Immunological patterns during regular intensive training in athletes: quantification and evaluation of a preventive pharmacological approach
Garagiola, U.; Buzzetti, M.; Cardella, E.; Confalonieri, F.; Giani, E.; Polini, V.; Ferrante, P.; Mancuso, R.; Montanari, M.; Grossi, E.
Journal of International Medical Research 23(2): 85-95
1995
ISSN/ISBN: 0300-0605 PMID: 7601298 Document Number: 443554
The effects of regular intensive exercise training on immune system homeostasis and the potential value of treatment with an immunostimulating agent were assessed in this randomized, double-blind, placebo-controlled, parallel-group study. A total of 60 athletes were studied over a 3-month period of regular intensive physical activity. After 1 and 3 months there were significant decreases in the immunoglobulin levels in the whole athlete population compared with baseline values. Specifically there were significant decreases in immunoglobulin M and immunoglobulin G (G1 and G2 subclasses). There was also a significant decrease in natural killer cells and a slight but significant increase in B and T lymphocytes. In the thymomodulin-treated group, unlike the placebo group, there was no significant decrease in the immunoglobulin G2 subclass and there was a significant increase in the T-helper cell subpopulation. The clinical relevance of these immunological findings should be evaluated in larger clinical and epidemiological studies.