Long-Term Resistance Training Is Associated with Reduced Circulating Levels of IL-6, IFN-Gamma and TNF-Alpha in Elderly Women

Abstract

Objective: The increase in inflammatory activity associated with aging is a characteristic of chronic disease processes that accounts for most of the mortality in the elderly. Resistance training (RT) has been shown to promote metabolic and functional benefits in this population. The objective of this study was to investigate the association between long-term RT and circulating levels of the proinflammatory mediators IL-6, TNF-α and IFN-γ in elderly women. Methods: This cross-sectional study included 54 older outpatients divided into a group that underwent RT (n = 28) for an average of 8.6 ± 0.3 months and a sedentary group (n = 26). Measurements were taken only at the end of the intervention, and cytokine values were log-transformed. Dietary intake was controlled as a confounding factor. Results: The RT group presented reduced levels of log₁₀IFN-γ (approx. 45%; p = 0.003), log₁₀IL-6 (approx. 30%; p = 0.002) and log₁₀TNF-α (approx. 22%; p = 0.036). Total caloric intake and systolic arterial blood pressure were significantly lower in the RT group (p = 0.001 and p = 0.022, respectively). Pearson’s product moment correlation test revealed a negative association between the fat-free mass (FFM) index and log-transformed IL-6 levels (p = 0.03; n = 54) and a trend towards significance for the correlation between the FFM index and log₁₀IFN-γ (p = 0.05; n = 54). Conclusion: Long-term, moderate-intensity RT in elderly women is associated with lower circulating levels of cytokines that are potentially implicated in disorders associated with physical inactivity and aging.

Changes in systemic and subcutaneous adipose tissue inflammation and oxidative stress in response to exercise training in obese black African women

“…We found a small (ß1 kg) but significant decrease in body weight in the exercise group, whereas body weight, BMI and waist circumference increased in the control group, which is reflective of the typical changes in body weight expected in this group of young women . Contrary to our findings, Cordova et al showed a reduction of cytokine levels (IFNγ, IL-6 and TNFα) after 8 months of resistance training in obese women (Cordova et al 2011) and Trachta et al showed a decrease in circulating CRP with a decline in body fat of 4.1% after 3 months of aerobic exercise training (Trachta et al 2014). Accordingly, these differences in exercise duration and total fat mass reduction could explain why we and others (Libardi et al 2012;Lakhdar et al 2013) did not find any significant changes in systemic inflammation.…”

“…The effect of exercise training on systemic inflammation in obese cohorts has been extensively studied but findings remain controversial. Some studies showed a reduction of systemic inflammatory markers after exercise training (Cordova et al 2011;Trachta et al 2014) while others found no changes of these markers (Libardi et al 2012;Lakhdar et al 2013). We did not find changes of…”

Longitudinal association between habitual physical activity and depressive symptoms in older people

“…Second, biological factors represent another explanation for this relation. A previous study showed that inflammation markers, such as C‐reactive protein, interleukin‐6, and tumor necrosis factor‐alpha, were higher in participants with depressive symptoms; however, these markers were low in people who engaged in physical activity and could be lowered with physical exercise interventions …”

Exercise Training Improves Plasma Lipid and Inflammatory Profiles and Increases Cholesterol Transfer to High‐Density Lipoprotein in Elderly Women

“…Low‐density lipoprotein cholesterol (LDL‐C) and triacylglycerol (TAG) levels typically increase in elderly adults, and high‐density lipoprotein cholesterol (HDL‐C) levels decrease. Proinflammatory cytokines, such as interleukin‐6 (IL‐6) and tumor necrosis factor alpha (TNF‐ α ), increase …”