Chronic effect of training on neutrophil functions in humans

The acute response of neutrophil function to a bout of judo training

Intensive exercise training decreases neutrophil functions in athletes. However, no studies to date have investigated the effect of irregular-interval training, such as is associated with judo training programmes, on neutrophil functions. The purpose of this study was to examine such effects. Thirty-seven male college judoists participated in this study. Neutrophil oxidative burst activity, phagocytic activity and expression of CD11b and CD16 per cell were measured by fl ow cytometry before and after judo training. Total neutrophil counts increased significantly from 2.98 +/- 0.82 to 7.95 +/- 1.80 x 10(3)/ microL (p < 0.001). The proportion of neutrophils producing reactive oxygen species (ROS) was increased significantly (p < 0.001). On the other hand, the phagocytic activity decreased after training, as shown by a decrease in the amount of ingested opsonized zymosan per cell (p < 0.001), possibly as a compensatory effect for the increased numbers of ROS-producing neutrophils. Expression of CD11b and CD16 per cell decreased by 20% and 30%, respectively, after judo training. In conclusion, judo training induced a decrease in phagocytic activity through the lowered expression of CD11b and CD16 on the surface of neutrophils, and increased the oxidative burst activity of neutrophils.

Relationships between lifestyle factors and neutrophil functions in the elderly

We investigated the relationships between neutrophil functions and lifestyle factors in the elderly. The subjects (84 males, 73.9+/-5.8 years old; and 63 females, 70.0+/-4.6 years old) belonged to a recreational seniors club in Japan. Investigations of the subjects' stress, exercise habits, smoking habits, and alcohol-drinking habits were performed. The phagocytosis and superoxide productivity of the neutrophils were measured with a nitroblue tetrazolium (NBT) reduction test. In addition, leukocyte counts and serum total protein (TP) levels were determined. The results revealed that aging, high serum levels, and stress-coping factors (e.g., having hobbies, keeping pets, and close links with friends or family) significantly correlated with preferable neutrophil functions. In addition, significant effects of lifestyle factors on the balance between phagocytosis and subsequent superoxide production were observed. Thus, the results of the present study suggest that there are correlations between neutrophil functions and lifestyle factors in the elderly.