Effect of acute caffeine supplementation before intermittent high-intensity exercise on cytokine levels and psychobiological parameters: A randomized, cross-over, placebo-controlled trial

Cytokine. 2021 Aug:144:155583. doi: 10.1016/j.cyto.2021.155583. Epub 2021 May 29.

Abstract

The present study aimed to verify the effects of caffeine supplementation on psychobiological parameters and its relationship with inflammatory cytokines in non-athlete subjects. We hypothesized that IL-10 may be responsible for the reduction in fatigue perception in response to caffeine supplementation. It was a randomized, double-blinded, cross-over, placebo-controlled study. Ten non-athlete subjects (26.9 ± 4.01 years old; 73.44 ± 9.57 kg; 15.94 ± 4.32 body fat kg) were evaluated. Sixty-min after caffeine (6 mg-1.kg-1 body mass) or placebo supplementation, high-intensity interval exercise test (1 min at 90% of Wmax and 2 min at 50% of Wmax) was performed to maximum voluntary exhaustion. Cytokine concentrations and psychobiological parameters were evaluated before (BE), immediately after (post-PE) and 1 h after exercise (1 h post-PE). We verify that IL-6 (0.35; 95% CI: 0.13 to 0.56; z = 3.24; p = 0.001; d = 1.14) and IL-10 (9.06; 95% CI 0.41 to 17.70; z = 2.05; p = 0.04; d = 1.12) increases post-PE in CAF group versus PLA group. Still, IL-10 levels were higher in CAF group 1 h post-PE (25.04; 95% CI: 8.95 to 41.31; z = 3.05; p = 0.002; d = 1.9) than PLA group. Moreover, 1 h post-PE vigor level was higher in the CAF group versus PLA group (4.53; 95% CI: 1.27 to 7.80; z = 2.72; p = 0.006; d = 0.46), and fatigue was lower in CAF group than PLA group (-5.08; 95% CI: -9.93 to -0.227; z = -2.05; p = 0.040; d = 0.67). We conclude that 1 h post-PE caffeine was able to decrease fatigue and increase vigor perception. IL-10 levels were higher 1 h post-PE in CAF group, suggesting, according to our hypothesis, that IL-10 may be associated with decrease fatigue perceptions after exercise.

Keywords: Caffeine; Cytokines; Interleukin-10; Physical exercise; Psychobiological.

Publication types

  • Randomized Controlled Trial
  • Research Support, Non-U.S. Gov't

MeSH terms

  • Adult
  • Caffeine / administration & dosage*
  • Cross-Over Studies
  • Cytokines / metabolism*
  • Dietary Supplements
  • Double-Blind Method
  • Exercise / physiology*
  • Exercise Test / methods
  • Fatigue / metabolism
  • High-Intensity Interval Training / methods
  • Humans
  • Interleukin-10 / metabolism
  • Physical Endurance / physiology

Substances

  • Cytokines
  • Interleukin-10
  • Caffeine