Improvements of atherosclerosis and hepatic oxidative stress are independent of exercise intensity in LDLr(-/-) mice.

Background: Cardiovascular diseases are the main causes of death in the Western world and are manifested by atherosclerosis. Depending on its intensity, regular aerobic exercise may be either beneficial or harmful to the atherosclerosis process.

Aim: The aim of this study was to verify the effects of aerobic exercise training of different intensities on the profile of atherosclerotic lesions and serum lipid, and in the hepatic oxidative balance of low-density lipoprotein receptor-deficient (LDLr(-/-)) mice previously developed with atherosclerosis.