Enhanced External Counterpulsation (EECP) Improves Peripheral Artery Function and Glucose Tolerance in Subjects with Abnormal Glucose Tolerance
Jeffrey Steven Martin1,*, Darren Thomas Beck2, Juan M. Aranda Jr.3, and Randy W. Braith4
+ Author Affiliations 1University of Missouri 2Malcom Randall VA Medical Center, 3University of Florida – College of Medicine , 4University of Florida ↵* University of Missouri martinjs@missouri.edu
Submitted 27 October 2011, Revision received 19 December 2011, Accepted 19 December 2011
ABSTRACT
Background – In coronary artery disease patients, enhanced external counterpulsation (EECP) improves peripheral arterial function and nitric oxide (NO) bioavailability, which have been implicated in the pathogenesis of abnormal glucose tolerance (AGT). We sought to evaluate the effects of EECP on outcomes of arterial function, glucose tolerance, and skeletal muscle morphology in subjects with AGT.
Methods and Results – Eighteen subjects with AGT were randomly (2:1 ratio) assigned to receive either 7 weeks (35 1-hour sessions) of EECP (n = 12) or 7-weeks of standard care (control; n = 6). Peripheral vascular function, biochemical assays, glucose tolerance, and skeletal muscle morphology were evaluated before and after EECP or control. EECP increased normalized brachial artery (27%) and popliteal artery (52%) flow-mediated dilation. Plasma nitrite/nitrate (NOx) increased (30%) and, 8-isoprostane-PGF-F2α, a marker of lipid peroxidation in the plasma, decreased (-23%). Fasting plasma glucose declined (-16.9 ± 5.4 mg/dL) and the homeostasis model assessment of insulin resistance (HOMA-IR) decreased (31%) following EECP. Plasma glucose 120 minutes after initiation of oral glucose tolerance testing decreased (-28.3 ± 7.3 mg/dL) and the whole-body composite insulin sensitivity index (ISI composite) increased (21%). Vascular endothelial growth factor (VEGF) concentrations increased (75%) and vastus lateralis skeletal muscle biopsies demonstrated improvements in capillary density following EECP. No change was observed in cellular signaling pathways, but there was a significant increase GLUT-4 protein expression (47%) following EECP.
Conclusions – Our findings provide novel evidence that EECP has a beneficial effect on peripheral arterial function and glucose tolerance in subjects with AGT.
