Vascular Ageing and Exercise: Focus on Cellular Reparative Processes

Figure 2

The effects of age and exercise on EPC-mediated vascular repair and endothelial function. Ageing causes the reduced signaling between CXCR4 and Janus Kinase-2 (JAK-2), as well as being associated with a reduced antioxidant capacity. Exercise mobilizes EPCs from bone marrow and rescues the signaling between CXCR4 and JAK-2, as well as stimulating production of antioxidants Sirtuin 1 (SIRT1) and superoxide dismutase (SOD). EPC-mediated repair of endothelium leads to improved endothelial function.