Assessment Of Endothelial Function By Flow-mediated Dilation In Diabetic Patients: Effects Of Physical Exercise

The endothelium is now recognized as an endocrine organ that acts to maintain vascular homeostasis regulating the vascular tone and structure. The endothelial cells synthetize a variety of mediators among them, the main agent is the nitric oxide (NO), a potent vasodilator. NO exerts its protective role preventing leukocyte adhesion and migration, expression of adhesion molecules, platelet aggregation, cell proliferation, and promoting the relaxation of smooth muscle cells. On the other hand, endothelial dysfunction present in many chronic diseases such as atherosclerosis, coronary artery disease, peripheral artery disease, hypertension and diabetes mellitus, is characterized by reduced NO bioavailability. Thus, a few decades ago, measurement of endothelial function has emerged as valuable tool that provides insights in the pathophysiological mechanisms, opportunity to identify early disease and cardiovascular risk, preventing future events or avoiding the progression of the disease. Diabetic patients, particularly, have been a target to apply this technique, mainly because this condition has been related with an impairment of endothelium-dependent dilation and it is believed that the endothelium dysfunction is the basis of diabetes complications such as coronary artery disease and accelerated atherosclerosis. In addition, cardiovascular complications represent the leading cause of morbidity and death in diabetes mellitus. Besides pharmacological therapy, lifestyle modifications have been recommended by specific organizations as a strategy to improve the endothelial function or even prevent the development of diabetes. The aim of this mini eview is to give an update about the importance of endothelium, most common non-invasive technique to evaluate its function, and to summarize some mechanisms involved in endothelial dysfunction and the beneficial effects of exercise in diabetes mellitus.22131

A procura de experiências hedónicas por parte do turista sénior: um estudo exploratório

Dissertação de mestrado em Marketing e Gestão EstratégicaEm resultado dos avanços da medicina, do aumento da esperança de vida, do decréscimo da mortalidade e da natalidade, o envelhecimento da população é um fenómeno visível, especialmente nos países desenvolvidos. Apesar da população mais velha continuar a ser frequentemente estigmatizada com base em estereótipos negativos, no que diz respeito às suas capacidades físicas e mentais, nos últimos tempos o perfil dos seniores sofreu alterações significativas. Dada a sua disponibilidade de tempo e dinheiro, este é claramente um segmento com um peso significativo no incremento da economia (Gunter, 1998). A nível mundial, o mercado sénior é encarado como um dos segmentos mais rentáveis e mais importantes da actividade turística (Patterson, 2006), uma das que mais contribui para o produto bruto de muitos países (Riege e Perry, 2000). Tal como a própria estrutura da sociedade, também o sector turístico sofreu alterações significativas dos padrões da procura, com o turista moderno a valorizar a alta qualidade dos produtos e serviços e a preferir vivenciar novas experiências e usufruir de actividades diversificadas (Zhang e Marcussen, 2007). É a partir da identificação destas duas tendências, o envelhecimento da população e a crescente importância das experiências no sector turístico, que surge o tema desta dissertação. Com este estudo procurar-se-á perceber que tipo de experiências o turista sénior mais procura e verificar se a oferta de experiências hedónicas é uma estratégia capaz de conquistar este segmento de mercado. Para tal, foi desenvolvida uma pesquisa qualitativa, utilizando-se a entrevista em profundidade como técnica de recolha de dados. Foram realizadas 30 entrevistas, num total de 20 turistas seniores e 10 profissionais do sector turístico. Os resultados obtidos permitiram verificar que o turista sénior actual anseia por vivenciar novas experiências e que o mercado nacional está a começar a responder a essa procura manifesta. Contudo, embora o sentimento hedónico e a procura de momentos e sensações de prazer estejam sempre presentes, dada a heterogeneidade característica deste segmento, as experiências turísticas que os seniores procuram podem ser as mais variadas.As a result of medical progress, increasing of life expectancy and the decrease in mortality and birth rates, the aging of the population is a visible phenomenon, especially in developed countries. The older population continues to be stigmatized often based on negative stereotypes, because of their physical and mental abilities. However, in recent years the profile of seniors has significantly changed. Their time availability and wealth are the reason why the Senior Tourism can be considered as segment with a significant increase in the economy (Gunter, 1998). Worldwide the senior market is regarded as one of the most profitable segments and most important for the tourism industry (Patterson, 2006), which is one of the biggest contributors to the gross domestic product of many countries (Riege e Perry, 2000). Similarly to the structure of society, the tourism sector suffered significant changes in the demand patterns. Nowadays, tourists appreciate high quality of products and services offered. They prefer new experiences and enjoy diverse activities (Zhang e Marcussen, 2007). The recognition of the two trends, the aging population and the increasing importance of experience in the tourism sector, inspired the theme of this dissertation. This study tries to identify what kind of experiences senior tourist look for. Other purpose is to verify if offering hedonic experiences must be a wager in the strategy to conquer this market segment. In order to answer these questions, I developed a qualitative study, using in-deep interviews as a technique for data collection. 30 interviews were conducted, 20 directed to elderly tourists and 10 to professionals in the tourism sector. The results allow us to conclude that the current senior tourist longs for new experiences and that the market begins to respond to this market demand. However, despite the hedonic feelings and the search for moments of pleasure and sensations are always present, given the heterogeneity characteristics of this segment, the senior tourist may also be interested in more diversified kinds of experiences while on vacations

Nível de atividade física e composição corporal dos funcionários administrativos da Universidade Estadual Paulista - UNESP - Rio Claro

O sedentarismo é um problema que afeta milhões de pessoas em todo o mundo, e para vários autores a redução ou até mesmo a extinção deste comportamento inativo deve ser encarada como prioridade para elevar a qualidade de vida da população. Para isso, se faz necessário, definir o problema, identificando a prevalência deste estilo de vida, a população-alvo e as barreiras enfrentadas para que a mudança ocorra. Só assim, é possível implantar alternativas baseadas nas evidências concretas, englobando diferentes fatores e intervindo nos quatro domínios que contemplam a prática de atividade física. Desta forma, o objetivo do estudo foi analisar o nível de atividade física habitual dos funcionários administrativos (exceto docentes e trabalhadores de manutenção) da Unesp – Rio Claro, através do questionário Baecke adaptado por Florindo e colaboradores. . Além disso, medidas antropométricas foram coletadas para fornecimento de dados sobre a composição corporal dos mesmos. A partir das respostas dos questionários observou-se que a maioria dos funcionários é moderadamente ativa (58%), quando se trata do nível de atividade física total. O nível de atividade física de lazer é o maior responsável por aumentar o nível de atividade física habitual, no entanto menos de 10% dos sujeitos, cerca de 7 funcionários, foram considerados muito ativos neste domínio. Quanto à composição corporal, grande parte dos sujeitos apresenta-se com sobrepeso, estando com a média do IMC acima da população de Rio Claro. No nível de atividade de física de locomoção, mais de 60% ou aproximadamente 56 sujeitos foram identificados como insuficientemente ativos. Com relação ao gênero, as mulheres são mais inativas no deslocamento em relação aos homens. Tendo em vista a problemática que comportamentos de risco afetam...(Resumo completo, clicar acesso eletrônico abaixo

Influência do treinamento físico aeróbio sobre os biomarcadores cardiovasculares e endócrino-inflamatórios em mulheres normotensas e hipertensas no pós-menopausa

The postmenopausal period is associated with greater cardiovascular risk compared to premenopausal. This fact has been partly attributed to estrogen deficiency. Other studies highlight the relationship between the increase in oxidative stress, inflammatory biomarkers and cardiovascular diseases (CDV) at this stage of life, especially hypertension. However, other studies are needed to understand the mechanisms responsible for this phenomenon. On the other hand, it is known that physical exercise is an important strategy both in prevention and treatment of CVD. So, the aim of this study was to evaluate the baseline concentrations of cardiovascular and endocrine-inflammatory biomarkers in normotensive (NT) and hypertensive (HT) postmenopausal women and the possible differences in patterns of response against aerobic exercise training (AET). Thirty-seven volunteers completed the study, 19 NT and 18 HT. Were evaluated: a) anthropometric parameters - body mass index (BMI), waist circumference (WC) and waist-hip ratio (WHR); b) cardiovascular parameters - systolic blood pressure (SBP), diastolic blood pressure (DBP) and rest heart rate (HR); c) biochemical parameters - lipid profile and glycemia, nitrite/nitrate (NOx-), cyclic guanosine monophosphate (cGMP), asymmetric dimethylarginine (ADMA), superoxide dismutase (SOD) and catalase activity, malondialdehyde (MDA), cortisol, leptin and interleukin-1β (IL-1β). AET consisted of 24 sessions of walking on a treadmill, 3 days/week, 30 to 40 min, in the maximal lactate steady state intensity. Were observed only the HT group decreased BMI (-1.5%) in response to AET. No changes in other anthropometric parameters were observed, as well as lipid profile and glycemia in both groups. On the other hand, AET decreased SBP (- 4.4 mmHg), DBP (- 4.3 mmHg) e HR (-3.9%) only in HT group. This reduction was accompanied by an increase in NOx- (+37.7%) and cGMP (+30.8%) plasmatic concentration. In NT group, ...O período pós-menopausa esta associado a um maior risco cardiovascular em comparação ao pré-menopausa. Este fato tem sido atribuído parcialmente à deficiência nos estrógenos. Outros estudos destacam a relação existente entre o aumento do estresse oxidativo, dos biomarcadores inflamatórios e as doenças cardiovasculares (DCV) nesta fase da vida, especialmente a hipertensão arterial. No entanto, novos estudos ainda são necessários para compreender os mecanismos responsáveis por este fenômeno. Por outro lado, sabe-se que o exercício físico é uma estratégia importante na prevenção e/ou tratamento das DCV. Assim, o objetivo deste estudo foi avaliar as concentrações basais dos biomarcadores cardiovasculares e endócrino-inflamatórios em mulheres normotensas (NT) e hipertensas (HT) na pós-menopausa e as possíveis diferenças nos padrões de resposta frente ao treinamento físico aeróbio (TFA). Trinta e sete voluntárias finalizaram o estudo, sendo 19 NT e 18 HT. Foram avaliados: a) parâmetros antropométricos - índice de massa corporal (IMC), circunferência abdominal (CA) e relação cintura-quadril (RCQ); b) parâmetros cardiovasculares - pressão arterial sistólica (PAS), pressão arterial diastólica (PAD) e frequência cardíaca de repouso (FC) - c) parâmetros bioquímicos - perfil lipídico e glicemia, nitrito/nitrato (NOx-), monofosfato cíclico de guanosina (GMPc), dimetilarginina assimétrica (ADMA), atividade das enzimas antioxidantes superóxido dismutase (SOD) e catalase, malondialdeído (MDA), cortisol, leptina e interleucina-1β (IL-1β). O TFA consistiu em 24 sessões de caminhada em esteira, 3 x semana, 30 a 40 min, na intensidade da máxima fase estável de lactato. Como resultado, observou-se que somente o grupo HT reduziu o IMC (-1,5%) em resposta ao TFA. Não foram observadas alterações nos outros parâmetros antropométricos, bem como no perfil lipídico e glicemia em resposta ao TFA, em...Fundação de Amparo à Pesquisa do Estado de São Paulo (FAPESP)Coordenação de Aperfeiçoamento de Pessoal de Nível Superior (CAPES

Evaluation of vascular function and cardio-metabolic biomarkers in middle-aged women and men with type II diabetes mellitus

Orientador: Maria Andreia DelbinTese (doutorado) - Universidade Estadual de Campinas, Instituto de BiologiaResumo: As complicações vasculares associadas ao diabetes mellitus (DM), tanto micro quanto macrovasculares, estão entre as mais sérias manifestações da doença, representando a principal causa de morte na população diabética. Embora tais complicações sejam comuns em ambos os sexos, alguns estudos têm destacado que o DM parece ser maior fator de risco cardiovascular para as mulheres. Nesse contexto, nenhum estudo até o momento, avaliou se o DM tipo 2 (DM2) exerce efeitos similares sobre a função vascular e sobre biomarcadores cardio-metabólicos em mulheres e homens de meia-idade, sendo este, portanto o objetivo do presente estudo. Seguindo os critérios de inclusão previamente determinados, foram formados quatro grupos distintos: mulheres na pós-menopausa (MC=16), mulheres diabéticas na pós-menopausa (MD=15), homens de meia-idade (HC=15), homens diabéticos de meia-idade (HD=14). Em uma primeira visita, após jejum noturno, foram mensurados os parâmetros antropométricos, a pressão arterial e a função microvascular, esta última avaliada pela técnica da tonometria arterial periférica, através do equipamento EndoPAT 2000 (Itamar Medical®, Israel). Em uma segunda visita, após jejum noturno de 12 horas, foi realizada uma coleta sanguínea para quantificação dos parâmetros bioquímicos circulantes: perfil lipídico e glicêmico, estradiol, creatinina, adiponectina, fator de necrose tumoral alfa (TNF-ß), proteína C-reativa (PCR), carboximetil-lisina (CML), fator de crescimento tecidual beta (TGF-ß), nitrito/nitrato (NOx-) e interleucinas (IL-1ß, IL-6, IL-10 e IL-17). Anova two-way foi aplicada como análise estatística. Não foram observadas diferenças significativas na idade entre os grupos. O tempo médio de diagnóstico do DM2 foi similar entre os grupos MD e HD (7,5 ± 1,3 e 9,6 ± 2,3, respectivamente). Os grupos diabéticos apresentaram maior glicemia e hemoglobina glicada (HbA1c) em comparação aos seus respectivos grupos controles. Além disso, a glicemia do grupo HD foi significativamente maior relação ao MD. Nenhuma diferença foi observada nos valores de insulina. O grupo MD apresentou maior índice de massa corporal (IMC), circunferência abdominal e relação cintura-quadril em relação ao grupo MC. Surpreendentemente, o grupo MD apresentou um perfil lipídico menos aterogênico em comparação ao grupo MC, com menores concentrações de colesterol total, LDL-C e não HDL. Somente a pressão arterial diastólica foi significativamente maior no grupo HC comparado ao MC. Somente as mulheres diabéticas apresentaram prejuízo na resposta da função microvascular em relação ao grupo MC (MC=2,51±0,13 e MD: 1,97±0,19). Este prejuízo esteve acompanhado de alterações na concentração de adiponectina, CML, PCR e NOx-. Nenhuma diferença foi encontrada nas concentrações de TNF-ß, TGF-ß e IL-1ß entre os grupos. Em contrapartida, o grupo HD apresentou maiores concentrações de IL-17 em relação ao grupo MD. Assim, podemos concluir que o DM2 parecer exercer efeitos mais deletérios sobre a função microvascular e perfil cardio-metabólico em mulheres na pós-menopausaAbstract: Vascular complications associated with diabetes mellitus (DM), both micro and macrovascular, are the most serious manifestations of the disease, representing the main cause of death in the diabetic population. Although such complications are common in both sexes, some studies have highlighted that DM appears to be a major cardiovascular risk factor for women. No study to date has evaluated whether type 2 DM (DM2) exerts similar effects on vascular function and cardio-metabolic biomarkers in middle-aged women and men, which is the objective of the present study. Following pre-determined inclusion criteria, four distinct groups were formed: postmenopausal women (MC=16), diabetic postmenopausal women (MD = 15), middle-aged men (HC = 15), diabetic middle-aged men (HD = 14). At the first visit, after an overnight fast, anthropometric parameters, blood pressure and microvascular function were measured. The last one was evaluated by the peripheral arterial tonometry, using the EndoPAT 2000 equipment (Itamar Medical®, Israel). In a second visit, after a 12-hour fasting, a blood sample was collected for quantification of circulating biochemical parameters: lipid and glycemic profile, estradiol, creatinine, adiponectin, tumor necrosis factor alpha (TNF-ß), C-reactive protein (CRP), transforming growth factor-beta (TGF-ß), nitrite/nitrate (NOx-) and interleukins (IL-1ß, IL-6, IL-10 and IL-17). ANOVA two-way was applied as statistical analysis. There were no significant differences in age between groups. The mean time of diagnosis of DM2 was similar between the MD and HD groups (7.5 ± 1.3 and 9.6 ± 2.3 years, respectively). Diabetic groups had higher glycemia and glycated hemoglobin (HbA1c) compared to their respective control groups. In addition, the glycemia of the HD group was significantly higher compared to the MD. No difference was observed in insulin values. The MD group presented higher body mass index (BMI), waist circumference and waist-hip ratio in relation to the MC group. Surprisingly, the MD group presented a less atherogenic lipid profile in comparison to the MC group, with lower concentrations of total cholesterol, LDL-C and non-HDL. Only diastolic blood pressure was significantly higher in the HC group compared to MC. Only diabetic women showed impairment in the response of microvascular function to the MC group (MC = 2.51 ± 0.13 and MD: 1.97 ± 0.19). This impairment was accompanied by changes in the concentration of adiponectin, CML, CRP and NOx-. No difference was found in the concentrations of TNF-ß, TGF-ß and IL-1ß between the groups. In contrast, the HD group had higher concentrations of IL-17 than the MD group. Thus, we can conclude that DM2 appears to exert more deleterious effects on microvascular function and cardio-metabolic profile in postmenopausal womenDoutoradoFisiologiaDoutora em Biologia Funcional e Molecular151452/2015-6CNP

Assessment of endothelial function by flow-mediated dilation in diabetic patients: Effects of physical exercise

Abstract The endothelium is now recognized as an endocrine organ that acts to maintain vascular homeostasis regulating the vascular tone and structure. The endothelial cells synthetize a variety of mediators among them, the main agent is the nitric oxide (NO), a potent vasodilator. NO exerts its protective role preventing leukocyte adhesion and migration, expression of adhesion molecules, platelet aggregation, cell proliferation, and promoting the relaxation of smooth muscle cells. On the other hand, endothelial dysfunction present in many chronic diseases such as atherosclerosis, coronary artery disease, peripheral artery disease, hypertension and diabetes mellitus, is characterized by reduced NO bioavailability. Thus, a few decades ago, measurement of endothelial function has emerged as valuable tool that provides insights in the pathophysiological mechanisms, opportunity to identify early disease and cardiovascular risk, preventing future events or avoiding the progression of the disease. Diabetic patients, particularly, have been a target to apply this technique, mainly because this condition has been related with an impairment of endothelium-dependent dilation and it is believed that the endothelium dysfunction is the basis of diabetes complications such as coronary artery disease and accelerated atherosclerosis. In addition, cardiovascular complications represent the leading cause of morbidity and death in diabetes mellitus. Besides pharmacological therapy, lifestyle modifications have been recommended by specific organizations as a strategy to improve the endothelial function or even prevent the development of diabetes. The aim of this mini eview is to give an update about the importance of endothelium, most common non-invasive technique to evaluate its function, and to summarize some mechanisms involved in endothelial dysfunction and the beneficial effects of exercise in diabetes mellitus

Influence of aerobic exercise training on cardiovascular and endocrine-inflammatory biomarkers in hypertensive postmenopausal women

AbstractGiven that few studies have examined the interaction between endocrine-inflammatory mediators and aerobic exercise training in hypertensive postmenopausal women, the aim of this study was to investigate whether aerobic exercise training (AET) for twenty-four sessions would alter cortisol, leptin and interleukin-1β (IL-1β) levels. To further analyze endothelium function in response to AET, we also examined redox state as well as NO/cGMP pathway in this population. Eighteen hypertensive postmenopausal women finished this study. AET program consisted of 24 sessions in treadmill, 3 times per week, duration of 30 up to 40 min for each session, for 8 weeks at intensity of 100% of the MLSS according to previous incremental test. Heart rate was monitored in all studied time (resting and during exercise sessions). After 48 h of the last exercise session, blood samples were collected for biochemical analyses (levels of cortisol, leptin, IL-1β, nitrite/nitrate (NOx−), cGMP, malondialdehyde (MDA) and asymmetric dimethylarginine (ADMA); superoxide and catalase activity). We also measured systolic and diastolic blood pressure. A significant reduction in body mass was observed. As expected, systolic and diastolic blood pressure values were significantly reduced after AET in hypertensive women. We also found a marked increase in NOx− levels as well as cGMP concentration in trained women, approximately 37.7 and 30.8%, respectively. No changes in cortisol, leptin, ADMA and IL-1β levels were observed after AET. Similarly, MDA levels and catalase activity were not affected by AET. In contrast, a marked increase in SOD activity was found (86.6%). In conclusion, our findings show that aerobic exercise training for twenty-four sessions promoted a significant reduction in blood pressure by activating NO/cGMP pathway as well as by promoting an up-regulation of SOD activity without changing in cortisol/leptin levels in postmenopausal hypertensive women

Evaluation of maximal lactate steady state in middle-aged hypertensive women

Abstract AIM The aim of this study was to investigate the lactate response in physically inactive hypertensive women submitted to the treadmill maximal lactate steady state (MLSS) protocol. METHODS Twenty-two hypertensive women (40 - 64 years) performed a familiarization period of walking on the treadmill following by one incremental test for estimating the initial workload for exercise testing. MLSS protocol was composed by walking in a treadmill during thirty minutes with fixed velocity in 5.5 km/h. Incline was used for determination of the intensity of each volunteer. Blood samples were collected from the ear lobe in the rest period, minute 10th and at the end of the test (minute 30th or at exhaustion time point) for lactate analysis. RESULTS Hypertensive women showed a lower lactate concentration at MLSS (3.25 ± 0.81 mmol/L) as compared with data obtained in the literature (4 mmol/L), approximately 18.8%. Neither inclines nor age affected MLSS parameters in the population. A positive and strong correlation was found between incline and MLSS, as well as incline and lactate level at minute 30th, even when adjusted by age factor. CONCLUSION Physically inactive hypertensive women show a lower MLSS than the average established in the literature but within the range of variations previously reported. Furthermore, a higher MLSS incline correlates positive and directly with higher lactate concentrations for the same aerobic capacity regardless of age

Use of sample size calculation in scientific research in Brazilian Physical Education journals

The mistaken use of biostatistics in scientific research involves methodological errors both in the research itself as in its analyses. Among these, the lack of sample size calculation, considered essential for validation and credibility of results, is often found. The aim of the study was to determine how often sample size calculation is used in articles published in Physical Education national journals. The study included only national scientific journals ranked as A1 and B2 by the Coordination of Improvement of Higher Education Personnel (CAPES), which analyzed only articles available in full and published in the period from 2010 to 2012. Review articles, letter to the editor, points of view and original articles that did not perform any statistical analysis were excluded. Approximately 15 % of articles analyzed performed sample size calculation and no difference between these proportions over the years were identified. Differences between Physical Education subareas (education, health and sport) were observed, being lower in sport (p = 0.001) compared to other subareas. Journals classified as B2 showed higher use of sample size calculation in relation to those classified as B1 (p = 0.013) and A2 (p = 0.007). The use of sample size calculation in scientific research published in Physical Education national journals in the period from 2010 to 2012 was not satisfactory, especially in sport subarea. Moreover, no evolution on the use of sample size calculation over the years analyzed was observed.O emprego equivocado da bioestatística nas pesquisas científicas implica em erros metodológicos tanto na condução quanto nas análises das mesmas. Dentre estes, a ausência do cálculo amostral, considerado primordial para validação e credibilidade dos resultados, é frequentemente encontrado. O objetivo do estudo foi verificar com que frequência o cálculo amostral é empregado nos artigos publicados em periódicos nacionais de Educação Física. Foram incluídos no estudo somente periódicos científicos nacionais classificados entre A1 e B2 pela Coordenação de Aperfeiçoamento de Pessoal de Nível Superior (CAPES), dos quais foram analisados somente artigos originais disponíveis na íntegra e publicados no período de 2010 a 2012. Foram excluídos do estudo artigos de revisão, carta ao editor, ponto de vista e artigos originais que não realizaram nenhum tipo de análise estatística. Aproximadamente 15% dos artigos analisados realizaram cálculo amostral; não houve diferença entre as proporções destes ao longo dos anos. Observou-se diferença entre as subáreas da Educação Física (educação, saúde e esporte), sendo menor na subárea esporte (p=0,001) em relação às demais. Os periódicos classificados como B2 apresentaram maior uso do cálculo amostral em relação àqueles classificados como B1 (p=0,013) e A2 (p=0,007). O emprego do cálculo amostral em pesquisas científicas publicadas em periódicos nacionais de Educação Física no período de 2010 a 2012 não foi satisfatório, especialmente na subárea esporte. Além disso, não foi observada uma evolução do uso do cálculo amostral ao longo dos anos analisados.Fundação de Amparo à Pesquisa do Estado de São Paulo (FAPESP)Conselho Nacional de Desenvolvimento Científico e Tecnológico (CNPq)Coordenação de Aperfeiçoamento de Pessoal de Nível Superior (CAPES

Effect of aerobic exercise training on cGMP levels and blood pressure in treated hypertensive postmenopausal women

Abstract The second messenger cGMP has been largely studied as a therapeutic target in a variety of disorders such as erectile dysfunction, arterial hypertension and heart failure. Evidence has shown thatcGMP activators are less efficient in estrogen-deficiency animals, but no studies exist involving non-pharmacological approacheson NO/cGMP signaling pathway in hypertensive postmenopausal women. The aim of this study is to examine NO/cGMP pathway, redox state and blood pressure in trained treatedhypertensive (HT) postmenopausal women comparing with normotensive (NT) group. The rationale for that is most of HT patients is encouraged by physician to perform exercise associated with pharmacological treatments.Aerobic exercise training (AET) consisted of 24 sessions, 3 times/week.Parameters were evaluated at baseline and after AET for both groups (HT=28; NT=33).In treatedHT group, AET was significantly effective in increasing cGMP concentrations (28%) accompanied by an up-regulation of SOD (97%) and catalase activity (37%). In NT group, we found an increasein SOD activity (58%). TreatedHT postmenopausal women were still responsive to AET increasing cGMP levels and up-regulating antioxidant system. It should also be emphasized that these findings provide information on the circulating biomarkers that might delay the developing of cardiovascular events in this particular population