Abstract
Age-related changes of the immune system lead to an increased morbidity and mortality due to enhanced vulnerability to infectious diseases and malignancies. Recent studies revealed the important effects of physical activity on immune functions, which may largely depend on the type of exercise, its intensity and duration. However, limited information is available regarding the immunological effects of sport activities in older ages. The aim of our study was to examine the changes in a wide spectrum of lymphocyte subtypes after regular workout among healthy elderly individuals. We enrolled 29 elderly women with sedentary lifestyle (mean age: 67.03 ± 3.74 years) to take part in a 6-week long functional conditioning gymnastic exercise program. The percentages of peripheral natural killer (NK), NKT cells, T and B lymphocyte subtypes (early-/late-activated T, naïve and memory T, cytotoxic T (Tc), T-helper (Th)1, Th2, Th17, T regulatory type 1 (Tr1), CD4+CD127lo/-CD25bright Treg, as well as naïve and memory B cells) were determined by flow cytometry. Evaluation of the changes in functional capability of Treg cells was based on in vitro functional assays. At the end of exercise program, in parallel with improvements in body composition and physical performance, significant changes in naïve and memory lymphocyte ratios were observed. Importantly, levels of naïve Tc cells elevated, ratios of effector memory Tc cells decreased and distribution of memory B cells rearranged as well. Additionally, proportions of late-activated HLA-DR+ T cells increased, while percentages of anti-inflammatory interleukin (IL)-10 producing Tr1 cells, as well as immunosuppressive CD4+CD127lo/-CD25bright Treg cells decreased following the exercise workout. Changes observed after the regular exercise program indicate an improvement in the age-related redistribution of certain naïve and memory cell proportions and a retuned immune regulation in older ages.
Highlights
A properly functioning immune system is essential for the continuing survival of the host by maintaining a well-balanced defense against foreign organisms and protection from endogenous altered or virally transformed cells
In order to determine the effects of regular exercise on the fitness level of participants, measurements on body composition and physical performance were performed at baseline and repeated after the last exercise
The participants were able to improve their physical performance after training, since Short Physical Performance Battery (SPPB) scores were significantly increased (10.59 ± 1.086 vs. 11.76 ± 0.4355; p
Summary
A properly functioning immune system is essential for the continuing survival of the host by maintaining a well-balanced defense against foreign organisms and protection from endogenous altered or virally transformed cells. Old age inevitably leads to a number of changes that affect almost every element of the immune system and result in a progressive decline in immune functions. This age-associated process, called ‘immunosenescence’, disrupts the balance of immune homeostasis, elderly individuals become more susceptible to a wide range of infections, neoplasia and autoimmune diseases [1]. The mechanisms of aging involve changes in both the innate and adaptive elements of the immune system, alterations in the adaptive arm are more well-defined. Neutrophils and macrophages show decrease in their global functions involving reduced phagocyte functions and delayed cytokine secretions, while natural killer (NK) cells exhibit reduced cytotoxicity and diminished migration capacity, as well. Regarding CD8+ cytotoxic T (Tc) lymphocytes, numerous agedependent changes were reported, including reduced cell numbers and impaired target binding, killing capacity seems to remain intact upon successful binding [7, 8]
Sign-in/Register to view highlights & summary Talk to us
Join us for a 30 min session where you can share your feedback and ask us any queries you have
Schedule a callDisclaimer: All third-party content on this website/platform is and will remain the property of their respective owners and is provided on "as is" basis without any warranties, express or implied. Use of third-party content does not indicate any affiliation, sponsorship with or endorsement by them. Any references to third-party content is to identify the corresponding services and shall be considered fair use under The CopyrightLaw.
