Effect of resistance training on biomarkers of vascular function and oxidative stress in young African-American and Caucasian men

African Americans (AA) have an earlier onset of hypertension and a different vascular profile than their Caucasian (Cau) peers. Research suggests that biological mediators of vascular inflammation are different among these groups in hypertensive populations. Resistance training (RT) is an important exercise modality that improves the vascular profile of young AA men. We examined the role of RT on biomarkers of vascular function and oxidative stress in body mass index-matched AA and Cau men. RT for 6 weeks elicited significant changes in circulating matrix metalloprotease-9 (MMP-9) and 8-Isoprostane (8-IsoP) in young AA men (n=14, AA; n=18, Cau; 18–35 years). MMP-9 was lower and decreased in AA (pre: P=0.02; post: P<0.001) and a time × group interaction for MMP-9 (F1, 30=4.81; P=0.036) and 8-IsoP (F1, 24=7.09; P=0.014) was detected. 8-IsoP decreased in AA (P=0.026) but did not change in Cau (P=0.309). Notably, the increase in strength (1-repetition maximum (1-RM)) was correlated with the decrease in MMP-9 (r=−0.398; P=0.022). Furthermore, these adaptations were independent of any improvement in cardiorespiratory fitness. We demonstrate that RT effectively reduces matrix remodeling proteins and oxidative stress in young AA men. Increasing strength may be beneficial for improving vascular health and offsetting novel cardiovascular risk factors of hypertension in young AA men.