The Effect of Physical Activity on Cytokine Production: A Systematic Parallel Study of Horse and Human Athletes
DOI:
https://doi.org/10.64292/ijes.198Keywords:
Cytokines, pro-inflammatory cytokines, anti-inflammatory cytokines, physical activity, exercise, equids, human physiologyAbstract
Cytokines are glycoproteins responsible for cellular communication, influenced by exercise. Their levels vary depending on the intensity and type of physical activity in both humans and horses. This review aimed to assess the effects of various types and intensities of exercise on the production of pro- and anti-inflammatory cytokines. A systematic search (2000–2022) was performed using databases such as PubMed, Scopus, and Web of Science. Studies involving horses (n = 3) and/or humans (n = 21) undergoing physical activity were selected, resulting in 24 eligible articles. IL-6, TNF-α, and IL-10 levels increased after high-intensity exercise in both species, while moderate-intensity activity yielded more variable results. Some cytokines, such as IL-1β and IL-17, exhibited species-specific differences. Cytokine production is influenced by exercise intensity and duration. The observed differences between horses and humans suggest physiological divergences, warranting further research in the field of exercise immunology and other related disciplines. As a potential outcome of this work, we propose that horses could serve as an appropriate translational animal model for human athletes in exercise immunology, justifying a more comprehensive comparative approach.
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