Abstract
Strenuous, prolonged exercise increases interleukin-6 (IL-6) release. The effect of IL-6 is dependent on the availability of IL-6 receptors. Few studies have addressed the impact of exercise on IL-6 receptor levels or procalcitonin (PCT), an indicator of systemic inflammation. Changes in these molecules may give insight into cytokine-related mechanisms underlying exercise-related fatigue. Thirteen trained male subjects partook in the study. They cycled a total distance of 468 km over 6 days. Blood samples were obtained prior to and immediately following Day 1 of the study and then each morning prior to exercise. Blood samples were analysed for plasma IL-6, soluble IL-6 receptor (sIL-6R), C-reactive protein (CRP), PCT, creatine kinase (CK) and cortisol concentrations. Subjects also completed mood state questionnaires each day prior to exercise. IL-6 was elevated immediately post-exercise on Day 1 but was unchanged at rest for the duration of the event. In contrast, sIL-6R, CRP, PCT and CK concentrations were unchanged immediately post-exercise on Day 1 but were significantly elevated at rest over the duration of the event compared with pre-event baseline. sIL-6R was highly correlated to CRP. Cortisol concentrations remained unchanged at all time points. In conclusion, strenuous, prolonged exercise stimulated an acute phase response which was maintained throughout the 6-day event. sIL-6R increase is associated with CRP and may affect subjective sensations of post-exercise fatigue at rest.
Original language | English |
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Pages (from-to) | 111-116 |
Number of pages | 6 |
Journal | Cytokine |
Volume | 45 |
Issue number | 2 |
Early online date | 18 Feb 2008 |
DOIs | |
Publication status | Published - 1 Feb 2009 |
Externally published | Yes |
Keywords
- C-reactive protein
- Exercise
- Fatigue
- Interleukin-6
- Procalcitonin
- Soluble interleukin-6 receptor
ASJC Scopus subject areas
- Immunology and Allergy
- Immunology
- Biochemistry
- Hematology
- Molecular Biology