Coronary flow responses to exercise training: further evidence of the benefit of an underutilized therapeutic modality

Inactivity is associated with endothelial dysfunction and the development of cardiovascular disease. Exercise training has a favourable effect in the management of hypertension, heart failure and ischaemic heart disease. These beneficial effects are probably mediated through improvements of vascular function and, in this issue of Clinical Science, Hagg and co-authors propose a coronary artery effect. The use of a Doppler technique for non-invasive assessment of coronary flow reserve in a small animal model is an exciting aspect of this study. If feasible in the hands of other investigators, the availability of sequential coronary flow measurements in animal models may help improve our understanding of the mechanisms of disorders of the coronary circulation.

What can we learn from the Hwang and Sudbo affairs?

* The recent publication, in prestigious scientific journals, of two major studies that were subsequently shown to contain fabricated data may compel reviewers and editors to adopt a more rigorous policy in accepting articles for publication. * The current manner of peer reviewing research articles provides no assurance that the proffered work is not the result of fraud. * The present guidelines for contributors in large team investigations may need to be updated to avoid giving credit to co-authors who may have made little, if any, contribution to the work.