Cytokines as Biomarkers for Evaluating Physical Exercise in Trained and Non-Trained Individuals: A Narrative Review

Int J Mol Sci. 2023 Jul 6;24(13):11156. doi: 10.3390/ijms241311156.

Abstract

Physical activity and exercise training have numerous health benefits, including the prevention and management of chronic diseases, improvement of cardiovascular health, and enhancement of mental well-being. However, the effectiveness of training programs can vary widely among individuals due to various factors, such as genetics, lifestyle, and environment. Thus, identifying reliable biomarkers to evaluate physical training effectiveness and personalize training programs is crucial. Cytokines are signaling molecules produced by immune cells that play a vital role in inflammation and tissue repair. In recent years, there has been increasing interest in the potential use of cytokines as biomarkers for evaluating training effectiveness. This review article aims to provide an overview of cytokines, their potential as biomarkers, methods for measuring cytokine levels, and factors that can affect cytokine levels. The article also discusses the potential benefits of using cytokines as biomarkers, such as monitoring muscle damage and inflammation, and the potential for personalized training programs based on cytokine responses. We believe that the use of cytokines as biomarkers holds great promise for optimizing training programs and improving overall health outcomes.

Keywords: biomarkers; chemokines; cytokines; gene expression; immune response; inflammation; physical activity.

Publication types

  • Review

MeSH terms

  • Biomarkers
  • Cardiovascular System*
  • Cytokines*
  • Exercise / physiology
  • Humans
  • Inflammation

Substances

  • Cytokines
  • Biomarkers

Grants and funding

This research received no external funding.