AUTHOR=Izzicupo Pascal , D’Amico Maria A. , Di Blasio Andrea , Napolitano Giorgio , Nakamura Fabio Y. , Di Baldassarre Angela , Ghinassi Barbara 

TITLE=Aerobic Training Improves Angiogenic Potential Independently of Vascular Endothelial Growth Factor Modifications in Postmenopausal Women

JOURNAL=Frontiers in Endocrinology

VOLUME=Volume 8 - 2017

YEAR=2017

URL=https://www.frontiersin.org/journals/endocrinology/articles/10.3389/fendo.2017.00363

DOI=10.3389/fendo.2017.00363

ISSN=1664-2392

ABSTRACT=Purpose: To evaluate the effect of walking-training on the balance between pro- and anti-angiogenic signals and on the angiogenic potential in postmenopausal women. 
Materials and Methods: Thirty-four postmenopausal women (56.18 ± 4.24 yr) participated in a 13 weeks program of walking-training. Anthropometric measures, VEGF, IL-1α, IL-1ß, IL-2, IL-8, IL-10, IL-12p70, TNF-α, C-reactive protein, insulin, IGF-1, cortisol, DHEA-S, leptin, visfatin, resistin and adiponectin were evaluated before and after training. Moreover, serum samples were tested for their ability to chemo – attract endothelial cells and to support the in vitro formation of capillary – like structures. 
Results: After training, the levels of IL-8, TNF-α, leptin and resistin were significantly lower, levels of DHEA-S and adiponectin increased, serum angiogenic properties improved, whereas no changes in anthropometric parameters or VEGF were detected. 
Conclusions: Walking training reduces inflammatory status and leads to a significant improvement in serum angiogenic properties in the absence of modifications in body composition and VEGF level.