Differential Benefits of Physical Training Associated or Not with L-Arginine Supplementation in Rats with Metabolic Syndrome: Cardiovascular, Autonomic and Metabolic Parameters

Background and Aims: Metabolic syndrome (MS) is a condition characterized by endocrine-metabolic and cardiac alterations, which increase the risk of cardiovascular disease, dyslipidemia, and type 2 diabetes mellitus. Studies have shown that dietary supplementation with l-arginine (l- arg) is beneficial for fat loss, as well as several benefits of chronic aerobic exercise in reversing cardiovascular, autonomic, and metabolic dysfunctions due to obesity have been observed. However, the association of both approaches has not yet been described. The aim of this study was to evaluate possible benefits of physical training associated or not with l-arg supplementation on cardiovascular, autonomic and metabolic parameters in rats with MS. Methods and Results: MS was induced by subcutaneous administration of 4 mg/g of monosodium glutamate from the 1st to the 5th day of life. Physical training on a treadmill and supplementation with l-arginine in adulthood occurred concomitantly for eight weeks. After this period, the animals underwent femoral artery catheterization surgery to record cardiovascular parameters and autonomic modulation. Organs and blood were removed for nitrite, glucose and hepatic steatosis dosages. Adult rats with MS submitted to supplementation with l-arg associated with physical training or not, and physical training alone reduced the hypertension, tachycardia, adipose tissue mass, free fatty acids and hepatic steatosis. Conclusion: Supplementation with l-arg and physical training separately are benefic to reduce many aspects of MS, but the association of both is especially better to reduce fat tissue and hepatic steatosis. Together they can be a good strategy to combat MS.