The Acute Cytokine Response to Exercise in Obese Individuals

Core Concepts

Regular exercise does not significantly alter acute cytokine response in obese individuals.

Abstract

Abstract:

• Acute exercise increases systemic cytokine concentration.
• Endurance training effects on 92 inflammation-related cytokines studied.
• 22 individuals in 8-week exercise intervention.
• Fitness improved, adiposity reduced, no change in cytokine levels.

Results:

• 40 cytokines increased before training, 37 after.
• Fitness improvement led to comparable cytokine increase.
• OSM, TGFA, CXCL1, CXCL5, TNFSF14 showed significant increase.
• IL6 increase related to lactate increase.

Conclusion:

• Proteomics approach identified underexplored serum exerkines.
• Function in exercise adaptation explored.

Introduction:

• Acute cytokine response to exercise first observed in 1983.
• IL6 release from exercising leg linked to body temperature increase.
• Research on immunomodulatory function of exercise and myokines.
• Various cytokines elevated after acute exercise.
• Anti-inflammatory cytokines modulate monocytes and macrophages.

Stats

A total of 22 individuals (30 ± 9 years; peak oxygen uptake [VO 2 peak] 25.2 ± 4.2 mL/[kg × min]; body mass index [BMI] 31.7 ± 4.4) participated in an 8-week endurance exercise intervention.
Before and after the training intervention, 40 and 37 cytokines, respectively, were acutely increased more than 1.2-fold (Benjamini-Hochberg [BH]-adjusted P < .05).
The largest acute increase was found for OSM, TGFA, CXCL1 and 5, and TNFSF14 (≥ 1.9-fold, BH-adjusted P < .001).
Only the acute increase in IL6 (1.3-fold) was related to the increase in lactate.

Quotes

"The acute release of cytokines with mainly anti-inflammatory properties, such as IL10, IL1Ra, and IL6, is considered one of the potent mechanisms by which exercise modulates the function of monocytes and macrophages, directing them toward a less proinflammatory phenotype."
"The systemic concentration always reflects the sum of the release from all sources minus the clearance rate."

Key Insights Distilled From

The Acute Cytokine Response to Exercise in Obese Individuals

by Thomas Goj at www.medscape.com 04-25-2023

http://www.medscape.com/viewarticle/989945

Deeper Inquiries

How does the acute cytokine response to exercise differ in trained individuals compared to untrained individuals?

In trained individuals, the acute cytokine response to exercise is typically more regulated and efficient compared to untrained individuals. Regular exercise can alter the cytokine response, especially in previously untrained individuals. Trained individuals often exhibit a more balanced and controlled release of cytokines, with a shift towards anti-inflammatory cytokines like IL10, IL1Ra, and IL6. This modulation helps in directing monocytes and macrophages towards a less proinflammatory phenotype, contributing to overall immune system regulation. Additionally, trained individuals may show a quicker return to baseline cytokine levels post-exercise, indicating a more adaptive and responsive immune system.

What are the potential implications of the underexplored serum exerkines identified in the study?

The identification of underexplored serum exerkines in the study opens up new avenues for understanding the adaptation to exercise and its impact on health. These exerkines, such as OSM, TGFA, CXCL1 and 5, and TNFSF14, have less understood functions in the context of exercise adaptation. Exploring these exerkines further could provide insights into novel mechanisms by which exercise influences metabolic processes, inflammation, and overall health. Understanding the roles of these exerkines may lead to the development of targeted interventions to optimize the benefits of exercise on health outcomes, especially in populations with specific health challenges like obesity.

How might the release of cytokines during exercise impact long-term health outcomes beyond the immediate response?

The release of cytokines during exercise plays a crucial role in shaping long-term health outcomes beyond the immediate response. Regular exercise-induced cytokine release, particularly of anti-inflammatory cytokines like IL10 and IL6, can help in reducing chronic low-grade inflammation associated with conditions like obesity, metabolic disorders, and aging-related diseases. By modulating the immune response and promoting a more balanced cytokine profile, exercise can contribute to improved immune function, metabolic health, and overall well-being over time. The sustained effects of exercise-induced cytokine release may lead to long-term benefits in preventing chronic diseases, enhancing longevity, and promoting overall health and quality of life.