Prior exercise improves age-dependent vascular endothelial growth factor downregulation and angiogenesis responses to hind-limb ischemia in old rats

Downregulation of hypoxia-inducible factor 1 (HIF-1) and vascular endothelial growth factor (VEGF) are shown to be involved in age-dependent impairment of angiogenesis. In this study, we explore whether prior exercise is able to affect these molecular patterns favorably and to enhance neoangiogenesis in old Wistar rats with hind-limb ischemia. At day 7 after surgery, HIF-1alpha and VEGF expression increased in the ischemic muscle of trained animals. Exercise increased capillary density and limb perfusion as revealed by histologic, angiographic, and dyed bead techniques. Furthermore, exercise capacity and limb trophism have significantly improved in trained aged rats. In these animals, the reduction of VEGF serum levels has reflected the comprehensive improvement in local ischemia evoked by exercise. In conclusion, prior exercise represents a valid tool to counteract age-related molecular alterations resulting in impaired angiogenesis in response to ischemia.