Low‐intensity running exercise enhances the capillary volume and pro‐angiogenic factors in the soleus muscle of type 2 diabetic rats

ABSTRACT Introduction : We determined the effects of low‐intensity exercise on the three‐dimensional capillary structure and associated angiogenic factors in the soleus muscle of Goto‐Kakizaki (GK) diabetic rats. Methods : Four groups of male rats were studied: sedentary nondiabetic (Con), exercised nondiabetic control (Ex), sedentary GK, and exercised GK (GK+Ex). Rats in the Ex and GK+Ex groups were subjected to chronic low‐intensity running on a treadmill (15 m/min, 60 min/session, 5 sessions/week for 3 weeks). Results : Although mean capillary volume and diameter were lower in the GK compared with all other groups, low‐intensity exercise increased both of these measures in GK rats. Mitochondrial markers, i.e ., SDH activity and PGC‐1α expression, and the levels of angiogenic factors were higher in the GK+Ex than all other groups. Exercise increased vascular endothelial growth factor (VEGF) protein levels and the VEGF‐to‐TSP‐1 ratio, an indicator of angiogenesis, in GK rats. Conclusions : Combined, the results indicate that low‐intensity exercise reduces some of the microcirculatory complications in type 2 diabetic muscles. Muscle Nerve 51: 391–399, 2015