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Glutamine supplementation further enhances exercise-induced plasma IL-6
N Hiscock1, E W Petersen, K Krzywkowski
1Copenhagen Muscle Research Centre, Rigshospitalet, DK-2100 Copenhagen N, Denmark.
Journal of Applied Physiology (Bethesda, Md. : 1985)
|March 4, 2003
Summary
Glutamine supplementation may enhance exercise-induced interleukin-6 (IL-6) levels. This study found that glutamine attenuated exercise-induced plasma glutamine decline, further boosting plasma IL-6 concentrations in healthy men.
Area of Science:
- Exercise Physiology
- Immunology
- Nutritional Science
Background:
- Skeletal muscle releases interleukin-6 (IL-6) during exercise.
- Glutamine, synthesized in skeletal muscle, plays a role in protein synthesis.
- Exercise-induced plasma glutamine decline may reduce IL-6 synthesis and release.
Purpose of the Study:
- To investigate if glutamine supplementation can prevent the exercise-induced decrease in plasma glutamine.
- To determine if glutamine supplementation can further enhance exercise-induced plasma IL-6 levels.
Main Methods:
- Eight healthy men participated in a randomized, double-blind, crossover study.
- Participants completed 2 hours of cycle ergometry at 75% peak oxygen uptake.
- Supplementation included glutamine, glutamine-rich protein, or placebo.
Main Results:
- Exercise increased plasma IL-6 by 11-fold.
- Glutamine supplementation further increased plasma IL-6 by 18-fold.
- Glutamine-rich protein supplementation increased plasma IL-6 by 14-fold.
- Supplementation attenuated the exercise-induced decrease in plasma glutamine concentration.
Conclusions:
- Glutamine supplementation attenuates exercise-induced plasma glutamine reduction.
- Glutamine and glutamine-rich protein supplementation enhance exercise-induced IL-6 levels.
- These findings suggest a role for glutamine in modulating exercise-induced IL-6 response.