Frontiers in Sports and Active Living (Jun 2025)
Effects of aerobic exercise on body composition and exerkines in colorectal cancer survivors
Abstract
IntroductionPhysical activity improves immune competency and is associated with a lower rate of cancer recurrence in colorectal cancer survivors. However, the exact mechanisms underlying these improvements remain unclear. Exercise-derived cytokines (exerkines), particularly IL-7 and IL-15, are crucial in maintaining optimal immune health. This study investigated whether a 12-week structured exercise training intervention increases IL-7 and IL-15 in colorectal cancer survivors.MethodsSixty colorectal cancer survivors were randomized to a moderate-intensity home-based aerobic exercise group (150 min/week) or a control group for 12 weeks. IL-7 and IL-15 were quantified using ELISA, and body composition was measured using dual-energy x-ray absorptiometry.ResultsAt baseline, participants treated with chemotherapy had lower IL-7 than those not treated with chemotherapy [−3.3 pg/ml (95% CI: −1.3, −5.4); p = 0.002]. Baseline fitness capacity correlated with IL-15 (r = −0.37; p = 0.004). IL-7 increased in the exercise group [2.3 pg/ml (95% CI: 0.9, 3.8; p = 0.003)], but not in the control group [1.2 pg/ml (95% CI: 0.3, 2.8; p = 0.31)]. IL-15 did not differ between groups. Longitudinal changes in IL-15 were associated with changes in body composition.DiscussionAerobic exercise may improve immune function in colorectal cancer survivors by restoring IL-7 after chemotherapy and improving IL-15 by altering body composition. Clinical Trial Registration[https://clinicaltrials.gov/study/NCT03975491], identifier [NCT03975491].
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