The Effect of 12 Weeks of Multi-Component Exercise Training on Serum Levels of Interferon-Gamma and Interleukin-17 in Healthy Elderly Men

Background and Aim: The aging process is associated with a state of chronic low-grade systemic inflammation, characterized by elevated serum levels of inflammatory markers such as interleukin-17 (IL-17) and interferon-gamma (IFN-γ). IFN-γ, a pro-inflammatory cytokine primarily produced by Th1 and CD4+ T cells, natural killer (NK) cells, and CD8+ T cells, serves as the primary activator of macrophages and plays a crucial role in both innate and adaptive cell-mediated immunity against intracellular pathogens. Considering the role of chronic inflammation in the development of age-related diseases and the importance of regulating inflammatory mediators, such as IFN-γ and IL-17, to improve the health of older adults, this study aimed to provide scientific evidence for the effectiveness of exercise interventions in reducing inflammation and promoting health in this population. Accordingly, the present study investigated the effects of a 12-week multicomponent exercise program, including aerobic, resistance, balance, and flexibility training, on serum levels of these cytokines in older men.
Materials and Methods: This was a quasi-experimental, two-group study with pre- and post-test measurements. The statistical population comprised older men from Qom city. Thirty-six selected participants (mean age 66.88 ± 3.96 years) were randomly assigned to either the multi-component exercise group (n=18) or the control group (n=18). The exercise program, following the ACSM guidelines for older adults, was structured over 12 weeks with three sessions per week, incorporating a gradual progression in intensity tailored to participants’ capacities. Each exercise session included a 10-minute warm-up, the main exercise component (resistance, aerobic, and balance exercises), and a five-minute cool-down. Five milliliters of blood were drawn from the antecubital vein after a 12-hour overnight fast, and IFN-γ and IL-17 levels were measured using the ELISA laboratory method. Statistical analysis was performed using two-way repeated measures ANOVA with SPSS software, with a significance level set at p<0.05.
Results: The multi-component exercise program resulted in a significant decrease in serum levels of both Interferon-Gamma (p < 0.001) and Interleukin-17 (p = 0.001). Specifically, in the exercise group, IFN-γ and IL-17 levels decreased by 23.20% and 53%, respectively. In contrast, no significant changes in the levels of these two cytokines were observed in the control group during the study period.
Conclusion: The findings of this research clearly demonstrate that a 12-week multi-component exercise program, encompassing resistance, aerobic, and balance training, can effectively reduce key inflammatory markers such as Interferon-gamma and Interleukin-17 in older men. Therefore, these types of exercises can serve as a safe, effective, and non-pharmacological strategy for modulating immune responses, controlling chronic inflammation, and ultimately promoting overall health in the older adult population.