Effects of exercise intensity, duration and recovery on in vitro neutrophil function in male athletes

The acute effects of pre- and mid-exercise carbohydrate ingestion on the immunoregulatory stress hormone release in experienced endurance athletes-a systematic review

Background

In times of physical stress, the body orchestrates a multisystemic regulatory response. The hormones epinephrine and norepinephrine play a role in the immediate regulation chain, while cortisol is involved in delayed regulation. The release of those stress hormones in response to exercise has previously been reported to elicit diverse immune reactions.

Objective

The aim of this systematic review was to examine and present the acute effects of immediate pre- and mid-exercise carbohydrate ingestion on cortisol, epinephrine and norepinephrine levels in experienced endurance athletes.

Methods

A systematic literature search was conducted using PubMed, Cochrane Library and Web of Science in accordance with PRISMA guidelines up to February 2023. Randomized controlled trials in English or German language were included if baseline and at least two follow-up measures of blood plasma or serum of chosen stress hormones (cortisol, epinephrine, norepinephrine) were collected in response to prolonged continuous endurance activity. Eligibility furthermore required an acute carbohydrate ingestion of at least 30 g of carbohydrates per hour no more than 30 min before start of the exercise, as well as a placebo-controlled study design.

Results

Eleven studies of moderate to high quality were included in this review. Carbohydrate ingestion of at least 30 g per hour was able to attenuate rises in cortisol concentration in majority of the included studies. Epinephrine levels were considerably lower with ingestion of carbohydrates compared to placebo in all studies. Norepinephrine concentrations were largely unaffected by acute carbohydrate feeding.

Conclusion

Pre- and mid-exercise ingestion of carbohydrates seems an effective dietary strategy to attenuate rises in cortisol and epinephrine levels and, thus, an effective countermeasure for endurance exercise-induced increases in stress hormone levels.

Effect of Acute High-Intensity Interval Training on Immune Function and Oxidative Stress in Canoe/Kayak Athletes

The aim of this study was to investigate the effects of acute high-intensity interval training (HIIT) on immune function and oxidative stress in male canoe/kayak athletes who were well trained. A total of 22 participants were voluntarily recruited with an age range of 15.9 ± 2.3 years, height of 172.2 ± 5.5 cm, body mass of 63.30 ± 6.95 kg, and body fat of 13.77 ± 3.76%. The modified Wingate kayaking test on a kayak ergometer was performed by all participants. Blood samples were collected at three different time points: before the test (Pre-T), immediately after (Post-T), and 3 h post-test (Post-3 h). Saliva samples were collected at two different time points: before the test (Pre-T) and 3 h after the test (Post-3 h). Results indicated that acute canoe/kayak ergometry HIIT had significant effects on the percentages and counts of leukocytes, neutrophils, lymphocytes, and lymphocyte subsets. Additionally, it resulted in increased total LPS-stimulated neutrophil elastase release and alterations in plasma concentrations of superoxide dismutase, catalase, and TBARS. These findings suggest that conventional kayak HIIT regimens can have short-term effects on immune function and induce oxidative stress in athletes.

Physical activity prevents tumor metastasis through modulation of immune function

Metastasis is responsible for 90% of deaths in cancer patients. Most patients diagnosed with metastatic cancer will die within 5 years. PA is good for health and has become an emerging adjuvant therapy for cancer survivors. Regular moderate exercise substantially lowers the incidence and recurrence of several cancers, alleviates cancer-related adverse events, enhances the efficacy of anti-cancer treatments, and improves the quality of life of cancer patients. Revealing the mechanisms of PA inhibiting tumor metastasis could upgrade our understanding of cancer biology and help researchers explore new therapeutic strategies to improve survival in cancer patients. However, it remains poorly understood how physical activity prevents metastasis by modulating tumor behavior. The immune system is involved in each step of tumor metastasis. From invasion to colonization, immune cells interact with tumor cells to secret cytokines and proteases to remodel the tumor microenvironment. Substantial studies demonstrated the ability of physical activity to induce antitumor effects of immune cells. This provides the possibility that physical activity can modulate immune cells behavior to attenuate tumor metastasis. The purpose of this review is to discuss and summarize the critical link between immune function and exercise in metastasis prevention.

Influence of exercise duration on respiratory function and systemic immunity among healthy, endurance-trained participants exercising in sub-zero conditions

Background

Strenuous endurance exercise in sub-zero temperatures can cause airway damage that may lead to EIB. Prolonged exercise can also elicit greater immune perturbations than short-duration exercise. However, the influence of exercise duration on lung function and systemic immunity in sub-zero temperatures has not been established. Additionally, it is currently unknown whether atopic disposition, which is risk factor for EIB, influences respiratory responses in a sub-zero climate. The aim of this study was to compare respiratory and systemic immune responses to two cold air running trials of short and long duration, as well as to examine whether the responses differed between atopic and non-atopic subjects.

Methods

Eighteen healthy, endurance-trained subjects (males/females: 14/4; age: 29.4 ± 5.9 years old; BMI: 23.1 ± 1.7; atopic/non-atopic: 10/8) completed two moderate-intensity climate chamber running trials at − 15 °C, lasting 30 and 90 min, in a randomized, cross-over design. Lung function (spirometry and impulse oscillometry), serum CC16, respiratory symptoms, and blood leukocyte counts were examined before and after the trials.

Results

Lung function was not significantly affected by exercise or exercise duration. CC16 concentration increased after both trials (p = 0.027), but the response did not differ between trials. Respiratory symptom intensity was similar after each trial. There was a greater increase in neutrophils (p < 0.001), and a decrease in eosinophils (p < 0.001) after the 90-min bout. The 90-min protocol increased X5 compared to the 30-min protocol only in atopic subjects (p = 0.015) while atopy increased lower airway symptoms immediately after the 90-min session (p = 0.004).

Conclusions

Our results suggest that a 90-min bout of moderate-intensity exercise at − 15 °C does not cause substantial lung function decrements, airway epithelial damage or respiratory symptoms compared to 30 min running in the same environment, despite a heightened redistribution of white blood cells. However, exercise at − 15 °C may cause airway injury and evoke respiratory symptoms, even at moderate intensity. Atopic status may lead to greater peripheral bronchodilation and higher frequency of respiratory symptoms after long-duration exercise in cold.

Trial registration: 01/02/2022 ISRCTN13977758. This trial was retrospectively registered upon submission to satisfy journal guidelines. The authors had not initially registered the study, as the intervention was considered to be a controlled simulation of exercise in a naturally occurring environment (i.e. sub-zero air) for healthy volunteers.

Supplementary Information

The online version contains supplementary material available at 10.1186/s12931-022-02029-2.

Exhaustive Exercise Increases Spontaneous but Not fMLP-Induced Production of Reactive Oxygen Species by Circulating Phagocytes in Amateur Sportsmen

Strenuous exercise alters the oxidative response of blood phagocytes to various agonists. However, little is known about spontaneous post exercise oxidant production by these cells. In this cross-over trial, we tested whether an exhaustive treadmill run at a speed corresponding to 70% of VO2max affects spontaneous and fMLP-provoked oxidant production by phagocytes in 18 amateur sportsmen. Blood was collected before, just after, and 1, 3, 5 and 24 h post exercise for determination of absolute and normalized per phagocyte count spontaneous (a-rLBCL, rLBCL) and fMLP-induced luminol-enhanced whole blood chemiluminescence (a-fMLP-LBCL, fMLP-LBCL). a-rLBCL and rLBCL increased by 2.5- and 1.5-times just after exercise (p < 0.05) and then returned to baseline or decreased by about 2-times at the remaining time-points, respectively. a-fMLP-LBCL increased 1.7- and 1.6-times just after and at 3 h post-exercise (p < 0.05), respectively, while fMLP-LBCL was suppressed by 1.5- to 2.3-times at 1, 3, 5 and 24 h post-exercise. No correlations were found between elevated post-exercise a-rLBCL, a-fMLP-LBCL and run distance to exhaustion. No changes of oxidants production were observed in the control arm (1 h resting instead of exercise). Exhaustive exercise decreased the blood phagocyte-specific oxidative response to fMLP while increasing transiently spontaneous oxidant generation, which could be a factor inducing secondary rise in antioxidant enzymes activity.

Connections between Different Sports and Ergogenic Aids-Focusing on Salivary Cortisol and Amylase

Athletes are exposed to a tremendous amount of stress, both physically and mentally, when performing high intensity sports with frequent practices, pushing numerous athletes into choose to use ergogenic aids such as caffeine or β-alanine to significantly improve their performance and ease the stress and pressure that is put onto the body. The beneficial or even detrimental effects of these so-called ergogenic aids can be appreciated through the use of numerous diagnostic tools that can analyze various body fluids. In the recent years, saliva samples are gaining more ground in the field of diagnostic as it is a non-invasive procedure, contains a tremendous amount of analytes that are subject to pathophysiological changes caused by diseases, exercises, fatigue as well as nutrition and hydration. Thus, we describe here the current progress regarding potential novel biomarkers for stress and physical activity, salivary α-amylase and salivary cortisol, as well as their use and measurement in combination with different already-known or new ergogenic aids.

The Efficacy of Pilates on Urinary Incontinence in Korean Women: A Metabolomics Approach

Pilates has been known as exercise intervention that improves the function of pelvic floor muscle (PFM) associated with impacting urinary incontinence (UI). This study investigated the effect of Pilates on UI in Korean women by determining the change in functional movement of PFM (FMP) and metabolic profiles. UI group with Pilates (UIP, n = 13) participated in 8-weeks Oov Pilates program, and 8 subjects were assigned to Control and UI group with no Pilates (UINP), respectively. Before and after 8 weeks, plasma samples were collected from all participants, and ultrasonography was used to measure the functional change of PFM for calculating FMP ratio. Plasma samples were analyzed by mass spectrometry to identify the change of metabolic features. After 8-weeks intervention, FMP ratio was remarkably decreased in UIP (48.1% ↓, p < 0.001), but not in Control and UINP (p > 0.05). In metabolic features, L-Glutamine (m/z: 147.07 [M + H]⁺), L-Cystathionine (m/z: 240.09 [M + NH₄]⁺), L-Arginine (m/z: 197.1 [M + Na]⁺), and L-1-Pyrroline-3-hydroxy-5-carboxylate (m/z: 147.07 [M + NH₄]⁺) were significantly elevated solely in UIP (p < 0.001). Our study elucidated that Pilates can ameliorate the FMP and enhance the specific metabolic characteristics, which was potentially associated with invigorated PFM contractility to effectively control the bladder base and continence.

Analysis of human neutrophil phenotypes as biomarker to monitor exercise-induced immune changes

The amplitude of the innate immune response reflects the degree of physiological stress imposed by exercise load. An optimal balance of exercise intensity and duration is essential for a balanced immune system and reduces the risk of dysfunction of the immune system. Therefore, it is hypothesized that neutrophils, as key players in the innate immune system, can be used as biomarker in detecting overtraining. The aim was to monitor the state of the innate immune system by phenotyping neutrophils during consecutive bouts of prolonged exercise. Study subjects were recruited from a cohort of walkers participating in a walking event on 3 consecutive days. Participants with immune deficiencies were excluded. Questionnaires to determine the physiological status of the participants were completed. Analysis of neutrophil receptor expression was done by a point-of-care fully automated flow cytometer. A total of 45 participants were recruited, of whom 39 participants were included for data analysis. Study participants had a median age of 64 (58-70) years. The absolute numbers CD16^dim /CD62L^bright and CD16^bright /CD62L^dim neutrophils were increased after the first 2 days of exercise followed by an adaptation/normalization after the third day. Participants with activated neutrophils (high CD11b expression) had an impaired physical feeling indicated by the participant on a lower visual analog scale compared to participants who did not have activated neutrophils (P = 0.017, P = 0.022). Consecutive days of prolonged exercise results in an initial systemic innate immune response, followed by normalization/adaptation. Increased neutrophil activation was associated with impaired physical feeling measured by a validated VAS score indicated by the participant. Fully automated point-of-care flow cytometry analysis of neutrophil phenotypes in a field laboratory might be a useful tool to monitor relevant differences in the systemic innate immune response in response to exercise.

Nutrition and Athlete Immune Health: New Perspectives on an Old Paradigm

Respiratory and gastrointestinal infections limit an athlete's availability to train and compete. To better understand how sick an athlete will become when they have an infection, a paradigm recently adopted from ecological immunology is presented that includes the concepts of immune resistance (the ability to destroy microbes) and immune tolerance (the ability to dampen defence yet control infection at a non-damaging level). This affords a new theoretical perspective on how nutrition may influence athlete immune health; paving the way for focused research efforts on tolerogenic nutritional supplements to reduce the infection burden in athletes. Looking through this new lens clarifies why nutritional supplements targeted at improving immune resistance in athletes show limited benefits: evidence supporting the old paradigm of immune suppression in athletes is lacking. Indeed, there is limited evidence that the dietary practices of athletes suppress immunity, e.g. low-energy availability and train- or sleep-low carbohydrate. It goes without saying, irrespective of the dietary preference (omnivorous, vegetarian), that athletes are recommended to follow a balanced diet to avoid a frank deficiency of a nutrient required for proper immune function. The new theoretical perspective provided sharpens the focus on tolerogenic nutritional supplements shown to reduce the infection burden in athletes, e.g. probiotics, vitamin C and vitamin D. Further research should demonstrate the benefits of candidate tolerogenic supplements to reduce infection in athletes; without blunting training adaptations and without side effects.

Allostatic stress load and CMV serostatus impact immune response to maximal exercise in collegiate swimmers

Collegiate athletes are exposed to varying levels of academic and physical stressors, placing them at increased risk for stress-activated latent viral infections. However, the impact of allostatic stress load on the immune response to maximal exercise in athletes remains largely unknown. This study examined the effects of a 7-mo training period and cytomegalovirus (CMV) serostatus on immune cell response to high-intensity swim tests within a group of collegiate swimmers. Samples were collected from 15 National Collegiate Athletic Association Division I swimmers (9 men, 6 women: 19.87 ± 0.64 yr) before and after exhaustive in-pool swims at 2 time points (V₁: immediately post-season 1 and V₃: beginning of season 2). An additional off-season (V₂) time point was collected in a subset of 9 swimmers. Natural killer (NK) cell, B cell, and T cells were quantified by flow cytometry. Linear mixed models were used to determine the effects of exercise, time point, and CMV serostatus (α = 0.05). Resting senescent CD8+ T cells were higher in CMV-seropositive participants at V₃ (P = 0.005). CMV-seronegative participants had a decrease in resting senescent CD8+ T cells from V₁ to V₃ (P = 0.021). After acute exercise, CMV-seropositive participants had lower naïve CD8+ T cells (P < 0.001) and higher senescent CD8+ T cells (P < 0.001). Increased cumulative stress levels did not appear to affect B-cell and NK-cell compartments. Immune response to exercise was impacted by CMV serostatus and allostatic stress load. Young CMV-seropositive athletes exposed to elevated stressors should be monitored to determine long-term effects of training and academic stressors.NEW & NOTEWORTHY Allostatic stress load is associated with impaired immune response to maximal exercise in cytomegalovirus (CMV)-seropositive subjects but not in CMV-seronegative young healthy adults.

Effects of low-intensity and high-intensity cycling with diesel exhaust exposure on soluble P-selectin, E-selectin, I-CAM-1, VCAM-1 and complete blood count

BACKGROUND

Exposure to particulate matter 2.5 μm or less (PM2.5) that contains transition metals may play a role in systemic oxidative stress and inflammation. Exposure to diesel exhaust (DE) can increase adhesion molecules, which are important in the inflammatory response; however, it is unclear how exercising in DE affects adhesion molecules and how exercise intensity modulates this response.

AIM

To determine how DE exposure during exercise of varying intensities affects adhesion molecules and markers of systemic inflammation.

METHODS

Eighteen males performed 30 min cycling bouts at low intensity and high intensity (30% and 60% of power at VO2peak (peak oxygen consumption) and a control condition (rest)). Each trial was performed once breathing filtered air (FA) and once breathing DE (300 μg/m3 of PM2.5, six trials in total). Prior to, immediately post, 1 and 2 hours post exposure, blood was drawn to measure parameters of a complete blood count and soluble (s) platelet-Selectin, endothelin-Selectin, intracellular cell adhesion molecule (sICAM)-1 and vascular cell adhesion molecule (sVCAM)-1. Data were analysed using repeated-measures analysis of variance.

RESULTS

Two hours following high-intensity exercise, sICAM-1 was significantly less in DE compared with FA (p=0.008). Immediately following rest (p=0.013) and high-intensity exercise (p=0.042) in DE, sICAM-1 was significantly greater than immediately following low-intensity exercise in DE. There were no significant differences in other markers between DE and FA.

CONCLUSIONS

Based on this study, healthy individuals may not experience an acute increase in adhesion molecules and systemic inflammatory markers from exercising in DE compared with FA, and higher exercise intensities do not appear to increase the likelihood that DE will affect adhesion molecules and systemic inflammatory markers.

Glutamine as an Anti-Fatigue Amino Acid in Sports Nutrition

Glutamine is a conditionally essential amino acid widely used in sports nutrition, especially because of its immunomodulatory role. Notwithstanding, glutamine plays several other biological functions, such as cell proliferation, energy production, glycogenesis, ammonia buffering, maintenance of the acid-base balance, among others. Thus, this amino acid began to be investigated in sports nutrition beyond its effect on the immune system, attributing to glutamine various properties, such as an anti-fatigue role. Considering that the ergogenic potential of this amino acid is still not completely known, this review aimed to address the main properties by which glutamine could delay fatigue, as well as the effects of glutamine supplementation, alone or associated with other nutrients, on fatigue markers and performance in the context of physical exercise. PubMed database was selected to examine the literature, using the keywords combination “glutamine” and “fatigue”. Fifty-five studies met the inclusion criteria and were evaluated in this integrative literature review. Most of the studies evaluated observed that glutamine supplementation improved some fatigue markers, such as increased glycogen synthesis and reduced ammonia accumulation, but this intervention did not increase physical performance. Thus, despite improving some fatigue parameters, glutamine supplementation seems to have limited effects on performance.

Multi-dimensional flow cytometry analysis reveals increasing changes in the systemic neutrophil compartment during seven consecutive days of endurance exercise

Endurance exercise is associated with a transient increase in neutrophil counts in the peripheral blood. Here we investigate the impact of intensified endurance exercise on the neutrophil compartment. We hypothesized that intensified endurance exercise leads to mobilization of neutrophil subsets, which are normally absent in the blood. Furthermore, we followed the potential build-up of neutrophil activation and the impact on overnight recovery of the neutrophil compartment during a seven-day cycling tour. The neutrophil compartment was studied in 28 healthy amateur cyclists participating in an eight-day strenuous cycling tour. Blood samples were taken at baseline, after 4 days and after 7 days of cycling. The neutrophil compartment was analyzed in terms of numbers and its phenotype by deep phenotyping of flow cytometry data with the multi-dimensional analysis method FLOOD. Repeated endurance exercise led to a gradual increase in total neutrophil counts over the days leading to a 1.26 fold-increase (95%CI 1.01–1.51 p = 0.0431) in the morning of day 8. Flow cytometric measurements revealed the appearance of 2 additional neutrophil subsets: CD16^brightCD62L^dim and CD16^dimCD62L^bright. A complex change in neutrophil phenotypes was present characterized by decreased expression of both CD11b and CD62L and marked increased expression of LAIR-1, VLA-4 and CBRM1/5. The changes in expression were found on all neutrophils present in the blood. Strikingly, in strong contrast to our findings during acute inflammation evoked by LPS challenge, these neutrophils did not upregulate classical degranulation markers. In fact, our FLOOD analysis revealed that the exercise induced neutrophil phenotype did not overlap with the neutrophil subsets arising upon acute inflammation. In conclusion, during multiple days of endurance exercise the neutrophil compartment does not regain homeostasis overnight. Thereby our study supports the concept of a build-up of inflammatory cues during repeated endurance exercise training, causing a prolonged change of the systemic neutrophil compartment.

Standardized Assessment of Resistance Training-Induced Subjective Symptoms and Objective Signs of Immunological Stress Responses in Young Athletes

From a health and performance-related perspective, it is crucial to evaluate subjective symptoms and objective signs of acute training-induced immunological responses in young athletes. The limited number of available studies focused on immunological adaptations following aerobic training. Hardly any studies have been conducted on resistance-training induced stress responses. Therefore, the aim of this observational study was to investigate subjective symptoms and objective signs of immunological stress responses following resistance training in young athletes. Fourteen (7 females and 7 males) track and field athletes with a mean age of 16.4 years and without any symptoms of upper or lower respiratory tract infections participated in this study. Over a period of 7 days, subjective symptoms using the Acute Recovery and Stress Scale (ARSS) and objective signs of immunological responses using capillary blood markers were taken each morning and after the last training session. Differences between morning and evening sessions and associations between subjective and objective parameters were analyzed using generalized estimating equations (GEE). In post hoc analyses, daily change-scores of the ARSS dimensions were compared between participants and revealed specific changes in objective capillary blood samples. In the GEE models, recovery (ARSS) was characterized by a significant decrease while stress (ARSS) showed a significant increase between morning and evening-training sessions. A concomitant increase in white blood cell count (WBC), granulocytes (GRAN) and percentage shares of granulocytes (GRAN_%) was found between morning and evening sessions. Of note, percentage shares of lymphocytes (LYM_%) showed a significant decrease. Furthermore, using multivariate regression analyses, we identified that recovery was significantly associated with LYM_%, while stress was significantly associated with WBC and GRAN_%. Post hoc analyses revealed significantly larger increases in participants’ stress dimensions who showed increases in GRAN_%. For recovery, significantly larger decreases were found in participants with decreases in LYM_% during recovery. More specifically, daily change-scores of the recovery and stress dimensions of the ARSS were associated with specific changes in objective immunological markers (GRAN_%, LYM_%) between morning and evening-training sessions. Our results indicate that changes of subjective symptoms of recovery and stress dimensions using the ARSS were associated with specific changes in objectively measured immunological markers.

Activation of the sympathetic nervous system modulates neutrophil function

Emerging evidence has revealed that noradrenaline (NA), the main neurotransmitter of the sympathetic nervous system (SNS), regulates a variety of immune functions via binding to adrenergic receptors present on immune cells. In this study, we examined the role of NA in the regulation of neutrophil functions. Neutrophils were isolated from the bone marrow of naïve mice and treated with NA at various concentrations to assess the effect on various neutrophil functions. Additionally, we performed cremaster intravital microscopy to examine neutrophil‐endothelial cell interactions following NA superfusion in vivo. In a separate group of animals, mice were subjected to an experimental model of stroke and at 4 and 24 h neutrophils were isolated for assessment on their ability to migrate toward various chemokines. Treatment of neutrophils with NA for 4 h significantly impaired neutrophil chemotaxis and induced an N2 neutrophil phenotype with reduced expression of the genes critical for cytoskeleton remodeling and inflammation. Prolonged NA administration promoted neutrophils to release myeloperoxidase and IL‐6, but suppressed the production of interferon‐γ and IL‐10, reduced neutrophil activation and phagocytosis. Superfusion of NA over the cremaster muscle almost completely inhibited fMLP‐induced neutrophil adhesion/arrest and transmigration. Furthermore, using a mouse model of stroke, a pathological condition in which SNS activation is evident, neutrophils isolated from poststroke mice showed markedly reduced chemotaxis toward all of the chemokines tested. The findings from our study indicate that neutrophil chemotaxis, activation, and phagocytosis can all be negatively regulated in an NA‐dependent manner. A better understanding of the relationship between sympathetic activation and neutrophil function will be important for the development of effective antibacterial interventions.

Moderate endurance training (marathon-training) - effects on immunologic and metabolic parameters in HIV-infected patients: the 42 KM cologne project

Background

Improved treatment options of HIV have resulted in regular physical activities of many HIV-infected patients. However, data on effects of sports in HIV-patients are scarce.

Methods

21 HIV-infected persons were monitored prospectively while preparing for a marathon run. Multiple parameters with regard to immunology, quality of life and metabolism were measured at 4 time points (at baseline 1 year before the marathon run, 3 and 6 months after beginning of training, and immediately before marathon).

Results

13 out of 21 participants completed the marathon (12 male, 1 female; median age 42 years [27–50]; CD4 = 620/μl [146–1268]; 11 were on ART since 3.5 years [1–7]). 8 participants ceased training early. All reasons for stopping (besides one pre-existing metatarsal fracture) were not regarded as training-related (e.g. time limitation n = 3; newly diagnosed anal cancer n = 1; personal reasons/unknown n = 3).

We observed a significant increase in absolute CD4-T-cells (620/μl [146–1268] vs. 745 [207–1647]; p = 0.001) with simultaneous decrease of CD4-T-cell apoptosis (53% [47–64] vs. 32% [14–42]); p < 0.01). No effects on viral load independent of ART occurred. Systolic blood pressure and cholesterol improved significantly, although moderate and normal at baseline (cholesterol 185 mg/dl [98–250] vs. 167 [106–222], p = 0.02; RRsys 125 mmHg [100–145] vs. 120 [100–140], p = 0.01). Blood count, liver enzymes, creatinine and CK remained unchanged.

Conclusions

The results of this pilot study indicated improved metabolic and immunologic parameters in HIV-infected patients undergoing moderate endurance training. Although training effects or ART cannot be ultimately separated as underlying mechanisms, we conclude that marathon training is safe for HIV-infected patients and potentially improves general health.

Trial registration

DRKS00011592 (retrospectively registered on February 9th 2017).

Fit with good fat? The role of n-3 polyunsaturated fatty acids on exercise performance

N-3 PUFA (n-3) polyunsaturated fatty acids (PUFA) are a family of fatty acids mainly found in oily fish and fish oil supplements. The effects of n-3 PUFA on health are mainly derived from its anti-inflammatory proprieties and its influence on immune function. Lately an increased interest in n-3 PUFA supplementation has reached the world of sport nutrition, where the majority of athletes rely on nutrition strategies to improve their training and performance. A vast amount of attention is paid in increasing metabolic capacity, delaying the onset of fatigue, and improving muscle hypertrophy and neuromuscular function. Nutritional strategies are also frequently considered for enhancing recovery, improving immune function and decreasing oxidative stress. The current review of the literature shows that data regarding the effects of n-3PUFA supplementation are conflicting and we conclude that there is, therefore, not enough evidence supporting a beneficial role on the aforementioned aspects of exercise performance.

Evaluation of the anti-fatigue effects of a traditional herbal drug, Gongjin-dan, under insufficient sleep conditions: study protocol for a randomised controlled trial

Background

Many herbal medicines are traditionally used as anti-fatigue agents in east Asian countries; however, there is a dearth of clinical evidence supporting the anti-fatigue effects of such medicines and their mechanisms. This study is a feasibility trial to assess the clinical efficacy of Gongjin-dan (GJD) and verify its mechanisms by exploring fatigue outcomes, including endocrine and immunological biomarkers in humans.

Methods/Design

To investigate the anti-fatigue effects of GJD and the mechanism underlying these effects, a randomised, double-blind, placebo-controlled crossover clinical trial was designed. Participants (24 healthy male volunteers) will be hospitalised for 4 days (3 nights), during which acute fatigue and stress conditions will be induced by sleep deprivation, and GJD or a placebo will be administered (twice daily). The primary outcome will be changes in serum cortisol levels, measured in the morning, as an objective biomarker of sleep deprivation-induced fatigue and stress. The secondary outcomes will include: the Fatigue Severity Scale; the Brief Fatigue Inventory, and the Leeds Sleep Evaluation Questionnaire scores; levels of salivary cortisol, epinephrine, norepinephrine, oxidative stress-related biomarkers, homocysteine, and immunological factors; and heart rate variability. After a washout period of more than 4 weeks, a second treatment phase will commence in which participants who were previously administered the placebo will receive the drug and vice versa, following the same treatment regime as in the first phase.

Discussion

This study protocol provides a unique opportunity to enhance our understanding of fatigue and the effects of GJD on fatigue in terms of endocrine and immunological mechanisms by validating the study design and determining feasibility. Findings from this trial will help researchers to design a pilot or definitive clinical trial of traditional herbal medicine for chronic fatigue.

Trial registration

Korean National Clinical Trial Registry CRIS; KCT0001681, registered on 29 October 2015.

Plasma Cytokine Profiles in Long-Term Strenuous Exercise

The open window theory indicates altered immunity 3 to 72 hours after exercise. The J-curve describes the risk of illness in response to exercise. The aim of this study was to examine the secretion of proinflammatory and anti-inflammatory cytokines before and after long-term strenuous exercise. Fourteen marathon and 16 half-marathon runners and 10 military cadets participating in a military ranger-training course were recruited to this study. Within-subject design was used measuring levels of plasma cytokines before, during, and after exercise. Plasma cytokines were measured using Luminex multiplex technology and ELISA. Comparing pre/post plasma levels both the marathon- and the half-marathon runners showed heavily increased levels of IL-6, IL-10, and IL-8 (P < 0.001). LPS stimulation among the half-marathon runners decreased the postrace levels of IL-6, IL-1b, and TNFα by 45%, 24%, and 43%, respectively (P < 0.01). During the ranger training course the spontaneous and LPS-stimulated levels of IL-6, IL-8, IL-10, IL-1b, and TNFα changed in a similar fashion as in the half-marathon runners although the fluctuations were smaller. Our study supports the open window and the J-curve theory; the immune system is more activated and the subjects are more threatened to infectious pathogens after intensive physical activity and in the period after exercise.

Lymphocytopenia may be a new indicator for infected obstructed kidneys secondary to urinary stone disease

Objective:

Infected obstructed kidney (IOK) is a urological emergency. We wanted to look at the role of serum inflammatory markers in these patients.

Materials and Methods:

Patients with IOK requiring percutaneous nephrostomy (PCN) at our university hospital were identified, and data were collected on lymphocyte count, C-reactive protein (CRP) and microbiology results.

Results:

Thirty-nine patients had PCN for IOK. Lymphocytopenia was seen in two-thirds of these patients. Severe lymphocytopenia was associated with a significant rise in CRP in all cases and following PCN, lymphocytopenia improved in the majority of cases.

Conclusions:

Lymphocytopenia seems to be associated with the severity of infection and could be a surrogate marker on its own or in conjunction with CRP for initial diagnosis and monitoring response to treatment in patients with IOKs.

Effects of powdered Montmorency tart cherry supplementation on an acute bout of intense lower body strength exercise in resistance trained males

Background

The purpose of this study was to examine whether short-term ingestion of a powdered tart cherry supplement prior to and following intense resistance-exercise attenuates muscle soreness and recovery strength loss, while reducing markers of muscle damage, inflammation, and oxidative stress.

Methods

Twenty-three healthy, resistance-trained men (20.9 ± 2.6 yr, 14.2 ± 5.4 % body fat, 63.9 ± 8.6 kg FFM) were matched based on relative maximal back squat strength, age, body weight, and fat free mass. Subjects were randomly assigned to ingest, in a double blind manner, capsules containing a placebo (P, n = 12) or powdered tart cherries [CherryPURE^®] (TC, n = 11). Participants supplemented one time daily (480 mg/d) for 10-d including day of exercise up to 48-h post-exercise. Subjects performed ten sets of ten repetitions at 70 % of a 1-RM back squat exercise. Fasting blood samples, isokinetic MVCs, and quadriceps muscle soreness ratings were taken pre-lift, 60-min, 24-h, and 48-h post-lift and analyzed by MANOVA with repeated measures.

Results

Muscle soreness perception in the vastus medialis (¼) (p = 0.10) and the vastus lateralis (¼) (p = 0.024) was lower in TC over time compared to P. Compared to pre-lift, TC vastus medialis (¼) soreness was significantly attenuated up to 48-h post-lift with vastus lateralis (¼) soreness significantly lower at 24-h post-lift compared to P. TC changes in serum creatinine (p = 0.03, delta p = 0.024) and total protein (p = 0.018, delta p = 0.006) were lower over time and smaller from pre-lift levels over time compared to P Significant TC group reductions from pre-lift levels were found for AST and creatinine 48-h post-lift, bilirubin and ALT 60-min and 48-h post-lift. No significant supplementation effects were observed for serum inflammatory or anti-inflammatory markers. None of the free radical production, lipid peroxidation, or antioxidant capacity markers (NT, TBARS, TAS, SOD) demonstrated significant changes with supplementation. Changes in TC whole blood lymphocyte counts (p = 0.013) from pre-lift were greater compared to P, but TC lymphocyte counts returned to pre-lift values quicker than P.

Conclusion

Short-term supplementation of Montmorency powdered tart cherries surrounding a single bout of resistance exercise, appears to be an effective dietary supplement to attenuate muscle soreness, strength decrement during recovery, and markers of muscle catabolism in resistance trained individuals.

Rapid Exercise-Induced Mobilization of Dendritic Cells Is Potentially Mediated by a Flt3L- and MMP-9-Dependent Process in Multiple Sclerosis

In healthy individuals, one exercise bout induces a substantial increase in the number of circulating leukocytes, while their function is transiently suppressed. The effect of one exercise bout in multiple sclerosis (MS) is less studied. Since recent evidence suggests a role of dendritic cells (DC) in the pathogenesis of MS, we investigated the effect of one combined endurance/resistance exercise bout on the number and function of DC in MS patients and healthy controls. Our results show a rapid increase in the number of DC in response to physical exercise in both MS patients and controls. Further investigation revealed that in particular DC expressing the migratory molecules CCR5 and CD62L were increased upon acute physical activity. This may be mediated by Flt3L- and MMP-9-dependent mobilization of DC, as demonstrated by increased circulating levels of Flt3L and MMP-9 following one exercise bout. Circulating DC display reduced TLR responsiveness after acute exercise, as evidenced by a less pronounced upregulation of activation markers, HLA-DR and CD86, on plasmacytoid DC and conventional DC, respectively. Our results indicate mobilization of DC, which may be less prone to drive inflammatory processes, following exercise. This may present a negative feedback mechanism for exercise-induced tissue damage and inflammation.

Effects of aerobic exercise on lipid-effector molecules of the innate immune response

INTRODUCTION

Consistent, moderate-to-vigorous-intensity exercise has been associated with a lower risk of upper respiratory tract infection (URI). However, the molecular basis for this apparent protection has not yet been fully resolved. Host-derived lipids such as cholesteryl esters (CE) have emerged as important effector molecules of innate defense against infections. Here, we compared antimicrobial CE in nasal fluid before and after moderate-to-vigorous exercise between active and inactive subjects.

METHODS

Nasal fluid was collected from 14 healthy, recreationally active subjects (32 ± 11 yr, 7 men and 7 women) and 14 healthy, inactive subjects (25 ± 3 yr, 7 men and 7 women) before and after treadmill exercise at 70% heart rate reserve. Nasal fluid was analyzed for lysozyme, cholesteryl linoleate (CL), cholesteryl arachidonate (CA), and albumin (Alb) concentrations.

RESULTS

Baseline concentrations (mean ± SEM, inactive vs active) of lysozyme (117.7 ± 31.1 vs 122.9 ± 15.5 μg·mL), CL + CA (15.3 ± 1.8 vs 26.2 ± 10.05 μg·mL), and Alb (156.6 ± 54.5 vs 126.9 ± 32.8 μg·mL) were similar to previously reported levels and did not differ significantly between study groups. However, postexercise, CL + CA concentration was significantly lower in inactive compared with active subjects (7.8 ± 1.5 vs 20.1 ± 4.8 μg·mL, P = 0.036) dropping below the antimicrobial effective range. Once adjusted to Alb concentrations, the changes were no longer significant, suggesting that plasma transudation accounted for the increased CA + CL concentration postexercise in the active group relative to the inactive group.

CONCLUSIONS

Moderate-to-vigorous aerobic exercise acutely decreases the antimicrobial CE response in inactive subjects but does not modify baseline levels of CE between active and inactive subjects. This suggests that compared with active individuals, inactive individuals may be at greater risk for upper respiratory tract infection immediately postexercise.

Dietary nucleotide improves markers of immune response to strenuous exercise under a cold environment

Background

Strenuous exercise has been classically associated to immune-suppression and consequently to an increased risk of infections, especially at the upper respiratory tract. The administration of dietary nucleotides has been demonstrated useful to maintain the immune function in situations of stress and thus could be an appropriate strategy to counteract the decline of the immune function associated to strenuous exercise. The aim of the present study was to asses the impact of a specific nucleotide formulation (Inmunactive®) on the markers of immune function of athletes after a heavy exercise bout under cold conditions.

Methods

Twenty elite male taekwondo athletes were randomly divided into two groups of 10 subjects that were supplemented with placebo (P) or Inmunactive (I) at 480 mg/day during 30 days. At baseline (day 0) and after 4 wk of supplementation (day 30) each subject undertook an exhaustion exercise test using a cycloergometer. Skin temperature, core temperature, heart rate, lactate concentration and rating of perceived exertion (RPE) were recorded during the test. Blood and saliva samples were obtained before and after each exercise test for determination of blood cell concentrations, PHA-stimulated lymphocyte proliferation (PHA-LP) and salivary immunoglobulin A (SIgA).

Results

Exercise tests induced neutrophilia and reduction in lymphocyte blood counts on day 0 and on day 30 in both groups. However, the I group exhibited a faster recovery from the lymphopenic response than the P group, so that lymphocyte levels were higher after 150 min (P < 0.0028). Furthermore, the lymphoproliferative response was modulated by nucleotide supplementation, since it was higher in the I group on day 30 despite an almost significant (P < 0.06) exercise-evoked decrease at baseline.

Conclusions

These findings suggest that supplementation with a nucleotide-based product for 4 weeks could counteract the impairment of immune function after heavy exercise.

Female distance runners show a different response to post-workout consumption of wheat gluten hydrolysate compared to their male counterparts

Wheat gluten hydrolysate (WGH) is rich in glutamyl residue; glutamine is considered a conditionally essential amino acid under physical stress. WGH has been reported to suppress post-exercise rises in serum creatine kinase in male distance runners. This study aimed to reproduce the effects in female distance runners under similar conditions. The study was conducted in a double-blinded crossover manner. Six female collegiate distance runners ingested WGH or a placebo after a 2-h run at an intensity estimated as 60-70% of their maximum oxygen uptake. Blood was sampled before, immediately after, and at 10 and 24 h after the run. Unlike those in male runners, serum creatine kinase (CK) increased slightly, with a peak at 10 h after the run, while plasma glutamine kept declining. The anti-inflammatory effect of WGH was not evident since the post-exercise elevation of CK was ambiguous. Plasma glutamine concentrations also showed a different kinetics from that in men.

The effect of acute pre-exercise dark chocolate consumption on plasma antioxidant status, oxidative stress and immunoendocrine responses to prolonged exercise

PURPOSE

Acute antioxidant supplementation may modulate oxidative stress and some immune perturbations that typically occur following prolonged exercise. The aims of the present study were to examine the effects of acutely consuming dark chocolate (high polyphenol content) on plasma antioxidant capacity, markers of oxidative stress and immunoendocrine responses to prolonged exercise.

METHODS

Fourteen healthy men cycled for 2.5 h at ~60% maximal oxygen uptake 2 h after consuming 100 g dark chocolate (DC), an isomacronutrient control bar (CC) or neither (BL) in a randomised-counterbalanced design.

RESULTS

DC enhanced pre-exercise antioxidant status (P = 0.003) and reduced by trend (P = 0.088) 1 h post-exercise plasma free [F₂-isoprostane] compared with CC (also, [F₂-isoprostane] increased post-exercise in CC and BL but not DC trials). Plasma insulin concentration was significantly higher pre-exercise (P = 0.012) and 1 h post-exercise (P = 0.026) in the DC compared with the CC trial. There was a better maintenance of plasma glucose concentration on the DC trial (2-way ANOVA trial × time interaction P = 0.001), which decreased post-exercise in all trials but was significantly higher 1 h post-exercise (P = 0.039) in the DC trial. There were no between trial differences in the temporal responses (trial × time interactions all P > 0.05) of hypothalamic-pituitary-adrenal axis stress hormones, plasma interleukin-6, the magnitude of leukocytosis and neutrophilia and changes in neutrophil function.

CONCLUSION

Acute DC consumption may affect insulin, glucose, antioxidant status and oxidative stress responses, but has minimal effects on immunoendocrine responses, to prolonged exercise.

Human blood neutrophil responses to prolonged exercise with and without a thermal clamp

The purpose of this study was to investigate the effects of prolonged exercise with and without a thermal clamp on neutrophil trafficking, bacterial-stimulated neutrophil degranulation, stress hormones, and cytokine responses. Thirteen healthy male volunteers (means ± SE: age 21 ± 1 yr; mass 74.9 ± 2.1 kg; maximal oxygen uptake 58 ± 1 ml·kg−1·min−1) completed four randomly assigned, 2-h water-immersion trials separated by 7 days. Trials were exercise-induced heating (EX-H: water temperature 36°C), exercise with a thermal clamp (EX-C: 24°C), passive heating (PA-H: 38.5°C), and control (CON: 35°C). EX-H and EX-C was comprised of 2 h of deep water running at 58% maximal oxygen uptake. Blood samples were collected at pre-, post-, and 1 h postimmersion. Core body temperature was unaltered on CON, clamped on EX-C (−0.02°C), and rose by 2.23°C and 2.31°C on EX-H and PA-H, respectively. Exercising with a thermal clamp did not blunt the neutrophilia postexercise (EX-C postexercise: 9.6 ± 1.1 and EX-H postexercise: 9.8 ± 1.0 × 109/liter). Neutrophil degranulation decreased ( P < 0.01) similarly immediately after PA-H (−21%), EX-C, and EX-H (−28%). EX-C blunted the circulating norepinephrine, cortisol, granulocyte-colony stimulating factor, and IL-6 response ( P < 0.01) but not the plasma epinephrine and serum growth hormone response. These results show a similar neutrophilia and decrease in neutrophil degranulation after prolonged exercise with and without a thermal clamp. As such, the rise in core body temperature does not appear to mediate neutrophil trafficking and degranulation responses to prolonged exercise. In addition, these results suggest a limited role for cortisol, granulocyte-colony stimulating factor, and IL-6 in the observed neutrophil responses to prolonged exercise.

Alterations of immunoendocrine responses during the recovery period after acute prolonged cycling

The aim of this study was to determine the timecourse of recovery of immunoendocrine responses following prolonged cycling. With the approval of the Ethics Committee, ten healthy men (age 21.6+/-0.9 years, height 1.77+/-0.01 m, body mass 66.9+/-1.8 kg, VO2max 54.2+/-2.0 ml kg(-1) min(-1); means+/-SEM) performed either a 2 h cycling trial at 55% peak aerobic power or a resting control trial in a counterbalanced order, separated by at least 6 days. No food was consumed, though water ingestion was allowed ad libitum, until trials were completed. Venous blood samples were collected at pre-exercise, post-exercise, and at 1, 3, 6 and 9 h post-exercise. Haematological analysis was performed using an automated cell counter. Plasma concentrations of hormones were determined using ELISA kits. Neutrophil degranulation (bacteria-stimulated) and oxidative burst (formyl-methionyl-leucyl-phenylalanine-induced) were measured using an ELISA kit and a chemiluminescence assay, respectively. Results were analyzed using two-factor repeated measures ANOVA with post hoc Tukey tests and paired t tests applied where appropriate. The main findings of this study were that, compared with the resting trial, an acute single bout of prolonged exercise (1) decreased plasma glucose concentrations but increased circulating leukocyte, neutrophil, and monocyte counts for 9 h; (2) increased plasma cortisol concentrations but suppressed neutrophil function on a per cell basis for 6 h. In conclusion, the findings of this study suggest that the impact of a single bout of prolonged cycling on immunoendocrine responses would be recovered around 9 h post-exercise at fasted status.

Exercise training raises expression of the cytosolic components of NADPH oxidase in rat neutrophils

Exercise activates neutrophil burst and this effect is dependent on training status and exercise intensity. In this study, the chronic effect of treadmill exercise on phagocytosis, production of reactive oxygen metabolites and expression of NADPH oxidase components in rat neutrophils was investigated. Neutrophils were obtained by intraperitoneal lavage with PBS. After 11 weeks of training the exercised group showed increased phagocytosis capacity (49%) and production of reactive oxygen metabolites (6.6-fold) when compared with neutrophils from the sedentary group. Exercised had no effect on expression of the membrane components of NADPH oxidase (p22( phox ), gp91( phox )). In contrast, there was an increase of the p47( phox ) mRNA levels (by 126%), the cytosolic component of the enzyme. In addition, exercise increased the protein content of p47( phox ) (by 22%) and of p67( phox ) (by 2.8-fold) in neutrophils. Evidence is then presented that training to moderate exercise increases phagocytosis and production of reactive oxygen metabolites and the expression of p47( phox ) and p67( phox ) in neutrophils. Therefore, moderate exercise might enable neutrophils to respond more efficiently when exposed to pathogens.

Immune function in sport and exercise

Regular moderate exercise is associated with a reduced incidence of infection compared with a completely sedentary state. However, prolonged bouts of strenuous exercise cause a temporary depression of various aspects of immune function (e.g., neutrophil respiratory burst, lymphocyte proliferation, monocyte antigen presentation) that usually lasts approximately 3-24 h after exercise, depending on the intensity and duration of the exercise bout. Postexercise immune function dysfunction is most pronounced when the exercise is continuous, prolonged (>1.5 h), of moderate to high intensity (55-75% maximum O(2) uptake), and performed without food intake. Periods of intensified training (overreaching) lasting 1 wk or more may result in longer lasting immune dysfunction. Although elite athletes are not clinically immune deficient, it is possible that the combined effects of small changes in several immune parameters may compromise resistance to common minor illnesses, such as upper respiratory tract infection. However, this may be a small price to pay as the anti-inflammatory effects of exercise mediated through cytokines and/or downregulation of toll-like receptor expression are likely mediators of many of the long-term health benefits of regular exercise.

The effects of carbohydrate supplementation during the second of two prolonged cycling bouts on immunoendocrine responses

The purpose of this study was to examine the effect of carbohydrate (CHO) feeding during the second of two 90-min cycling bouts (EX1 started at 09:00 and EX2 started at 13:30) at 60% VO2max on leucocyte redistribution, neutrophil degranulation and oxidative burst and plasma IL-6 and stress hormone responses. This study consisted of two trials, which were completed in a counterbalanced order and separated by at least 4 days. Subjects (n=9) consumed a lemon flavoured 10% w/v CHO (glucose) or placebo (PLA) beverage during EX2: 500 ml just before exercise and 250 ml every 20 min during exercise. Venous blood samples were taken 5 min before exercise, immediately post-exercise, and 18-h post-EX2 for both trials. The main findings of this study were that ingestion of CHO compared with PLA during EX2 better maintained plasma glucose concentration, blunted the responses of plasma adrenaline, ACTH, cortisol, GH and IL-6, and attenuated the leukocytosis and monocytosis, but had no effect on neutrophil degranulation and oxidative burst activity. Furthermore, the immunoendocrine disturbances induced by two bouts of prolonged exercise returned to resting values within 18 h. These findings suggest that ingestion of CHO compared with PLA during the second of two bouts of 90-min cycling at 60% VO2max better maintains plasma glucose, blunts hypothalamic-pituitary-adrenal activation, and attenuates leucocyte trafficking, but does not affect neutrophil function. Furthermore, the disturbances of immunoendocrine responses induced by two bouts of prolonged exercise on the same day recover within 18 h.

Salivary IgA response to prolonged exercise in a hot environment in trained cyclists

The aim of this study was to determine the effects of prolonged exercise in hot conditions on saliva IgA (s-IgA) responses in trained cyclists. On two occasions, in random order and separated by 1 week, 12 male cyclists cycled for 2 h on a stationary ergometer at 62 (3)% V(.)O(2 max) [194 (4) W; mean (SEM)], on one occasion (HOT: 30.3 degrees C, 76% RH) and on another occasion (

CONTROL

20.4 degrees C, 60% RH). Water was available ad-libitum. Venous blood samples and 2-min whole unstimulated saliva samples were collected at pre, post and 2 h post-exercise. The s-IgA concentration was determined using a sandwich-type ELISA. Exercising heart rate, rating of perceived exertion, rectal temperature, corrected body mass loss (P<0.01) and plasma cortisol (P<0.05) were greater during HOT. The decrease in plasma volume post-exercise was similar on both trials [HOT: -6.7 (1.1) and

CONTROL

-6.6 (1.3)%; P<0.01]. Saliva flow rate decreased post-exercise by 43% returning to pre-exercise levels by 2 h post-exercise (P<0.05) with no difference between trials. Saliva IgA concentration increased post-exercise (P<0.05) with no difference between trials. Saliva IgA secretion rate decreased post-exercise by 34% returning to pre-exercise levels by 2 h post-exercise (P<0.05) with no difference between trials. These data show that a prolonged bout of exercise results in a reduction in s-IgA secretion rate. Additionally, these data demonstrate that performing prolonged exercise in the heat, with ad libitum water intake, does not influence s-IgA responses to prolonged exercise.

Effect of exercise to exhaustion on myeloperoxidase and lysozyme release from blood neutrophils

Exercise sessions (swimming in rats and treadmill running in humans) resulted in stimulation of neutrophil degranulation in the experiments with animals and in the human study. Myeloperoxidase (MPO) (+67%) and lysozyme (+51%) quantities in the plasma of rats increased significantly immediately after exercise. The blood plasma lysozyme concentration was increased by 41% at the 6th min of treadmill exercise in athletes. The blood concentrations of neutrophil proteins normalized both in humans and animals at rest. The neutrophil protein concentrations in blood increased in parallel with the decrease of their level in leukocytes. The neutrophil capacity for an oxidative burst was not changed by the exercise, but decreased for 3-6 h in the post-exercise period. Such dynamics of the oxidative burst activity suggest a lack of association between this parameter and the degranulation process. The neutrophil proteins that appear in blood during degranulation can be involved in enhancing the bactericidal potency of blood, the activation of granulopoiesis, neutrophil efflux from bone marrow, and the conditioning of blood endothelium for leukocyte extravasation.