Abstract: Background: Reverse cholesterol transport (RCT) is a crucial procedure for preventing Atherosclerosis and ABCA1 is a key factor in it. Objective: The aim of this study was to exanimate the effects of two months of cardiac Rehabilitation Program on ABCA1 gene expression and other indices of RCT in CABG patient. Materials/Patients and Methods: twenty four CABG patients were assigned to the CR group (n= 12) and CON (n= 12) group. CR group performed two months of cardiac rehabilitation program while the CON group was asked to stay sedentary at home. Forty-eight hours before and after starting the program10 cc of blood was sampled for q-RT PCR and biochemical analysis. Statistical analysis was done using repeated measurements by the SPSS software, Ver.16. Results: ABCA1 Expression and plasma HDL-C concentration elevated in CR following two months of rehabilitation program as compared to the CON (F=23.66 , P=0.0002 )and (P=0.034, F=5.52) respectively. Also in the CR group there was no significant change in plasma LDL-C and Triglyceride (P=0.191, F=1.89) and (P=0.213, F=1.61) respectively. Conclusions: Based on the findings of present study it can be concluded that two month of CR program elevate lymphocyte ABCA1 mRNA expression which is accompanied with an elevated plasma HDL-C. The present results also indicated that CR program must be seriously considered in CABG patient to improve reverse cholesterol transport and therefore the cardiovascular benefits.

Keywords