Biomedical Research

Physical inactivity is a serious growing health problem. Epidemiological studies have shown that a sedentary lifestyle will contribute to the early onset and progression of atherosclerotic cardiovascular disease and is associated with a doubling of the risk of premature death. Exercise favorably affects lipoprotein metabolism. The protective effect of exercise is by increasing circulating HDL. Hence there is a need to study the effect of exercise on the levels of High Density Lipoprotein (HDL), Apolipoprotein A-I (apo A-I) and Lecithin cholesterol acyl transferase (LCAT) activity. A total of 100 subjects were studied, aged 30-50 years. Group I consisted of 50 athletes who were involved in regular physical exercise. Group II consisted of 50 age and sex matched healthy controls with sedentary life style. LCAT activity was assessed by measuring the difference between esterified and free cholesterol by using digitonin precipitation method. Apolipoprotein A-I was measured by immunoturbidemetric method using semiautoanalyzer. Total cholesterol and HDL cholesterol were measured by CHOD-POD method. Triglyceride was measured by GPO-PAP method. LDL and VLDL were calculated by formula. The levels of TC, TC / HDL and LDL / HDL were significantly increased in Group II in comparison with Group I. The levels of HDL, LCAT and Apolipoprotein A-I were significantly increased in Group I compared to Group II. Individuals engaged in regular physical activity had higher HDL, LCAT activity and Apolipoprotein A-I levels and lowered levels of atherogenic lipid components. This might help in preventing cardiovascular disease development in these individuals.

Author(s): Suman Doddamani, Shashikant Nikam, Padmaja Nikam , Vishwanath Patil
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