Changes in Cytokines Concentration Following Long-Distance Running: A Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis

Abstract

Long-distance running is an exhausting effort for the whole organism. Prolonged aerobic exercise induces changes in inflammatory markers. However, predicting muscle damage in response has limitations in terms of selecting biomarkers used to measure inflammatory status. The present study conducts a systematic review and meta-analysis of articles focusing in ultra-marathon, marathon, and half-marathon and levels of cytokines. The search was conducted in PubMed, Web of Science, and Scopus databases, resulting in the inclusion of 76 articles. IL-6 was highlighted, evaluated in 62 studies and show increase in the standard mean difference (SMD): half-marathon (SMD −1.36; IC 95%: −1.82, −0.89, Ch2:0.58; tau2:0.00; p < 0.0001), marathon (SMD −6.81; IC 95%: −9.26, −4.37; Ch2:481.37 tau2:11.88; p < 0.0001) and ultra-marathon (SMD −8.00 IC 95%: −10.47, −5.53; Ch2:328.40; tau2:14.19; p < 0.0001). In contrast meta-regression analysis did not show relationship to the running distance (p = 0.864). The meta-analysis evidenced increase in the concentration of IL-1ra (p < 0.0001), IL-1B (p < 0.0001), IL-8 (p < 0.0001), IL-10 (p < 0.0001) and TNF-α (p < 0.0001). Reduction in IL-2 (p < 0.0001) and INF-y (p < 0.03) and no change in the IL-4 (p < 0.56). The number of studies evaluating the effect of adipokines was limited, however Leptin and Resistin were recurrent. The effects of an acute bout of prolonged aerobic exercise will protect against chronic systemic inflammation. The time to return to baseline values showed a substantial and dose-dependent relationship with run volume. The concentration of IL-6 was robustly studied and the marathon running was the most explored. Network of endocrine interactions in which circulating factors, released in extreme exercises, interplay through inter-organ crosstalk and physiologic changes were expressed. The running volume variability was able to modulate compounds that play a fundamental role in the maintenance of homeostasis and cell signaling.

Physical activity improves outcomes of combined lenvatinib plus anti-PD-1 therapy in unresectable hepatocellular carcinoma: a retrospective study and mouse model

“…In addition to the modulation of immune microenvironment, physical activity ameliorates immunosenescence through promoting the secretion of several cytokines by skeletal muscle during physical activity, including IL-6, IL-7 and IL-15 [ 26 ]. Similarly, a meta-analysis conducted by Micael Deivison de Jesus Alves, et al found that long-distance running was associated with increased levels of IL-6, IL-1ra, IL-1β, IL-8, IL-10, and TNF-α, and with decreased levels of IL-2, and IFN-γ [ 40 ]. In general, physical activity has immune-promoting effect, which may facilitate the anti-tumor immune response.…”

Implications of Adipose Tissue Content for Changes in Serum Levels of Exercise-Induced Adipokines: A Quasi-Experimental Study

“…According to previous studies, strenuous exercise augments adiponectin levels or does not affect them at all [ 54 , 55 , 67 , 75 ]. Conversely, others reported a reduction in serum adiponectin levels after five repeated WAnTs in sedentary young adults [ 76 ].…”

“…It is well known that intense physical activity leads to an increase in circulating IL-6 levels [ 55 ], especially after prolonged strenuous exercise, such as a marathon run [ 75 ]. Surprisingly, in the current study, we did not observe any changes in IL-6 levels.…”

Metabolic and immune/inflammatory alterations induced by a triathlon under extreme conditions

“…Initially, the sample size was calculated based on IL-6 due to the fact that this molecule is the most evaluated cytokine/myokine in studies involving a strenuous and prolonged exercise session, as reported by Alves et al ( 2022 ). In addition, we emphasize that we use the G * Power software and the data obtained in the study developed by Nieman and collaborators (Nieman et al, 2005 ), and based on a maximum permissible error margin of 5% and a sampling power of 0.95, the minimum sample size calculated were 10 subjects.…”