Relationship between children physical activity, inflammatory mediators and lymphocyte activation: possible impact of social isolation (COVID-19)

Abstract

Objective Lifestyle and body composition may be simultaneously responsible for immune response modulation. This study aimed to compare plasmatic adipokines concentration and lymphocyte cytokine production in children with different daily steps (DS) range, as well as to discuss the potential negative impact of the social isolation during COVID-19 pandemic in this context. DS can be a useful and low-cost way of monitoring children's health status. Study design Fifty children were classified into clusters based in DS measured by pedometer: Sedentary Group (DS = 9338 ± 902 steps) and Active Group (DS = 13,614 ± 1003 steps). Plasma and lymphocytes were isolated and cultured to evaluate cytokine production. Results Sedentary group presented lower adiponectin (7573 ± 232 pg/mL), higher leptin (16,250 ± 1825 pg/mL) plasma concentration, and higher lymphocyte production of IL-17, IFN-gamma, TNF-, IL-2 in relation to active group, suggesting predominance of Th1 response. Otherwise, the active group presented higher lymphocyte supernatant concentration of IL-10 and higher regulatory T cell (Treg) percentage. Conclusion These results indicate that lymphocytes of children performing higher DS have an anti-inflammatory profile, especially of Treg. Besides, the prolonged social isolation in children during the COVID-19 pandemic, limiting physical mobility and exercise, reduces DS and increases adiposity, which could impair the immune system function and raise the susceptibility to inflammatory diseases.

Exploring the impact of COVID-19 on the movement behaviors of children and youth: A scoping review of evidence after the first year

“…73 , 92 Two studies designed and validated new questionnaires for children in lockdown, 93 , 94 and 3 studies used device-based measures of PA, including accelerometry 73 and pedometry. 95 , 96 Four studies used qualitative approaches, including interviews, 97 parent-to-child interviews, 98 open-ended questions, 92 and a case study. 99 The remaining studies relied on nonvalidated measures of PA through self-reported questionnaires constructed by the researchers.…”

“…Three studies 73 , 95 , 96 used device-based measures of PA, although only 2 included a comparison of PA levels. 73 , 95 Results from both studies were consistent with self- and proxy-report studies.…”

“…As part of a cross-sectional study 96 examining the impact of social isolation on immune function, researchers used pedometers to classify children as active or sedentary during the pandemic and then compared the groups’ levels of plasma adipokine and lymphocyte cytokine concentrations. The study found that reduced PA during the pandemic may impair the functioning of the immune system and increase vulnerability to inflammatory diseases.…”

COVID-19 Pandemic and Reduced Physical Activity: Is There an Impact on Healthy and Asthmatic Children?

“…Since sedentary children were found to present predominance of Th1 response in relation to active children, who instead showed higher levels of Interleukin 10 and higher regulatory T cell percentage, it could be hypothesized that regular PA may help to foster an anti-inflammatory profile. Consequently, prolonged social isolation during the COVID-19 pandemic, limiting PA, may lead to an increase in adiposity and susceptibility to inflammatory diseases ( 37 ).…”

The Immunomodulatory Effects of Social Isolation in Mice are Linked to Temperature Control

“…All of which accumulate to increase the risk of chronic inflammatory diseases such as Alzheimer's disease and cardiovascular disease and allcause mortality (6)(7)(8)(9)(10). In humans, poor social connections result in an increased risk of depression (38)(39)(40) and anxiety which can lead to a cascade of poor lifestyle choices including a sedentary lifestyle, increased drinking, smoking and poor diet (41)(42)(43)(44)(45) and cause further withdrawal from society (11). This is clearly a vicious cycle.…”