Specific changes in circulating cytokines and growth factors induced by exercise stress testing in asymptomatic aortic valve stenosis

Abstract

BackgroundWe evaluated exercise-induced changes in the profile of circulating cytokines and growth factors in patients with AS.MethodsWe studied 32 consecutive asymptomatic moderate-to-severe AS patients and 32 age and sex-matched controls. Plasma levels of interleukin (IL)-6, IL-10, hepatocyte growth factor (HGF), vascular endothelial growth factor (VEGF), and transforming growth factor (TGF)-β were measured at 4 time points, i.e. at rest, at peak bicycle exercise, one hour and 24 hours after a symptom-limited exercise.ResultsExercise increased all the 5 markers in both groups (all p<0.0001). The maximum levels of all tested cytokines were higher in the AS group (all p<0.05) compared with controls. In AS patients the highest levels of VEGF, IL-6, and IL-10 were observed one hour after exercise, while in the control group at peak exercise. In both groups maximum TGF- β levels were observed one hour after exercise. HGF levels were higher at peak and one hour after test in the AS group (p = 0.0001), however the maximum value in AS was observed at peak while in controls after test. In both groups TGF-β was the only marker that remained increased 24 hours after exercise compared with the value at rest (p = 0.0001). The cytokines and growth factors showed no association with heart rate and the workload.ConclusionIn asymptomatic patients with moderate-to-severe AS, exercise produces a different pattern of changes in circulating cytokines and growth factors, and maximum levels of all tested cytokines were significantly higher in AS patients compared with the control group.

Dynamic resistance exercise increases skeletal muscle-derived FSTL1 inducing cardiac angiogenesis via DIP2A–Smad2/3 in rats following myocardial infarction

“…Myocardial infarction (MI) leads to myocardial ischemia, blocked microcirculation, cardiomyocytes apoptosis, and necrosis in the infarcted area, thus making vicarious fibrosis of the heart occur. 1 Exercise intervention can stimulate the secretion of cytokines 2 and adipokines 3 in distant organs such as skeletal muscle. 4 Exercise also inhibits myocardial fibrosis and cardiomyocytes apoptosis, mobilizes the endothelial progenitor cells differentiation and improves coronary microcirculation, which are key steps in protecting the MI heart.…”

Studying the effect of garlic consumption and endurance training on serum levels of some pro-and anti-inflammatory cytokines in female mice with breast cancer - A randomized trial

“…Numerous studies have explored changes of cytokines during exercise under different conditions. [ 20 21 ] Expression of cytokines during exercise is highly dependent on the type, intensity, duration, volume of exercise, and training period. [ 22 23 24 ] During intense exercise, pro/anti-inflammatory cytokines (such as interleukin 6 and interleukin 10) increase and suppress or repress the immune function of the body.…”

Exercise Cuts Both Ways with ROS in Remodifying Innate and Adaptive Responses: Rewiring the Redox Mechanism of the Immune System during Exercise

“…Although both the innate and adaptive immune systems are inextricably associated, exercise could be an additional factor in activating both systems via the regulation of redox-sensitive molecules by maintaining ROS within the physiological concentration. In addition, external stress caused by exercise induces mechanical stress, including shear stress; this promotes the release of stress hormones such as catecholamines and cortisol, resulting in the production of various cytokines—such as interleukin 6 (IL-6) and IL-8—and increasing neutrophil mobilization in the innate immune system, all of which cause fluctuations in ROS levels, promoting either immune function or immune suppression [ 8 , 9 ]. Exercise-induced IL-6 could be innately linked to acquired immune responses by promoting specific differentiation of CD4 + T cells [ 10 ], whereas IL-6 is involved in rebalancing energy substrate metabolism in order to improve exercise performance [ 11 ].…”