Comparison of selected CD45+ cell subsets' response and cytokine levels on exhaustive effort among soccer players

Background: Immunological alterations may led to the reduction in capacity and endurance levels in elite athletes by e.g. increased susceptibility to infections. There is a need to explain the impact of intensive physical effort on the CD4+ memory T cell subsets.

Methods: Fourteen participants median aged 19 years old (range 17-21 years) were recruited form Pogon Szczecin S.A., soccer club. They performed progressive efficiency test on mechanical treadmill until exhaustion twice: during preparatory phases to spring and autumn competition rounds. We examined the influence of exhaustive effort on the selected CD45+, especially CD4+ memory T cell subsets and inflammation markers determined before, just after the test and during recovery time.

Results: Significant changes in total CD45+ cells and decrease in T lymphocytes percentage after the run was observed. Significant fluctuations in T cells' distribution were related not only to the changes in Th or Tc subsets but also to increase in naïve T cell percentage during recovery. Increase in TNF-a and IL-8 post-exercise, IL-6 and IL-10 plasma levels in recovery was also found.

Conclusions: The novel finding of our study is that the run performed on mechanical treadmill caused a significant release of CD4+ T naïve cells into circulation. Post-exercise increase in circulating NK cells is related with fast biological response to maximal effort. However, at the same time an alternative mechanism enhancing inflammation is involved.