High-density lipoprotein particle pattern and overall lipid responses to a short-term moderate-intensity aerobic exercise training intervention in patients with chronic kidney disease

BACKGROUND: Chronic kidney disease (CKD) is associated with abnormal lipid profiles and altered high-density lipoprotein (HDL) particle size patterns. Lower levels of the larger, cardioprotective HDL particles found in CKD may play a role in the increased risk for cardiovascular disease in these patients. The current study was designed to assess the effects of short-term moderate-intensity aerobic exercise training on the HDL particle pattern and overall lipid profiles in stage 3 CKD patients. METHODS: Forty-six men and women with stage 3 CKD were randomized to either exercise (EX, n = 25) or control (CON, n = 21). Those in the EX group completed 16 weeks of supervised moderate-intensity aerobic exercise three times per week. Serum total cholesterol, HDL cholesterol (HDL-C), triglycerides (TGs), low-density lipoprotein cholesterol (LDL-C), HDL particle size, estimated glomerular filtration rate (eGFR), body composition and peak oxygen uptake (VO(2peak)) were assessed at baseline and week 16. RESULTS: The rate of compliance in the EX group was 97 ± 7.2%. No change was observed in eGFR over time in either group. There was an 8.2% improvement in VO(2peak) in the EX group (P = 0.05), while VO(2peak) decreased in the CON group. HDL-C, TGs, HDL particle size and body composition remained unchanged in both groups. A trend was found for lower total cholesterol (TC) (P = 0.051) and LDL-C (P = 0.07) in the CON group. CONCLUSION: Our findings indicate that a short-term aerobic exercise training intervention in stage 3 CKD patients does not induce changes in HDL particle size or favorable lipid profile modifications.