Long-term effects of honey solution on Th1/Th2 cytokine balance in military graduates with psychological symptoms of over-training

Abstract

Background: Physical exercise in certain conditions can cause over-training syndrome in individuals, which is associated with inflammatory and anti-inflammatory responses by cytokines. The balance of inflammatory and anti-inflammatory cytokines can indicate the strength of the immune system against pathogens. The aim of this study was to investigate the effects of 6 weeks of honey solution on the balance consumption of interferon-gamma and interleukin4. Materials and Methods: This semi-experimental study has been performed by pre-test-post-test with two groups of placebo and honey syrup. For investigation, 70 individuals from the available population, including military graduates, have been examined using an over-training psychological questionnaire and finally, using blood markers (cortisol and testosterone), an over-training test of 38 people with age range of (75/1±75/20) years, and body mass index of (19/4±1/7 kg/m2) have been selected and randomly divided into two groups of 19 individuals: placebo and honey syrup. In order to measure serum levels of interferon-gamma and interleukin-4, before and after 6 weeks of consuming honey solution, 5 cc of blood has been taken from the arm vein and measured by ELISA. Results: The changes in cytokines levels have been investigated using the independent t-test in the SPSS software version 22. Following the use of honey syrup, compared with the placebo group, an increase in interferon-gamma levels and a decrease in interleukin-4 have been observed, which was a significant difference (P <0.05). Conclusion: 6 weeks consumption of honey syrup promoted the balance of interferon-gamma and interleukin cytokines to reduce the side effects of over-training on the immune system.