Increase in Serum Interleukin-1 Receptor Antagonist (IL-1ra) Levels after Wheelchair Half Marathon Race in Male Athletes with Spinal Cord Injury

J. Clin. Med., 2023 · DOI: 10.3390/jcm12227098 · Published: November 15, 2023

Spinal Cord Injury Immunology Orthopedics

Simple Explanation

Exercise increases the level of IL-6, which then boosts production of anti-inflammatory substances like IL-1ra. This study looks at how a wheelchair half marathon affects the immune systems of athletes with different levels of spinal cord injury. The study found that a wheelchair half marathon increases IL-1ra, even when IL-6 levels are stable, in individuals with cervical spinal cord injury (CSCI). This suggests that the increase in IL-1ra after the race is likely related to circulating neutrophils. This research explores how intensive exercise impacts the immune system in athletes with spinal cord injuries, specifically focusing on IL-1ra, IL-6, and various hormones. The goal is to see if wheelchair exercise can enhance the immune systems of these athletes.

Study Duration

Not specified

Participants

5 CSCI and 6 SCI male athletes

Evidence Level

Not specified

Key Findings

1
IL-1ra levels were higher in SCI participants immediately after the race compared to CSCI participants. Additionally, IL-1ra increased in both groups one hour after the race.
2
The wheelchair marathon race did not increase adrenaline or noradrenaline levels in CSCI participants.
3
In both SCI and CSCI subjects, neutrophil counts were significantly higher at 1 hour after the race compared to baseline.

Research Summary

This study investigates the impact of a wheelchair half marathon on the immune response of athletes with cervical (CSCI) and thoracic/lumber (SCI) spinal cord injuries, focusing on interleukin-1 receptor antagonist (IL-1ra), interleukin-6 (IL-6), and hormone levels. Key findings include increased IL-1ra levels in both SCI and CSCI groups one hour post-race, higher IL-6 levels in SCI participants, and stable adrenaline/noradrenaline levels in CSCI participants, suggesting different immune responses based on injury level. The study suggests that wheelchair half marathon race increases IL-1ra even under stable IL-6 status in male CSCI individuals, and that such post-race increase in IL-1ra is probably mediated through circulatory neutrophils.

Practical Implications

Exercise Recommendations

Encourage wheelchair exercise for individuals with CSCI to potentially increase anti-inflammatory substances like IL-1ra.

Understanding Immune Response

Further research is needed to understand the exact mechanisms behind exercise-induced neutrophilia and IL-1ra production in CSCI and SCI subjects.

Targeted Therapies

Explore targeted therapies to modulate IL-1ra production via neutrophils, especially in CSCI, to improve immune regulation.

Study Limitations

1
The study included only male athletes, limiting the generalizability of the results to female athletes.
2
The sample size of CSCI participants was small (n=5), which may affect the statistical power of the findings.
3
The study does not definitively prove that the observed increase in serum IL-1ra in CSCI is induced through circulating neutrophils.

Your Feedback

Was this summary helpful?

Back to Spinal Cord Injury