Changes in Pre-Inflammatory Cytokines and Markers of Vascular Inflammation after Regular Endurance Training

Background: Growing evidence indicates that pre-inflammatory cytokines and cellular adhesion
molecules that increase vascular endothelial activity are more sensitive in anticipating
cardiovascular diseases. These novel inflammatory markers may play an important role in
pathogenesis of atherosclerosis. The purpose of this study was to determine the changes in preinflammatory
cytokines and markers of vascular inflammation after regular endurance training in
Wistar rats.
Materials and Methods: In this experimental study, 24 male rats (3 months old) were kept in a
controlled condition and were divided into two different control (n=12, weight=211±3gr) and
experimental (n=12, weight=208±7gr) groups. The training program was performed 3 times a
week for 12 weeks under certain duration and speed. The blood sampling was performed after 14
fasting hours in different stages and with the same conditions. Elisa trade kits were used to measure
sICAM-1, TNF-a, and IL-1β. Resulting data were analyzed by dependent and independent t-tests
(α=0.05).
Results: A significant increase was observed in IL-1β (p=0.045), TNF-a (p=0.047), and sICAM-
1(p=0.028) levels in control group, while a significant decrease in IL-1β (p=0.002), TNF-a
(p=0.016), and sICAM-1 levels was shown in experimental group (p=0.000). Also, a significant
difference was observed in comparison between control and experimental groups about IL-1β
(p=0.039), TNF-a (p=0.028), and sICAM-1 (p=0.000).
Conclusion: The results of this study showed that regular endurance training (Vo2max 55-85%)
reduces the amounts of inflammatory markers of cardiovascular diseases including sICAM-1, TNFa,
and IL-1β. This training method can play an efficient role in declining the risk of atherosclerosis
by lowering markers of vascular inflammation.