Combinatorial effect of lower extremity blood flow restriction and low intensity endurance exercise on aorta of old male rats: Histomorphological and molecular approach

Abstract Objective Given the importance of knowing the effects of blood flow restriction (BFR) plus exercise training (BFR training) on the cardiovascular system, present study conducted to determine the effect of combination of BFR with low intensity endurance exercise on aorta of old rats. Methods Animal groups were control (CTL), sham (Sh), BFR, exercise (Ex), sham + exercise (Sh + Ex), and BFR + exercise (BFR + Ex). BFR induced by partial closing of the bilateral femoral arteries and duration of exercise was 10 weeks. Results BFR induced increasing of aorta wall thickness and decreasing its elastin/collagen ratio. Training alone increased the expression of apelin (P  Conclusion The beneficial effects of low intensity endurance exercise on aorta of aged male rats are conserved partially in presence of BFR.