Sprint interval training (SIT) reduces serum epidermal growth factor (EGF), but not other inflammatory cytokines in trained older men

Abstract

Purpose The present study aimed to investigate the effect of age on circulating pro- and anti-inflammatory cytokines and growth factors. A secondary aim was to investigate whether a novel sprint interval training (SIT) intervention (3 × 20 s ‘all out’ static sprints, twice a week for 8 weeks) would affect inflammatory markers in older men. Methods Nine older men [68 (1) years] and eleven younger men [28 (2) years] comprised the younger group. Aerobic fitness and inflammatory markers were taken at baseline for both groups and following the SIT intervention for the older group. Results Interleukin (IL)-8, vascular endothelial growth factor (VEGF), and monocyte chemoattractant protein-1 (MCP-1) were unchanged for the older and younger groups at baseline (IL-8, p = 0.819; MCP-1, p = 0.248; VEGF, p = 0.264). Epidermal growth factor (EGF) was greater in the older group compared to the younger group at baseline [142 (20) pg mL−1 and 60 (12) pg mL−1, respectively, p = 0.001, Cohen's d = 1.64]. Following SIT, older men decreased EGF to 100 (12) pg mL−1 which was similar to that of young men who did not undergo training (p = 0.113, Cohen's d = 1.07). Conclusion Older aerobically trained men have greater serum EGF than younger aerobically trained men. A novel SIT intervention in older men can shift circulating EGF towards trained younger concentrations. As lower EGF has previously been associated with longevity in C. elegans, the manipulative effect of SIT on EGF in healthy ageing in the human may be of further interest.

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

“…Data from this study are supportive of a recent article which suggested inflammation is physical inactivity driven, rather than a factor of age per se ( Yasar et al, 2021 ). These authors examined multiple pro- and anti-inflammatory cytokines in aerobically trained older and younger males.…”

“…Interestingly, of the 12 cytokines studied [epidermal growth factor (EGF), IL-1a, -1b, -2, -4, -6, -8, and -10, IFN-γ, monocyte chemoattractant protein-1, TNFα, and vascular endothelial growth factor], only EGF was different between the young and old cohort. With reference to the biomarkers measured in this study, Yasar et al (2021) noted IL-6 was similar between young and old trained groups. We believe this is supportive of data from the present investigation as we observed differences in IL-6 between men of the same age, but divergent lifetime exercise habits, suggesting exercise rather than age influence IL-6.…”

“…We believe this is supportive of data from the present investigation as we observed differences in IL-6 between men of the same age, but divergent lifetime exercise habits, suggesting exercise rather than age influence IL-6. Likewise, Yasar et al (2021) noted similar IL-6 in participants with an age difference of ~40years, but similar exercise habits. This leads us to agree with several authors’ conclusions that inflammaging is partly inactivity-driven, and not exclusively a consequence of chronological aging ( Minuzzi et al, 2017 , 2019 ; Yasar et al, 2021 ).…”

“…Likewise, Yasar et al (2021) noted similar IL-6 in participants with an age difference of ~40years, but similar exercise habits. This leads us to agree with several authors’ conclusions that inflammaging is partly inactivity-driven, and not exclusively a consequence of chronological aging ( Minuzzi et al, 2017 , 2019 ; Yasar et al, 2021 ). Interestingly, however, Minuzzi et al (2019) did not observe differences in IL-6 or TNFα between masters athletes and age-matched healthy middle-aged controls.…”

High Intensity Interval Training (HIIT) as a Potential Countermeasure for Phenotypic Characteristics of Sarcopenia: A Scoping Review

“…Given that exercise programmes delivered to older people with sarcopenia in clinical practice are varied and often poorly prescribed (Witham et al, 2020 ), delivering effective and engaging exercise programmes to older people is of prime concern (Dismore et al, 2020 ; Collado-Mateo et al, 2021 ). HIIT is reportedly enjoyable (Thum et al, 2017 ), can be completed without gym equipment (Blackwell et al, 2017 ; Dunford et al, 2021 ; Yasar et al, 2021 ), and deliver self-perceived health and fitness improvements (Knowles et al, 2015 ). However, before HIIT can be proposed as a viable countermeasure to phenotypic characteristics of sarcopenia, it is important to consider the existing literature in terms of methodologies, quality of research and heterogeneity, to determine whether a systematic review and meta-analysis is possible, and if not to identify the areas in which the current literature is deficient.…”