The effects of long-term endurance training on the immune and endocrine systems of elderly men: the role of cytokines and anabolic hormones

Milton Hideaki Arai,Alberto Js Duarte,Valéria Maria Natale

doi:10.1186/1742-4933-3-9

Abstract

Backgrounda decline in immune and endocrine function occurs with aging. The main purpose of this study was to investigate the impact of long-term endurance training on the immune and endocrine system of elderly men. The possible interaction between these systems was also analysed.Resultselderly runners showed a significantly higher T cell proliferative response and IL-2 production than sedentary elderly controls. IL-2 production was similar to that in young adults. Their serum IL-6 levels were significantly lower than their sedentary peers. They also showed significantly lower IL-3 production in comparison to sedentary elderly subjects but similar to the youngs. Anabolic hormone levels did not differ between elderly groups and no clear correlation was found between hormones and cytokine levels.Conclusionhighly conditioned elderly men seem to have relatively better preserved immune system than the sedentary elderly men. Long-term endurance training has the potential to decelerate the age-related decline in immune function but not the deterioration in endocrine function.

Highlights

Human immune function undergoes adverse changes with aging, potentially leading to an increased risk of infections, a greater occurrence of autoantibodies and lymphoproliferative disorders, and a greater morbidity and mortality in the elderly [1]
The interleukin-2 (IL-2) production tends to diminish with age [3]
Substantial decline occurs in the hormone levels of at least three endocrine axes: hypothalamic-pituitary-gonadal, hypothalamic-pituitary-adrenal (HPA) and growth hormone-insulin-like growth factor I

Summary

Introduction

Human immune function undergoes adverse changes with aging, potentially leading to an increased risk of infections, a greater occurrence of autoantibodies and lymphoproliferative disorders, and a greater morbidity and mortality in the elderly [1]. Of the various components of the immune system, T cells are the most sensitive to the effects of aging [2]. The interleukin-2 (IL-2) production tends to diminish with age [3]. The endocrine system suffers from senescence [4]. Substantial decline occurs in the hormone levels of at least three endocrine axes: hypothalamic-pituitary-gonadal, hypothalamic-pituitary-adrenal (HPA) and growth hormone-insulin-like growth factor I. The HPA axis is the one that best integrates the neuroendocrine and immune systems. The relationship between dehydroepiandrosterone sulphate (DHEAS) and interleukin-6 is (page number not for citation purposes)

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