title: Changes in lymphocyte and neutrophil function induced by a marathon race.
abstract: The aim of this study was to investigate the changes in lymphocyte and neutrophil selected functions before and after a marathon race. Fifteen professional athletes were recruited, and the following parameters were measured: plasma concentrations of IL-1ra, IL-6, IL-8, IL-10, TNF-α and C-reactive protein (CRP); neutrophil phagocytic capacity; cytokine production by neutrophils and lymphocytes and signs of neutrophil and lymphocyte death. The marathon race had no effect on CRP levels, but plasma concentrations of IL-6 and IL-1ra were increased. Although no effect was observed on the production of IL-6, IL1-ra, TNF-α, IL-1β and IL-8 by unstimulated or stimulated neutrophils, a decrease in neutrophil phagocytic activity was observed immediately following the marathon. A high percentage of neutrophils undergoing apoptosis was observed due to the intense training regimen, whereas the percentages of apoptotic neutrophils were reduced after the race. The production of IL-2, TNF-α, IL-1β and IL-10 by lymphocytes was decreased by 50%-80%, and the percentage of apoptotic and necrotic lymphocytes was increased by 42% and fourfold, respectively, as a result of the race. In conclusion, the increase in plasma levels of IL-6, IL-8, IL-1ra and IL-10 after the race was not due to the production of the cytokines by neutrophils or lymphocytes. In fact, the marathon led to a decrease in lymphocyte and neutrophil function, and the diminished function was more pronounced in lymphocytes, indicating an impairment in acquired immunity.
authors.affiliation: Institute of Physical Activity and Sports Sciences, Cruzeiro do Sul University, São Paulo, SP, Brazil.
authors.forename: Vinicius Coneglian
authors.initials: VC
authors.lastname: Santos
authors.forename: Adriana Cristina
authors.initials: AC
authors.lastname: Levada-Pires
authors.forename: Sâmia Rocha
authors.initials: SR
authors.lastname: Alves
authors.forename: Tânia Cristina
authors.initials: TC
authors.lastname: Pithon-Curi
authors.forename: Rui
authors.initials: R
authors.lastname: Curi
authors.forename: Maria Fernanda
authors.initials: MF
authors.lastname: Cury-Boaventura
mesh_terms: D017209:Apoptosis; D002097:C-Reactive Protein / Q000032:analysis; D016207:Cytokines / Q000097:blood; D006801:Humans; D053590:Interleukin 1 Receptor Antagonist Protein / Q000097:blood; D015850:Interleukin-6 / Q000097:blood; D008214:Lymphocytes / Q000166:cytology / Q000276:immunology / Q000378:metabolism*; D008297:Male; D009504:Neutrophils / Q000166:cytology / Q000276:immunology / Q000378:metabolism*; D010587:Phagocytosis; D012420:Running; D055815:Young Adult
chemical_list: D016207:Cytokines; D053590:Interleukin 1 Receptor Antagonist Protein; D015850:Interleukin-6; D002097:C-Reactive Protein