Physical Exercise Increases Natural Cellular-Mediated Tumor Cytotoxicity in Elderly Women

Abstract

The influence of acute treadmill exercise on natural killer (NK) cell tumor cytotoxicity in vitro was studied in elderly women after participation in a program of physical exercise training (PET) (n = 7) or after participation in a paralleling nonexercise control (NEC) condition (n = 7). The two study groups were equated (p > 0.05) according to age, percent total body fat, functional status as measured by multi-inventory ranking, and exercise capacity. After the experimental period, the PET subjects had a greater basal level of NK activity than the NEC subjects (PET 38.2 percent specific lysis, %SL, vs. NEC 28.8% SL; p < 0.05). Both groups experienced an increase in NK activity after acute treadmill exercise (PET 38.2–57.4% SL, p < 0.01; NEC 28.8–37.8% SL, p < 0.05), but the increase in the PET subjects was significantly (p < 0.05) grater than that observed in the NEC subjects. We conclude that natural cellular-mediated tumor cytotoxicity is increased in response to acute exercise and long-term PET in elderly women.

An Occupational Health Study of Emergency Physicians in Japan: Health Assessment by Immune Variables (CD4, CD8, CD56, and NK Cell Activity) at the Beginning of Work

“…As for life style, it was reported that reduction of NK cell functions was associated with cigarette smoking [34][35][36][37][38] , shortened daily sleep 17) , disturbed sleep [39][40][41] , circadian rhythm (high activity in the morning and low activity at night) [42][43][44][45] , and excessive physical exercise 46,47) . Conversely, healthy life styles (i.e., good sleep, adequate physical exercise, and so on) were associated with increases of NK cell functions [48][49][50] . Several occupational health studies [15][16][17][18][20][21][22][23][24][25] of workers have reported that reduction of NK cell functions (including CD56) was associated with night shift work 15) , long work 16,17) , depression 18) , job stress 20,25) , and burnout 24) .…”

“…It is well known that NK cells defend against tumor cell growth and viral infections in human cellular immune systems, and that NK cell functions are variously influenced by workload [15][16][17] , mental health 20-22, 24, 25) , and life style [34][35][36][37][38][39][40][41][42][43][44][45][46][47][48][49][50] . As for life style, it was reported that reduction of NK cell functions was associated with cigarette smoking [34][35][36][37][38] , shortened daily sleep 17) , disturbed sleep [39][40][41] , circadian rhythm (high activity in the morning and low activity at night) [42][43][44][45] , and excessive physical exercise 46,47) .…”

The Effects of Long-term Exercise on Cerebral Function and the Maintenance of Concentration in the Elderly

“…[1][2][3][4][5][6][7], metabolic hormones [8,9], muscular hypertrophy [9,10], the immune system [11][12][13], and antioxidant enzymes [14,15]. Exercise also produces a positive effect on the psychological and emotional state and alleviates stress [16].…”

Number of Patients Examined May Affect Natural Killer Cell Activity in Japanese Emergency Physicians:

“…Conversely, a healthy lifestyle (e.g., adequate sleep and regular physical exercise) has been associated with increased NK cell function 11,34,35) . In many such studies, researchers have utilized NKCA as a health index.…”