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