Genetic Modification: Xenotransplantation And Beyond

“…The organs of pigs are quite similar in size and physiology to humans (Turk et al, 2004) and thus are an excellent candidate for xenotransplantation (Ibrahim et al, 2006). Unfortunately, there is a specific Gal epitope (galactose alpha 1,3 galactose linkage) on the surface of most pig cells; including kidneys and hearts.…”