Mucosal-Associated Invariant T Cell Response to Acute Exercise and Exercise Training in Older Obese Women.

Lauren C Bates,David B Bartlett,Erik D Hanson,Bryan Richie,Michael M Levitt,Melody D Phillips,Elise Erickson

doi:10.3390/sports9100133

Abstract

(1) Background: Obesity is a major global public health concern as it is associated with many of the leading causes of preventable deaths. Exercise reduces obesity-induced inflammation; however, it is unknown how exercise training may impact mucosal associated invariant T (MAIT) cells in overweight/obese (OW) post-menopausal women. Therefore, the purpose of this study was to investigate (i) circulating MAIT-cells at rest in OW vs. Lean women, (ii) the response of MAIT-cells to a single bout of combined aerobic and resistance exercise, and (iii) the effects of 12 weeks of exercise training (EX) or educational program (ED) on the MAIT-cell response in OW. (2) Methods: OW completed an acute exercise session or sitting control, underwent 12 weeks of exercise training or received educational materials, and then repeated the exercise session/sitting control. Lean post-menopausal women provided a baseline comparison. (3) Results: OW had lower circulating MAIT-cells at rest than Lean prior to exercise training; however, after training EX displayed improved MAIT-cell frequency. Additionally, prior to training EX did not exhibit MAIT-cell mobilization/egress, however, both improved after training. (4) Conclusions: Reduced MAIT-cell frequency and ability to mobilize/egress were potentially partially rescued in EX after 12 weeks of exercise training; however, further research is needed to elucidate age or obesity-induced attenuations in MAIT-cells.

Highlights

Obesity is associated with many of the leading causes of preventable deaths and is a major health concern as globally 40% of adult women are overweight (BMI: ≥ 25 kg/m2 ) and 15% are obese (BMI ≥ 30 kg/m2 ) [1]
Exclusionary criteria included chronic inflammatory diseases or autoimmune disorders (e.g., Addison’s disease, Graves’ disease, multiple sclerosis, systemic lupus erythematosus, rheumatoid arthritis and psoriaticarthritis, HIV/AIDS, acute or chronic infection, previous myocardial infarction, peripheral artery disease (PAD), Type 1 or 2 diabetes mellitus, chronic respiratory condition, blood disorders), oral steroid or statins use, and those unable to exercise due to an injury or long-term illness
In OW post-menopausal women 12 weeks of exercise training may elicit a partial restoration of the mucosal associated invariant T (MAIT)-cell response; more research is needed to elucidate age and obesity-related deficits

Summary

Introduction

Obesity is associated with many of the leading causes of preventable deaths (heart disease, diabetes, etc.) and is a major health concern as globally 40% of adult women are overweight (BMI: ≥ 25 kg/m2 ) and 15% are obese (BMI ≥ 30 kg/m2 ) [1]. Many long-term health consequences such as cardiometabolic diseases are associated with the systemic chronic low-grade inflammation and vascular dysfunction caused by obesity [2]. Pro-inflammatory immune cells and an increase in the production of proinflammatory cytokines are a key characteristic of obesity [3]. Weight loss strategies such as exercise (alone or in combination with nutrition intervention) serve as potential treatment for obesity [4] as it is known to reduce obesity-induced chronic inflammation [5].

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