Elevated plasma interleukin-6 levels in trained male athletes following an acute period of intense interval training

Robson-Ansley, Paula, Blannin, A. K. and Gleeson, M. (2007) Elevated plasma interleukin-6 levels in trained male athletes following an acute period of intense interval training. European Journal of Applied Physiology, 99 (4). pp. 353-360. ISSN 14396319

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Abstract

The aim of the present study was to investigate possible changes in the plasma IL-6 levels, subjective reporting of sources and symptoms of stress and the innate immune system in response to an acute period of intensified run training in highly trained endurance athletes. Eight healthy endurance trained male subjects (mean ± SD age 23 ± 2 years, VO2max 64.8 ± 2.6 ml kg?1 min?1, mass 77.1 ± 2.9 kg) completed the study which took place over a 4 week period. In weeks 2 and 3, in addition to their normal endurance training, subjects completed interval-training run sessions on three successive days. Saliva and venous blood samples were taken at the end of each week. Blood samples were analysed for leukocyte counts; neutrophil function; plasma IL-6; creatine kinase activity; and cortisol. Symptoms and sources of stress were assessed by questionnaire. Plasma IL-6 and creatine kinase activity were elevated following intensified training. Neutrophil function was reduced but total leukocyte and neutrophil counts, plasma cortisol and salivary IgA remained unchanged. There was a worsening in symptoms of stress despite there being no significant change in the sources of stress during intensified training. In conclusion, an acute period of intensified training can induce a suppression of the innate immune system and a chronic elevation in IL-6. This was associated with an increase in fatigue and generalised malaise which lends support to the recent cytokine theories of unexplained, underperformance syndrome.

Item Type:	Article
Additional Information:	First author and corresponding author
Subjects:	B100 Anatomy, Physiology and Pathology C600 Sports Science
Department:	Faculties > Health and Life Sciences > Sport, Exercise and Rehabilitation
Depositing User:	EPrint Services
Date Deposited:	06 Nov 2008 14:13
Last Modified:	31 Jul 2021 08:39
URI:	http://nrl.northumbria.ac.uk/id/eprint/310

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