Abstract
ObjectiveTo investigate the link between serum interleukin-18 (IL-18) levels and physical activity in Japanese men.MethodsA total of 81 men (45.7±17.6 years old) was enrolled in this cross-sectional investigation study. We assessed anthropometric and body composition parameters. Serum IL-18 levels, physical activity by uniaxial accelerometers, peak oxygen uptake and metabolic risk parameters were also evaluated.ResultsSerum IL-18 levels were 179.4±84.7 pg/mL. Physical activity evaluated by Σ[metabolic equivalents × h per week (METs⋅h/w)]was significantly and negatively correlated with serum IL-18 levels (r = −0.252, p = 0.0235). These associations remained even after adjusting for age, peak oxygen uptake and other confounding factors.ConclusionSerum IL-18 levels were closely associated with physical activity independent of peak oxygen uptake in Japanese men.
Highlights
Interleukin-18 (IL-18) is a proinflammatory cytokine secreted from mononuclear cells [1,2,3]
High serum IL-18 levels were reported in patients with rheumatoid arthritis [4] and adultonset Still’s disease [5], they were strong predictor of death in patients with coronary artery disease [6] and acute ischemic stroke [7]
Serum IL-18 levels were elevated in patients with diabetes mellitus [8] and diabetic nephropathy [9], which were in the state of low grade inflammation
Summary
Interleukin-18 (IL-18) is a proinflammatory cytokine secreted from mononuclear cells [1,2,3]. Sawada et al [14] reported that low cardiorespiratory fitness was linked to cancer mortality in Japanese men. Sandvik et al [15] showed that physical fitness was a graded, independent, long-term predictor of mortality from cardiovascular causes in healthy, middle-aged men. In the Exercise and Physical Activity Reference for Health Promotion 2006, established by the Ministry of Health Labour and Welfare of Japan in 2006, maximal oxygen uptake was considered to be the most significant element of physical fitness related to health promotion, and the recommended reference value for maximal oxygen uptake to prevent lifestylerelated disease was reported [16]. Physical activity and/or physical fitness may reduce serum IL-18 levels resulting in protective effect on atherosclerosis
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