Aerobic training modulates T cell activation in elderly women with knee osteoarthritis

Abstract

Osteoarthritis of the knee (kOA) is a disease that mainly affects the elderly and can lead to major physical and functional limitations. However, the specific effects of walking, particularly on the immune system, are unknown. Therefore, this study aimed to analyze the effect of 12 weeks of walking (3×/week) on the leukocyte profile and quality of life (QL) of elderly women with kOA. Sixteen women (age: 67±4 years, body mass index: 28.07±4.16 kg/m2) participated in a walking program. The variables were assessed before and after 12 weeks of training with a progressively longer duration (30–55 min) and higher intensity (72–82% of HRmax determined using a graded incremental treadmill test). The QL was assessed using the Medical Outcomes Study 36-Item Short Form Health Survey (SF-36), and blood samples were collected for analysis with a cell counter and the San Fac flow cytometer. Walking training resulted in a 47% enhancement of the self-reported QL (P<0.05) and a 21% increase in the VO2max (P<0.0001) in elderly women with kOA. Furthermore, there was a reduction in CD4+ cells (pre=46.59±7%, post=44.58±9%, P=0.0189) and a higher fluorescence intensity for CD18+CD4+ (pre=45.30±10, post=64.27±33, P=0.0256) and CD18+CD8+ (pre=64.2±27, post=85.02±35, P=0.0130). In conclusion, the walking program stimulated leukocyte production, which may be related to the immunomodulatory effect of exercise. Walking also led to improvements in the QL and physical performance in elderly women with kOA.

Modulatory effects of different exercise modalities on the functional connectivity of the periaqueductal grey and ventral tegmental area in patients with knee osteoarthritis: a randomised multimodal magnetic resonance imaging study

“…A previous study suggested that PD-1 may be involved in the regulation of immune responses, and therefore, may be a promising target for immunotherapy. 62 Gomes and colleagues 18 suggested that KOA is a disease with immunological systemic consequences, and aerobic training can modulate immune markers of activated lymphocytes in KOA patients and lead to improvements in symptoms. PD-1 is a cell surface protein that has a role in regulating the immune response by down-regulating the immune system, and is a key serum biomarker in the process and treatment of KOA.…”

“…16,17 In addition, immune mechanisms and inflammatory responses, including the serum brain-derived neurotrophic factor (BDNF), interferon gamma (IFN-g), serum programmed death 1 (PD-1), and T-cell Ig-and mucin-domain-containing molecule-3 (TIM-3), are believed to play a critical role in osteoarthritis (OA). 18,19 For example, Simão and colleagues 20 have found a significant positive correlation between plasma BDNF concentrations and self-reported pain (Western Ontario and McMaster Universities Osteoarthritis Index [WOMAC]) in KOA patients. IFN-g signalling mediates spinal microglia activation driving neuropathic pain.…”

Whole Body Vibration Training on Muscle Strength and Brain-Derived Neurotrophic Factor Levels in Elderly Woman With Knee Osteoarthritis: A Randomized Clinical Trial Study

“…The reversal of this condition can be achieved by physical exercise. A study of our research group (Gomes et al, 2016) showed that the increased physical performance in elderly women with kOA may be related to the immunomodulatory effect of exercise. In addition, physical exercise induces a cascade of molecular and cellular processes that support brain plasticity.…”

Are we missing the target? Are we aiming too low? What are the aerobic exercise prescriptions and their effects on markers of cardiovascular health and systemic inflammation in patients with knee osteoarthritis? A systematic review and meta-analysis

“…Forty-nine studies met our eligibility criteria for objective 1, review of exercise prescriptions (figure 1). 28 29 38–83 Twenty-three RCTs compared an aerobic exercise group to a non-exercising control group, 15 RCTs compared groups completing different types of exercise and 11 studies compared outcomes before and after aerobic exercise in one group. Fourteen studies reported a marker of cardiovascular health and/or systemic inflammation and were included in various meta-analyses.…”