Effects of an 8-Week Endurance Training Course on Changes in Interferon Gamma and Leukocyte Subsets

Abstract

Background: In order to evaluate the relation between exercise and cytokines, we examined the effects of an 8-week endurance training course and recovery period on changes in interferon gamma (IFN-ϒ) and leukocyte subsets with recovery period. Methods: In this study, 30 healthy young male volunteers who aged 18-25 years were randomized into endurance training group and control group. The first group completed the endurance training protocol (running on a treadmill for 15-30 min at 50%-70% maximal heart rate) for 8 weeks. Venous blood samples were taken in both groups before, immediately after, and 24 and 48 hours after exercise. Findings: We found that IFN-ϒ levels in the trained group decreased after the 4th and 8th weeks (mid- and post-exercise, respectively), and also after 24-hour and 48-hour recovery periods. Leukocyte subsets on the other hand, decreased from pre-exercise until 24 hours after exercise. Conclusion: Our results demonstrated that a period of endurance exercise led to changes in IFN-ϒ levels after exercise and recovery periods. Keywords: Endurance training, Cytokine, Interferon gamma, Recovery period