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. 2021 Nov;25(Suppl 2):S96-105.
doi: 10.5213/inj.2142346.173. Epub 2021 Nov 30.

Effect of Resistance Exercise on Acquired Immunocytes in Cancer Survivors: A Pilot Study

Jong-Kyun Lee  1 , Yong-Seok Jee  1   2
Affiliations

Effect of Resistance Exercise on Acquired Immunocytes in Cancer Survivors: A Pilot Study

Jong-Kyun Lee et al. Int Neurourol J. 2021 Nov.

Abstract

Purpose: The purpose of this study was to elucidate the effect of resistance exercise on skeletal muscle mass-related fitness and acquired immune cell function in ovarian cancer survivors.

Methods: Twelve ovarian cancer survivors aged 33-61 years participated voluntarily in this study and were divided into control group (CG, n=6) and exercise group (EG, n=6). They underwent removal of ovarian cancer and received regular care for over one year. Resistance exercise was used as the intervention program conducted 4 days a week for 12 weeks. Skeletal muscle mass, muscle strength, and endurance were assessed at baseline and at week 12. Other dependent variables included adaptive immunocytes related to helper T (Th) cells and immunosuppressors (CD4+ and CD8+).

Results: After the intervention, skeletal muscle mass showed positive changes in EG com-pared to CG, although not significantly different. Muscle strength and endurance significantly increased in EG, while there was no significant change in CG. Th1, Th2, and Th1/Th2 ratio were significantly different between both groups. CD4+CD25+T cells and CD4+PD-1+T cells of EG were lower than those of CG. CD8+PD-1+T cells and CD8+TIGIT+T of EG were lower than those of CG. These results can be interpreted as the improved sensitivity of CD4+ and CD8+, which helps the secretion of myokines and cytokines, when cytotoxic substances are injected into the human body.

Conclusion: This study suggests that resistance training improves upon desirable changes in adaptive immune cell responses in ovarian cancer survivors by maintaining skeletal muscle mass while developing strength and endurance.

Keywords: Adaptive immunocyte; Ovarian cancer; Resistance exercise; T cell.

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Conflict of interest statement

Conflict of Interest

No potential conflict of interest relevant to this article was reported.

Figures

Fig. 1.
Fig. 1.
Differences of helper T cell (CD4+) between control and exercise groups. #P≤0.05 and ##P≤0.01 when compared with exercise and control groups.
Fig. 2.
Fig. 2.
Differences of cytotoxic T cell (CD8+) between control and exercise groups. #P≤0.05 and ##P≤0.01 when compared with exercise and control groups.
See this image and copyright information in PMC

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