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European Journal of Applied Physiology

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Open Access 01-08-2017 | Original Article

T-regulatory cells exhibit a biphasic response to prolonged endurance exercise in humans

Authors: Tom Clifford, Matthew J. Wood, Philip Stocks, Glyn Howatson, Emma J. Stevenson, Catharien M. U. Hilkens

Published in: European Journal of Applied Physiology | Issue 8/2017

Abstract

Purpose

T-regulatory cells (Tregs) are a sub-population of lymphocytes that act to suppress aberrant immune responses. We investigated changes in the numbers of naïve and terminally differentiated Tregs in the peripheral blood to establish their role in the immuno-suppressive response to prolonged exercise.

Methods

Blood was drawn from seventeen experienced runners (age 40 ± 12 years; height 1.75 ± 0.08 m; mass 71.4 ± 10.8 kg) before, ~1 h after (POST-1h), and on the day following the marathon (POST-1d). Tregs (CD3⁺CD4⁺Foxp3⁺CD25⁺⁺CD127⁻) were analysed in peripheral blood mononuclear cells using flow cytometry. The markers CD45RA and HLA-DR were included to define naïve and terminally differentiated Tregs, respectively.

Results

The absolute number of Tregs decreased (27%) POST-1h marathon (P < 0.001) but increased (21%) at POST-1d (P < 0.01). Naïve CD45RA⁺ Tregs fell by 39% POST-1h (P < 0.01) but were unaffected POST-1d (P > 0.05). In contrast, an increased number of Tregs expressing HLA-DR was observed at POST-1d (P < 0.01). Interleukin (IL)-1β, IL-6, IL-8 and IL-10 levels in the serum all increased POST-1h (P > 0.05) but returned to pre-exercise levels POST-1d. The suppressive cytokine, transforming growth factor-beta, was unaffected by the marathon (P > 0.05).

Conclusions

These results suggest that Tregs do not play a major role in immune suppression in the early hours of recovery from a marathon. However, terminally differentiated HLA-DR⁺ Tregs are mobilized the following day, which could represent a compensatory attempt by the host to restore immune homeostasis and limit excessive cell damage.

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Title: T-regulatory cells exhibit a biphasic response to prolonged endurance exercise in humans
Authors: Tom Clifford
Matthew J. Wood
Philip Stocks
Glyn Howatson
Emma J. Stevenson
Catharien M. U. Hilkens
Publication date: 01-08-2017
Publisher: Springer Berlin Heidelberg
Published in: European Journal of Applied Physiology / Issue 8/2017
Print ISSN: 1439-6319
Electronic ISSN: 1439-6327
DOI: https://doi.org/10.1007/s00421-017-3667-0

At a glance: The ONWARDS insulin icodec trials

Springer Medicine

T-regulatory cells exhibit a biphasic response to prolonged endurance exercise in humans

Abstract

Purpose

Methods

Results

Conclusions

At a glance: The ONWARDS insulin icodec trials

Springer Medicine

Abstract

Purpose

Methods

Results

Conclusions

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