The effect of physical activity on cytokine levels in adults living with type 1 diabetes-a preliminary study

Physiol Rep. 2024 Apr;12(8):e15985. doi: 10.14814/phy2.15985.

Abstract

The aim of this study is to investigate whether physical activity and the level of body fat are factors reducing the level of pro-inflammatory cytokines in people with T1DM. Twenty-five men (27.8 ± 9.4 years old; 178.9 ± 6.9 cm; 80.6 ± 12 kg) and 18 women (28.1 ± 12.5 years old; 162.4 ± 5.5; 63.1 ± 9.9 kg) were divided into four groups based on body fat percentage and level of physical activity (AN-active people with normal body fat; IAN-inactive people with normal body fat; AO-active people with excessive body fat, IAO-inactive people with excessive body fat). The level of cytokines in the blood serum was assessed. The level of IL-8 was higher (measurable) in inactive men, regardless of adiposity degree and in women, only in the inactive group with normal body fat. IL-6 was found only in active men with excessive adiposity. In conclusion, the findings from this study allow to indicate that moderate level of physical activity may contribute to a reduction in the development of systemic low-grade inflammation in patients with T1DM, and thus, may reduce the risk of CVD.

Keywords: cardiovascular disease (CVD); cytokines; fatness; physical activity; type 1 diabetes mellitus (T1DM).

MeSH terms

  • Adiposity
  • Adolescent
  • Adult
  • Body Mass Index
  • Cytokines
  • Diabetes Mellitus, Type 1*
  • Exercise
  • Female
  • Humans
  • Male
  • Obesity
  • Young Adult

Substances

  • Cytokines