title: Qi-training enhances neutrophil function by increasing growth hormone levels in elderly men.
abstract: This article investigated the effects of Qi-training on the neuroendocrine response and superoxide generation by neutrophils in healthy elderly men. One hour of Qi-training significantly reduced the plasma concentration of cortisol, and increased plasma concentrations of growth hormone and melatonin. Generation of superoxide by neutrophils increased significantly immediately after Qi-training (p < .01). The change in neutrophil superoxide generation was significantly correlated with the change in growth hormone concentration after Qi-training (p < .01). These data indicate that, in elderly men, Qi-training enhances superoxide generation by neutrophils, possibly via the changes in plasma growth hormone concentration.
authors.affiliation: Center for Integrative Medicine, Institute of Medical Science, Wonkwang University, Iksan, Korea. qimed@wonkwang.ac.kr
authors.forename: Myeong Soo
authors.initials: MS
authors.lastname: Lee
authors.forename: Hoon
authors.initials: H
authors.lastname: Ryu
mesh_terms: D000368:Aged; D000704:Analysis of Variance; D001945:Breathing Exercises; D019382:Human Growth Hormone / Q000097:blood*; D006801:Humans; D006854:Hydrocortisone / Q000097:blood; D007958:Leukocyte Count / Q000379:methods; D008297:Male; D008550:Melatonin / Q000097:blood; D008875:Middle Aged; D009504:Neutrophils / Q000378:metabolism / Q000502:physiology*; D011863:Radioimmunoassay / Q000379:methods; D013481:Superoxides / Q000378:metabolism; D013997:Time Factors
chemical_list: D013481:Superoxides; D019382:Human Growth Hormone; D008550:Melatonin; D006854:Hydrocortisone