Lifelong training improves anti-inflammatory environment and maintains the number of regulatory T cells in masters athletes

HIIT Induces Stronger Shifts within the Peripheral T Cell Compartment Independent of Sex

Acute exercise induces changes within the T-cell compartment, especially in cytotoxic CD8+ memory subsets, depending on exercise intensity and duration. It is unclear whether exercise-induced changes in major T-cell subsets differ in response to acute high-intensity interval training (HIIT) or moderate-intensity continuous training (MICT) and whether sex-specific effects exist. Twenty-four recreationally active runners (females: n=12, 27.8±4.1years, 54.4±4.6 ml*kg-1*min-1; males: n=12, 31.6±3.8years, 58.9±7.7 ml*kg-1*min-1) participated in this randomized controlled crossover study, and conducted an energy- and duration-matched HIIT and MICT session. Blood was sampled before (T1), immediately (T2) and 1 h after exercise (T3). Flow cytometry was used to identify T-cell populations. HIIT decreased the proportion of CD8+ T-cells more pronounced at T3 compared to MICT (p=0.007), induced a significantly stronger increase in the CD8+ effector memory (TEM) cell proportion at T2 (p=0.032), and decreased CD4+ central memory proportion more pronounced at T2 (p=0.029). A decrease below baseline CD8+ TEM proportion at T3 was observed only after HIIT (p<0.001). No interaction effects between sexes were revealed. Taken together, HIIT represents a more potent stimulus to induce shifts mainly within the cytotoxic CD8+ T-cell compartment, thereby giving implications to investigate the role of HIIT on the cell´s effector phenotype and function in more detail.

Molecular investigation of the effect of weightlifting training on helper T cell subsets in female weightlifting athletes: an immune profiling panel

BACKGROUND

In this study, it was aimed to molecularly investigate the changes in the helper T (Th) cell subgroups of intense weightlifting training. For this purpose, transcription factor and cytokine expressions of Th1, Th2, Th17, and regulator T cell (Treg) cells were evaluated.

METHODS

Eight elite weightlifting athletes were included in the study. Within the scope of the study, transcription factor and cytokine expressions of Th cell subgroups were evaluated by real-time polymerase chain reaction (qPCR) method before training, after intense training with 90-100% capacity, and after 120 minutes of rest from training.

RESULTS

As a result of the study, when the pre-training and post-training expressions were compared, an increase in Th1 and Th2 cell factors and a decrease in Th17 and Treg cell-related expressions were detected. These changes were statistically significant (P<0.05). The changes in expressions after training and after 120 minutes of rest were not statistically significant (P>0.05).

CONCLUSIONS

Changes have been detected in Th cell subgroups due to intense weightlifting training, and these changes are the first study conducted with female weightlifters.

Intensity- and time-matched acute interval and continuous endurance exercise similarly induce an anti-inflammatory environment in recreationally active runners: focus on PD-1 expression in Tregs and the IL-6/IL-10 axis

PURPOSE

Acute exercise elicits a transient anti-inflammatory state during the early recovery period. Since recent studies reported on regimen-specific effects on immune-related humoral factors and cellular subsets, this study compared the effects of intensity- and time-matched acute interval and continuous exercise on peripheral anti-inflammatory cellular and humoral immune parameters with a particular focus on the PD-1 expression in CD4+ regulatory T cells (Tregs).

METHODS

Twenty-four recreationally active runners (age: 29.7 ± 4.3 years, BMI: 22.2 ± 2.4, VO2peak: 56.6 ± 6.4 ml × kg-1 × min-1) participated in this crossover RCT. Each subject conducted a moderate continuous (MCE) and a high-intensity interval exercise (HIIE) session in a counterbalanced design. Blood was drawn before, immediately after, and 1 h after exercise. Treg subsets and levels of PD-1 and Foxp3 were assessed by flow cytometry. Serum levels of IL-10 and IL-6 were quantified by ELISA.

RESULTS

PD-1 levels on Tregs increased within the recovery period after HIIE (p < .001) and MCE (p <  0.001). Total counts of Tregs (HIIE: p = 0.044; MCE: p = .021), naïve Tregs (HIIE: p  < 0.001; MCE: p  < 0.001), and PD-1+ effector Tregs (eTregs) (HIIE: p = .002) decreased 1 h after exercise. IL-10 increased 1 h after HIIE (p < 0.001) and MCE (p = 0.018), while IL-6 increased immediately after both HIIE (p = 0.031) and MCE (p = 0.021). Correlations between changes in IL-6 and IL-10 (p = 0.017, r = 0.379) and baseline VO2peak and Treg frequency (p = 0.002, r = 0.660) were identified.

CONCLUSION

This is the first study that investigates PD-1 expression in circulating Tregs after acute exercise, revealing an increase in PD-1 levels on eTregs during the early recovery period after intensity- and time-matched HIIE and MCE. Future studies are needed to investigate the PD-1 signalosome in eTregs, together with the expression of key effector molecules (i.e., IL-10, TGF-β, IL-35, CTLA-4) to elucidate PD-1-dependent changes in cellular function. Based on changes in serum cytokines, this study further reveals a regimen-independent establishment of an anti-inflammatory milieu and underpins the role of the IL-6/IL-10 axis.

Novel strategies for cancer immunotherapy: counter-immunoediting therapy

The advent of immunotherapy has made an indelible mark on the field of cancer therapy, especially the application of immune checkpoint inhibitors in clinical practice. Although immunotherapy has proven its efficacy and safety in some tumors, many patients still have innate or acquired resistance to immunotherapy. The emergence of this phenomenon is closely related to the highly heterogeneous immune microenvironment formed by tumor cells after undergoing cancer immunoediting. The process of cancer immunoediting refers to the cooperative interaction between tumor cells and the immune system that involves three phases: elimination, equilibrium, and escape. During these phases, conflicting interactions between the immune system and tumor cells result in the formation of a complex immune microenvironment, which contributes to the acquisition of different levels of immunotherapy resistance in tumor cells. In this review, we summarize the characteristics of different phases of cancer immunoediting and the corresponding therapeutic tools, and we propose normalized therapeutic strategies based on immunophenotyping. The process of cancer immunoediting is retrograded through targeted interventions in different phases of cancer immunoediting, making immunotherapy in the context of precision therapy the most promising therapy to cure cancer.

Train your T cells: How skeletal muscles and T cells keep each other fit during aging

Frailty and a failing immune system lead to significant morbidities in the final years of life and bring along a significant burden on healthcare systems. The good news is that regular exercise provides an effective countermeasure for losing muscle tissue when we age while supporting proper immune system functioning. For a long time, it was assumed that exercise-induced immune responses are predominantly mediated by myeloid cells, but it has become evident that they receive important help from T lymphocytes. Skeletal muscles and T cells interact, not only in muscle pathology but also during exercise. In this review article, we provide an overview of the most important aspects of T cell senescence and discuss how these are modulated by exercise. In addition, we describe how T cells are involved in muscle regeneration and growth. A better understanding of the complex interactions between myocytes and T cells throughout all stages of life provides important insights needed to design strategies that effectively combat the wave of age-related diseases the world is currently faced with.

Exercise sustains the hallmarks of health

Exercise has long been known for its active role in improving physical fitness and sustaining health. Regular moderate-intensity exercise improves all aspects of human health and is widely accepted as a preventative and therapeutic strategy for various diseases. It is well-documented that exercise maintains and restores homeostasis at the organismal, tissue, cellular, and molecular levels to stimulate positive physiological adaptations that consequently protect against various pathological conditions. Here we mainly summarize how moderate-intensity exercise affects the major hallmarks of health, including the integrity of barriers, containment of local perturbations, recycling and turnover, integration of circuitries, rhythmic oscillations, homeostatic resilience, hormetic regulation, as well as repair and regeneration. Furthermore, we summarize the current understanding of the mechanisms responsible for beneficial adaptations in response to exercise. This review aimed at providing a comprehensive summary of the vital biological mechanisms through which moderate-intensity exercise maintains health and opens a window for its application in other health interventions. We hope that continuing investigation in this field will further increase our understanding of the processes involved in the positive role of moderate-intensity exercise and thus get us closer to the identification of new therapeutics that improve quality of life.

The impact of aquatic exercise programs on the systemic hematological and inflammatory markers of community dwelling elderly: A randomized controlled trial

Evidence shows that physical exercise is important in maintaining an efficient immune system during ageing. However, there are few studies that test the impact of aquatic exercise programs on the immune system. This study aims to analyze the impact of different physical exercise programs in aquatic environment on the systemic hematological and inflammatory markers of community dwelling elderly. One hundred and two elderly were randomly allocated into four groups: a continuous aerobic exercise group (AerG) (n = 25, 71.44 ± 4.84 years); an interval aerobic exercise group (IntG) (n = 28, 72.64 ± 5.22 years); a combined exercise group (ComG) (n = 29, 71.90 ± 5.67 years); a control group (CG) (n = 20, 73.60 ± 5.25 years). The AerG, IntG and ComG participants took part in three different aquatic exercise programs over a 28-weeks period. The CG participants maintained their usual routines during the same time period. Blood samples were collected from all participants in order to access hematologic indicators, by means of cell count, and the inflammatory profile by ELISA. After 28 weeks, significant differences were found for several hematologic variables in the AerG, IntG and ComG with increases in mean corpuscular hemoglobulin (MCH), mean corpuscular hemoglobulin concentration (MCHC), and hemoglobulin (Hb). Decreases in TNF-α levels were found for all exercising groups. An increase in IL-10 levels, granulocytes to lymphocytes ratio (GLR) and a decrease in the TNF-α/IL-10 ratio, were found for the IntG. For the ComG decreases were also found for the TNF-α, IL-1ß/IL-1ra ratios. The present study suggests that aquatic exercise programs were able to improve the inflammatory profile of the participants. Those in the exercise intervention groups showed a shift towards lower pro-inflammatory levels while the non-exercising group showed the opposite behaviour. The IntG and the ComG aquatic exercise programs appeared to be more effective than the AerG program in decreasing chronic low-grade inflammation by mediating the production of higher levels of anti-inflammatory cytokines. However, the differences found between the exercising groups were small and may not have clinical significance.

The growing field of immunometabolism and exercise: Key findings in the last 5 years

This perspective review highlights the impact of physical exercise on immunometabolic responses in the past 5 years. Understanding immunometabolism as a part of immunological research is essential. Furthermore, the roles of both acute and chronic effects of physical exercise on health, aging, and chronic diseases in immunometabolic changes should be elaborated. In immune cells, β2 adrenergic signaling stimulates the preferential mobilization of inflammatory phenotypes, such as CD16⁺ monocytes and CD8⁺ T cells, into the bloodstream after a physical exercise session. The mobilization of immune cells is closely related to the availability of energetic substrates for the cell and mechanisms associated with the uptake and oxidation of fatty acids and glucose. These cells, especially senescent T cells, are mobilized to the peripheral tissues and undergo apoptotic signaling, stimulating the creation of a "vacant space" where new cells will be matured and replaced in the circulation. This results in the upregulation of the expression and secretion of anti-inflammatory cytokines (IL-10 and IL-1ra), leading to increased regulatory immune cells that provide immunoregulatory properties. Thus, we suggest that a significant nutrient available to the cell will favor oxidative metabolism, augment ATP production, and consequently maintain the immune cells in their quiescent state, as well as promote rapid activation function. Therefore, based on the studies discussed in this perspective review, we highlight the importance of performing moderate-intensity continuous and high-intensity intermittent aerobic exercises, due to a higher magnitude of energetic demand and release of anti-inflammatory cytokines (IL-6 and IL-10).

Potential Role of Chronic Physical Exercise as a Treatment in the Development of Vitiligo

Vitiligo is an autoimmune disease characterized by progressive skin depigmentation and the appearance of white patches throughout the body caused by significant apoptosis of epidermal melanocytes. Despite not causing any physical pain, vitiligo can originate several psychosocial disorders, drastically reducing patients' quality of life. Emerging evidence has shown that vitiligo is associated with several genetic polymorphisms related to auto-reactivity from the immune system to melanocytes. Melanocytes from vitiligo patients suffer from excess reactive oxygen species (ROS) produced by defective mitochondria besides a poor endogenous antioxidant system (EAS). This redox imbalance results in dramatic melanocyte oxidative stress (OS), causing significant damage in proteins, lipid membranes, and DNA. The damaged melanocytes secret damage-associated molecular pattern (DAMPs), inducing and increasing inflammatory gene expression response that ultimately leads to melanocytes apoptosis. Vitiligo severity has been also associated with increasing the prevalence and incidence of metabolic syndrome (MetS) or associated disorders such as insulin resistance and hypercholesterolemia. Thus, suggesting that in genetically predisposed individuals, the environmental context that triggers MetS (i.e., sedentary lifestyle) may also be an important trigger for the development and severity of vitiligo disease. This paper will discuss the relationship between the immune system and epidermal melanocytes and their interplay with the redox system. Based on state-of-the-art evidence from the vitiligo research, physical exercise (PE) immunology, and redox system literature, we will also propose chronic PE as a potential therapeutic strategy to treat and prevent vitiligo disease progression. We will present evidence that chronic PE can change the balance of inflammatory to an anti-inflammatory state, improve both EAS and the mitochondrial structure and function (resulting in the decrease of OS). Finally, we will highlight clinically relevant markers that can be analyzed in a new research avenue to test the potential applicability of chronic PE in vitiligo disease.

Skeletal muscle transcriptome response to a bout of endurance exercise in physically active and sedentary older adults

Age-related declines in cardiorespiratory fitness and physical function are mitigated by regular endurance exercise in older adults. This may be due, in part, to changes in the transcriptional program of skeletal muscle following repeated bouts of exercise. However, the impact of chronic exercise training on the transcriptional response to an acute bout of endurance exercise has not been clearly determined. Here, we characterized baseline differences in muscle transcriptome and exercise-induced response in older adults who were active/endurance trained or sedentary. RNA-sequencing was performed on vastus lateralis biopsy specimens obtained before, immediately after, and 3 h following a bout of endurance exercise (40 min of cycling at 60%-70% of heart rate reserve). Using a recently developed bioinformatics approach, we found that transcript signatures related to type I myofibers, mitochondria, and endothelial cells were higher in active/endurance-trained adults and were associated with key phenotypic features including V̇o_2peak, ATP_max, and muscle fiber proportion. Immune cell signatures were elevated in the sedentary group and linked to visceral and intermuscular adipose tissue mass. Following acute exercise, we observed distinct temporal transcriptional signatures that were largely similar among groups. Enrichment analysis revealed catabolic processes were uniquely enriched in the sedentary group at the 3-h postexercise timepoint. In summary, this study revealed key transcriptional signatures that distinguished active and sedentary adults, which were associated with difference in oxidative capacity and depot-specific adiposity. The acute response signatures were consistent with beneficial effects of endurance exercise to improve muscle health in older adults irrespective of exercise history and adiposity.NEW & NOTEWORTHY Muscle transcript signatures associated with oxidative capacity and immune cells underlie important phenotypic and clinical characteristics of older adults who are endurance trained or sedentary. Despite divergent phenotypes, the temporal transcriptional signatures in response to an acute bout of endurance exercise were largely similar among groups. These data provide new insight into the transcriptional programs of aging muscle and the beneficial effects of endurance exercise to promote healthy aging in older adults.

Benefits on Hematological and Biochemical Parameters of a High-Intensity Interval Training Program for a Half-Marathon in Recreational Middle-Aged Women Runners

(1) Background: half-marathon races are popular among recreational runners, with increases in participation among middle-aged and women. We aimed to determine the effects of two half-marathon training programs on hematological and biochemical markers in middle-aged female recreational runners; (2) Methods: ten women (40 ± 7 years) followed moderate intensity continuous training (MICT), based on running volume below 80% V˙O₂max, and another ten women followed high intensity interval training (HIIT) at 80%–100% V˙O₂max, with less volume, and combined with eccentric loading exercise. Hematology, plasma osmolality, and plasma markers of metabolic status, muscle damage, inflammatory, and oxidative stress were measured before (S1) and after (S2) training and 24 h after the half-marathon (S3); (3) Results: both training programs had similar moderate effects at S2. However, the acute response at S3 induced different alterations. There was a greater decrease in cholesterol and triglyceride levels in MICT and reductions in markers of damage and inflammation in HIIT. Greater variability in some plasma markers at S3 in MICT suggests that there is inter-individual variability in the response to training; (4) Conclusions: HIIT led to better adaptation to the competition maybe because of the repeated exposure to higher oxygen consumption and eccentric loading exercise.

SARS-COV-2 in Type 2 Diabetic Patients: Possible Roles of Exercise Training as a Medicine

SARS-COV-2 is the novel type of beta coronavirus that was first evolved in December 2019 in Wuhan, China. People with type 2 diabetes are the most vulnerable group to SARS-COV-2 and its associated complications. Many factors such as medication, pathophysiologic-induced compensatory mechanisms, and alterations in protein expression and immune system function can all contribute to severe outcomes in diabetics. In this review article, we first described the possible mechanisms of increased risk and more severe complications rate of SARS-COV-2 in diabetic patients. Secondly, we discussed the crucial role of exercise in diabetic patients in balancing the RAS system (ACE2/ACE). Finally, we examine the possible roles of acute and chronic exercise in reducing SARS-COV-2 severe outcomes in people with diabetes in accordance with the latest evidence. We concluded that regular exercise (especially moderate-intensity exercise) can play a role in immune- enhancing, anti-inflammatory, and anti-oxidant activities and can balance the ACE2/ACE ratio (decreasing ANG2 levels) in diabetic subjects.

Short-Term and Lifelong Exercise Training Lowers Inflammatory Mediators in Older Men

Increased basal low-grade inflammation is observed with advancing age, which is augmented by physical inactivity. However, data regarding the influence of lifelong exercise training and particularly high-intensity interval training (HIIT) on inflammatory mediators in older men are scarce. Therefore, we examined effects of 6weeks of aerobic preconditioning followed by 6weeks of HIIT on inflammatory mediators [interleukin (IL)-6, homocysteine, and high-sensitivity C-reactive protein (hsCRP)] in previously sedentary older men (SED) and masters athletes (LEX). Further, we investigated whether SED exhibited greater basal inflammatory biomarkers compared to LEX. Twenty-two men (aged 62±2years) participated in the SED group, while 17 age-matched LEX men (aged 60±5years) also participated as a positive comparison group. In SED, preconditioning (P=0.030, d=0.34) and HIIT (P=0.030, d=0.48) caused a reduction in IL-6 compared to enrollment. SED homocysteine did not change throughout (P>0.57; d<0.26), while the decrease in hsCRP after preconditioning (P=0.486, d=0.25) and after HIIT (P=0.781, d=0.23) compared to enrollment was small. HIIT did not influence IL-6 or hsCRP in LEX (all P>0.42; d<0.3). Homocysteine increased from enrollment to post-HIIT in LEX (P=0.144, d=0.83), but all other perturbations were trivial. IL-6 and hsCRP were greater in SED than LEX throughout the investigation (all P<0.029; d>0.72), but homocysteine was not different (all P >0.131; d<0.41). Results of this study suggest moderate-intensity aerobic exercise and HIIT lowers IL-6 (and possible hsCRP) in previously sedentary older men. Moreover, lifelong exercise is associated with reduced concentrations of some inflammatory biomarkers in older males, and therefore, physical activity, rather than age per se, is implicated in chronic low-grade inflammation. Moreover, physical inactivity-induced inflammation may be partly salvaged by short-term exercise training.

Immunometabolic responses according to physical fitness status and lifelong exercise during aging: New roads for exercise immunology

Molecules such as cytokines, energetic substrates, and hormones found in the immune cell environment, especially lymphocytes and monocytes, are crucial for directing energy metabolism. In turn, changes in energy metabolism occur in a synchronized manner with the activation of certain signaling pathways, thereby this crosstalk is responsible for determining the functionality of immune cells. The immunometabolism field has grown over time and that is becoming increasingly promising in several populations; here we discuss the mechanisms involved in sedentary and physically active middle-aged individuals and master athletes. In this context, this review shows that the physical activity status and lifelong exercise seems to be good strategies for the promotion of metabolic and functional adaptations in T lymphocytes and monocytes, counteracting inflammatory environments caused by expanded adipose tissue and sedentary behavior, as well as delaying the immunosenescence caused by aging.

Systematic review on the effects of physical exercise on cellular immunosenescence-related markers - An update

Immunosenescence is a remodeling of the immune system occurring with aging that leads to an increased susceptibility to auto-immunity, infections and reduced vaccination response. A growing consensus supports the view that physical exercise may counteract immunosenescence and improve the immune response. Unfortunately, evidence regarding the effects of exercise on markers of cellular immunosenescence lacked uniformity at the time of an extensive literature review in 2016. Moreover, exercise-induced effects in older adults were underrepresented compared to young adults or completely lacking, such as for senescent T-cells and apoptosis of T-lymphocytes. The aim of this systematic literature study was to collect and appraise newly available data regarding exercise-induced changes on immunosenescence-related markers of immune cells and compare this against data that was already available in 2016. Systematic reviewing of newly available data in the field of exercise immunology provides additional evidence for the effect of exercise on immunosenescence-related cellular markers. Importantly, this review provides evidence for the effect of long-term exercise on senescent T-lymphocytes in older adults. Additionally, newly retrieved evidence shows an acute exercise-induced mobilization of naïve and memory cells in older adults. In general, data regarding long-term exercise-induced effects in older adults remain scarce. Noteworthy was the high number of articles describing exercise-induced effects on regulatory T-cells. However exercise-induced effects on this cell type are still inconclusive as some articles reported an exercise-induced up- or downregulation, while others reported no effects at all. Numerous studies on Natural Killer cell counts did not provide uniformity among data that was already available. Recent data regarding dendritic cells mostly described an increase after exercise. Overall, our literature update highlights the major influence of the type and intensity of exercise on immunosenescence-related markers, especially in older adults.

Relationship between inflammatory biomarkers and testosterone levels in male master athletes and non-athletes

BACKGROUND

Aging is often associated with low-grade systemic inflammation and reduced anabolic hormone levels. To investigate whether lifelong exercise training can decrease the age-related low-grade inflammation and anabolic hormone levels, we examined hormonal and inflammatory parameters among highly-trained male masters athletes and age-matched non-athletes.

METHODS

From 70 elite power and endurance master athletes - EMA (51.3 ± 8.0 yr), 32 young controls - YC (23.7 ± 3.9 yr) and 24 untrained age-matched controls - MAC (47.2 ± 8.0 yr) venous blood was drawn to measure inflammatory parameters (interleukin-6 [IL-6], tumor necrosis factor-α [TNF-α] and interleukin-10 [IL-10]) and circulating hormones (luteinizing hormone [LH], total testosterone, estradiol, sex hormone-binding globulin [SHBG] and free androgen index [FAI]).

RESULTS

EMA showed a better anti-inflammatory status than MAC (higher IL-10 and IL-10/IL-6 ratio and lower IL-6), but a lower anti-inflammatory status than YC (higher TNF-α) (p < 0.05). The MAC group had lower testosterone levels compared to the YC and EMA group (p < 0.05), and lower estradiol levels and testosterone/LH ratio compared to YC (p < 0.05). In the control groups (MAC and YC), testosterone correlated negatively with age and proinflammatory parameters, and positively with anti-inflammatory parameters.

CONCLUSION

Elite master athletics elevated levels of anti-inflammatory cytokines above that seen in non-athlete peers and mitigated the age-related reduction in testosterone levels.

Taurine supplementation reduces myeloperoxidase and matrix-metalloproteinase-9 levels and improves the effects of exercise in cognition and physical fitness in older women

Immunosenescence contributes to cognitive impairment and neurodegeneration, and those conditions could be attenuated by non-pharmacological anti-inflammatory strategies, such as exercise and supplementation with the amino acid taurine. Since taurine body content decreases with aging, we investigated the effects of supplementation (alone and combined with exercise) on oxidative stress, extracellular matrix degradation, white blood cells, neurotrophins, cognition and physical fitness of elderly women. Forty-eight women (83.58 ± 6.98 years) were enrolled into exercise training only (EO: n = 13), taurine supplementation (TS: n = 12), exercise training + taurine supplementation (ETTS: n = 11), and control group (CG: n = 12). All interventions lasted 14 weeks. Exercise was applied twice a week, and taurine was given once a day (1.5 g). Data collection occurred before and after interventions with the determination of myeloperoxidase (MPO), matrix metalloproteinase-9 (MMP-9), brain-derived neurotrophic factor (BDNF), nerve growth factor (NGF) levels, and white blood cell counts (WBC). Montreal cognitive assessment (MoCA) and physical fitness tests were also evaluated. Concentration of MPO and MMP-9 decreased after intervention in TS (p < 0.05). No effect of time or time × group was observed for WBC parameters; however, univariate analysis showed a significant decrease in lymphocytes for TS, while an increase in monocytes occurred in the CG (p < 0.05). MoCA scores decreased over time in the CG (p < 0.05). Improvements in physical fitness occurred in ETTS (better agility and aerobic capacity), mostly likely due to exercise and boosted by taurine supplementation. No changes in BDNF levels were observed (p > 0.05), while NGF concentration were undetectable in almost subjects. Exercise together with taurine supplementation appears to be a valuable strategy to enhance health-related outcomes in older persons.

Effects of aging and lifelong aerobic exercise on basal and exercise-induced inflammation in women

Low muscle mass and frailty are especially prevalent in older women and may be accelerated by age-related inflammation. Habitual physical activity throughout the life span (lifelong exercise) may prevent muscle inflammation and associated pathologies, but this is unexplored in women. This investigation assessed basal and acute exercise-induced inflammation in three cohorts of women: young exercisers (YE, n = 10, 25 ± 1 yr, [Formula: see text]: 44 ± 2 mL/kg/min, quadriceps size: 59 ± 2 cm²), old healthy nonexercisers (OH, n = 10, 75 ± 1 yr, [Formula: see text]: 18 ± 1 mL/kg/min, quadriceps size: 40 ± 1 cm²), and lifelong aerobic exercisers with a 48 ± 2 yr aerobic training history (LLE, n = 7, 72 ± 2 yr, [Formula: see text]: 26 ± 2 mL/kg/min, quadriceps size: 42 ± 2 cm²). Resting serum IL-6, TNF-α, C-reactive protein (CRP), and IGF-1 were measured. Vastus lateralis muscle biopsies were obtained at rest (basal) and 4 h after an acute exercise challenge (3 × 10 reps, 70% 1-repetition maximum) to assess gene expression of cytokines (IL-6, TNF-α, IL-1β, IL-10, IL-4, IL-1Ra, TGF-β), chemokines (IL-8, MCP-1), cyclooxygenase enzymes (COX-1, COX-2), prostaglandin E₂ synthases (mPGES-1, cPGES) and receptors (EP3-4), and macrophage markers (CD16b, CD163), as well as basal macrophage abundance (CD68⁺ cells). The older cohorts (LLE + OH combined) demonstrated higher muscle IL-6 and COX-1 (P ≤ 0.05) than YE, whereas LLE expressed lower muscle IL-1β (P ≤ 0.05 vs. OH). Acute exercise increased muscle IL-6 expression in YE only, whereas the older cohorts combined had the higher postexercise expression of IL-8 and TNF-α (P ≤ 0.05 vs. YE). Only LLE had increased postexercise expression of muscle IL-1β and MCP-1 (P ≤ 0.05 vs. preexercise). Thus, aging in women led to mild basal and exercise-induced inflammation that was unaffected by lifelong aerobic exercise, which may have implications for long-term function and adaptability.NEW & NOTEWORTHY We previously reported a positive effect of lifelong exercise on skeletal muscle inflammation in aging men. This parallel investigation in women revealed that lifelong exercise did not protect against age-related increases in circulating or muscle inflammation and that preparedness to handle loading stress was not preserved by lifelong exercise. Further investigation is necessary to understand why lifelong aerobic exercise may not confer the same anti-inflammatory benefits in women as it does in men.

Assessment of Serum Cytokines and Oxidative Stress Markers in Elite Athletes Reveals Unique Profiles Associated With Different Sport Disciplines

Objectives

Circulating cytokines and oxidative stress markers vary in response to different exercise regimens. This study aims to compare the immune-inflammatory and oxidative stress profiles of elite athletes from different sport disciplines as potential biomarkers of muscle damage, and cardiovascular demand.

Methods

Serum samples from 88 consented elite male athletes from different sports disciplines (aquatics, n = 11, athletics, n = 22, cycling, n = 19, football, n = 28 and weightlifting, n = 8) collected at the anti-doping lab in Italy were screened for 38 cytokines and oxidative stress markers. Comparisons were made between different level of power, cardiovascular demand (CD) and endurance, as well as among the sport types.

Results

The anti-inflammatory interleukin (IL)-10 was higher (p = 0.04) in moderate power compared with the high power group. Conversely, superoxide dismutase (SOD; p = 0.001) and malondialdehyde (MDA; p = 0.007) levels were greater in the higher power groups compared with the lower power counterpart. Among athletes who belong to different CD ranks, IL-1β and monocyte chemoattractant protein-1(MCP1) levels were higher (p = 0.03) in the low CD-rank group compared with high CD counterpart, whereas, SOD levels were higher (p = 0.001) in high and moderate CD-rank groups compared to low counterpart. For endurance groups, IL-10 and macrophage inflammatory protein (MIP)-1beta were increased (p = 0.03) in low/moderate endurance compared with the high endurance group. Finally, MIP1-beta, SOD and catalase varied significantly among the sports groups.

Conclusion

Specific markers of inflammation and oxidative stress are associated with different sports disciplines and could be utilized as potential biomarkers of athletes' health, performance, and recovery from injury.

Moderate- to high intensity aerobic and resistance exercise reduces peripheral blood regulatory cell populations in older adults with rheumatoid arthritis

Objective

Exercise can improve immune health and is beneficial for physical function in patients with rheumatoid arthritis (RA), but the immunological mechanisms are largely unknown. We evaluated the effect of moderate- to high intensity exercise with person-centred guidance on cells of the immune system, with focus on regulatory cell populations, in older adults with RA.

Methods

Older adults (≥65 years) with RA were randomized to either 20-weeks of moderate – to high intensity aerobic and resistance exercise (n = 24) or to an active control group performing home-based exercise of light intensity (n = 25). Aerobic capacity, muscle strength, DAS28 and CRP were evaluated. Blood samples were collected at baseline and after 20 weeks. The frequency of immune cells defined as adaptive regulatory populations, CD4 + Foxp3 + CD25 + CD127- T regulatory cells (Tregs) and CD19 + CD24hiCD38hi B regulatory cells (Bregs) as well as HLA-DR−/lowCD33 + CD11b + myeloid derived suppressor cells (MDSCs), were assessed using flow cytometry.

Results

After 20 weeks of moderate- to high intensity exercise, aerobic capacity and muscle strength were significantly improved but there were no significant changes in Disease Activity Score 28 (DAS28) or CRP. The frequency of Tregs and Bregs decreased significantly in the intervention group, but not in the active control group. The exercise intervention had no effect on MDSCs. The reduction in regulatory T cells in the intervention group was most pronounced in the female patients.

Conclusion

Moderate- to high intensity exercise in older adults with RA led to a decreased proportion of Tregs and Bregs, but that was not associated with increased disease activity or increased inflammation.

Trial registration

Improved Ability to Cope With Everyday Life Through a Person-centered Training Program in Elderly Patients With Rheumatoid Arthritis - PEP-walk Study, NCT02397798. Registered at ClinicalTrials.gov March 19, 2015.

Effects of aging and lifelong aerobic exercise on basal and exercise-induced inflammation

Age-associated chronic basal inflammation compromises muscle mass and adaptability, but exercise training may exert an anti-inflammatory effect. This investigation assessed basal and exercise-induced inflammation in three cohorts of men: young exercisers [YE; n = 10 men; 25 ± 1 yr; maximal oxygen consumption (V̇o2max), 53 ± 3 mL·kg-1·min-1; quadriceps area, 78 ± 3 cm2; means ± SE], old healthy nonexercisers (OH; n = 10; 75 ± 1 yr; V̇o2max, 22 ± 1 mL·kg-1·min-1; quadriceps area, 56 ± 3 cm2), and lifelong exercisers with an aerobic training history of 53 ± 1 yr (LLE; n = 21; 74 ± 1 yr; V̇o2max, 34 ± 1 mL·kg-1·min-1; quadriceps area, 67 ± 2 cm2). Resting serum IL-6, TNF-α, C-reactive protein, and IGF-1 levels were measured. Vastus lateralis muscle biopsies were obtained at rest (basal) and 4 h after an acute exercise challenge (3 × 10 repetitions, 70% 1-repetition maximum) to assess gene expression of cytokines [IL-6, TNF-α, IL-1β, IL-10, IL-4, interleukin-1 receptor antagonist (IL-1Ra), and transforming growth factor-β (TGF-β)], chemokines [IL-8 and monocyte chemoattractant protein-1 (MCP-1)], cyclooxygenase enzymes [cyclooxygenase-1 and -2 (COX-1 and COX-2, respectively), prostaglandin E2 synthases [microsomal prostaglandin E synthase 1 (mPGES-1) and cytosolic prostaglandin E2 synthase (cPGES)] and receptors [prostaglandin E2 receptor EP3 and EP4 subtypes (EP3 and EP4, respectively), and macrophage markers [cluster of differentiation 16b (CD16b) and CD163], as well as basal macrophage abundance (CD68+ cells). Aging led to higher (P ≤ 0.05) circulating IL-6 and skeletal muscle COX-1, mPGES-1, and CD163 expression. However, LLE had significantly lower serum IL-6 levels (P ≤ 0.05 vs. OH) and a predominantly anti-inflammatory muscle profile [higher IL-10 (P ≤ 0.05 vs. YE), TNF-α, TGF-β, and EP4 levels (P ≤ 0.05 vs. OH)]. In OH only, acute exercise increased expression of proinflammatory factors TNF-α, TGF-β, and IL-8 (P ≤ 0.05). LLE had postexercise gene expression similar to YE, except lower IL-10 (P ≤ 0.10), mPGES-1, and EP3 expression (P ≤ 0.05). Thus, although aging led to a proinflammatory profile within blood and muscle, lifelong exercise partially prevented this and generally preserved the acute inflammatory response to exercise seen in young exercising men. Lifelong exercise may positively impact muscle health throughout aging by promoting anti-inflammation in skeletal muscle.NEW & NOTEWORTHY This study assessed a unique population of lifelong aerobic exercising men and demonstrated that their activity status exerts an anti-inflammatory effect in skeletal muscle and circulation. Furthermore, we provide evidence that the inflammatory response to acute exercise is dysregulated by aging but preserved with lifelong exercise, which might improve skeletal muscle resilience to unaccustomed loading and adaptability into late life.

Changes in Lymphocyte Composition and Functionality After Intensive Training and Exhausting Exercise in Rats

Exhausting exercise can have a deleterious effect on the immune system. Nevertheless, the impact of exercise intensity on lymphocyte composition and functionality remains uncertain. The aim of this study was to establish the influence of intensive training on lymphoid tissues (blood, thymus, and spleen) in Wistar rats. Two intensive training programs were performed: a short program, running twice a day for 2 weeks and ending with a final exhaustion test (S-TE group), and a longer program, including two exhaustion tests plus three runs per week for 5 weeks. After this last training program, samples were obtained 24 h after a regular training session (T group), immediately after an additional exhaustion test (TE group) and 24 h later (TE24 group). The composition of lymphocytes in the blood, thymus, and spleen, the function of spleen cells and serum immunoglobulins were determined. In the blood, only the TE group modified lymphocyte proportions. Mature thymocytes' proportions decreased in tissues obtained just after exhaustion. There was a lower percentage of spleen NK and NKT cells after the longer training program. In these rats, the T group showed a reduced lymphoproliferative activity, but it was enhanced immediately after the final exhaustion. Cytokine secretion was modified after the longer training (T group), which decreased IFN-γ and IL-10 secretion but increased that of IL-6. Higher serum IgG concentrations after the longer training program were detected. In conclusion, the intensive training for 5 weeks changed the lymphocyte distribution among primary and secondary lymphoid tissues and modified their function.

The effect of L-theanine supplementation on the immune system of athletes exposed to strenuous physical exercise

Background

The aim of this study was to analyze the response of selected components of the immune system in rowers to maximal physical exercise, and to verify if this response could be modulated by supplementation with L-theanine.

Method

The double-blind study included 20 members of the Polish Rowing Team. The subjects were randomly assigned to the supplemented group (n = 10), receiving 150 mg of L-theanine extract for 6 weeks, or to the placebo group (n = 10). The participants performed a 2000-m test on a rowing ergometer at the beginning (1st examination) and at the end of the supplementation period (2nd examination). Blood samples were obtained from the antecubital vein before each exercise test, 1 min after completing the test, and after a 24-h recovery. Subpopulations of T regulatory lymphocytes (Tregs) (CD4+/CD25+/CD127-), cytotoxic lymphocytes (CTLs) (CD8+/TCRαβ+), natural killer (NK) cells (CD3-/CD16+/CD56+) and TCRδγ-positive (Tδγ) cells were determined by means of flow cytometry. The levels of interleukin 2 (IL-2), interleukin 4 (IL-4), interleukin 10 (IL-10), interferon gamma (INF-ɤ) and total antioxidant capacity (TAC) were determined with commercially available diagnostic kits.

Results

Supplementation with L-theanine contributed to a significant post-exercise decrease in IL-10 concentration, which was reflected by higher values of IL-2 to IL-10 and IFN-γ to IL-10 ratios. Moreover, a significant post-recovery decrease in CTL count, Treg to NK and Treg to CTL ratios was observed in the supplemented group.

Conclusion

Despite the decrease in the number of some cytotoxic cells (CTLs) and an increase in the proportion of Tregs to CTLs, supplementation with LTE seems to exert a beneficial effect on a disrupted Th1/Th2 balance in elite athletes, as shown by the decrease in IL-10 concentration.

Elevated Inflammatory Status and Increased Risk of Chronic Disease in Chronological Aging: Inflamm-aging or Inflamm-inactivity?

Age-associated hyper-inflammation or "inflamm-aging" has been linked to the development of chronic diseases and characterized as an unavoidable aspect of aging. However, the inflamm-aging model does not adequately address the potential anti-inflammatory effects of exercise training and the potential for exercise to ameliorate several age-related diseases. In this brief review, we introduce a new paradigm-inflamm-inactivity-that describes a potent counter-measure to age-associated inflammatory illness.

Cytokine Responses to Acute Exercise in Healthy Older Adults: The Effect of Cardiorespiratory Fitness

Markers of chronic inflammation increase with aging, and are associated with cardiovascular disease prevalence and mortality. Increases in fitness with exercise training have been associated with lower circulating concentrations of cytokines known to have pro-inflammatory actions (such as interleukin-6 [IL-6]) and higher circulating concentrations of anti-inflammatory cytokines (interleukin-10 [IL-10]). However, the effect of cardiorespiratory fitness on acute cytokine responses to a single bout of exercise in healthy older individuals is unknown. We compared the response of plasma cytokines IL-6, tumor necrosis factor-alpha (TNF-α) and IL-10 to a bout of moderate-intensity continuous and higher-intensity interval exercise between older individuals with higher and lower levels of cardiorespiratory fitness. Sixteen lower-fit (VO_2peak: 22.6±2.8 mL.kg⁻¹.min⁻¹) and fourteen higher-fit participants (VO_2peak: 37.4±5.9 mL.kg⁻¹.min⁻¹) completed three 24 min experimental protocols in a randomized order: (1) moderate-intensity continuous exercise (40% of peak power output [PPO]); (2) higher-intensity interval exercise (12 × 1 min intervals at 70% PPO separated by 1 min periods at 10% PPO); or (3) non-exercise control. Plasma cytokines were measured at rest, immediately after, and during 90 min of recovery following exercise or control. Plasma IL-6 concentrations at baseline were greater in the higher-fit compared to the lower-fit group (P = 0.02), with no difference in plasma IL-10 or TNF-α concentrations at baseline between groups. Plasma IL-6 and IL-10 concentrations in both groups increased immediately after all protocols (IL-6: P = 0.02, IL-10: P < 0.01). However, there was no difference in the IL-6 and IL-10 response between the exercise and non-exercise (control) protocols. After all protocols, no changes in plasma TNF-α concentrations were observed in either the higher- or lower-fit groups. In this study, basal concentrations of circulating IL-6 were elevated in older individuals with higher levels of cardiorespiratory fitness. However, changes in plasma cytokine concentrations after exercise were not different to changes after non-exercise control in both the lower- and higher-fit groups.