Exercise training contributes to H2O2/VEGF signaling in the lung of rats with monocrotaline-induced pulmonary hypertension

Abstract Pulmonary arterial hypertension (PAH) is characterized by pulmonary vascular remodeling and right ventricle overload. Given that angiogenesis is a key factor involved in the reduction of vascular resistance to blood flow, we tested the hypothesis that aerobic exercise exerts a positive impact on hydrogen peroxide (H 2 O 2 ) and protein kinase B (Akt) levels in the lung parenchyma. To study the effects of aerobic exercise on lung angiogenesis signaling, Wistar rats were administered monocrotaline (MCT) (60 mg/kg i.p.) or the same volume of saline (0.9% NaCl i.p.). There was an increase in H 2 O 2 (43%) in PAH-trained animals (TM) compared to control animals (SM). H 2 O 2 showed a positive correlation (r = 0.77) with vascular endothelial growth factor (VEGF). VEGF was higher (4.7 fold) in TM animals compared to SM. VEGF and angiopoietin-1 (Ang-1) showed positive staining in the lung parenchyma of TM and SM. Glutathione peroxidase showed higher activity in the TM group (49%) compared to trained control (TC). Aerobic exercise increased the activity of peroxiredoxin (P  2 O 2 /VEGF/p-Akt signaling for pulmonary physiological angiogenesis. It is associated with an improvement in RV function, as evaluated by echocardiography.