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Immune system alteration in response to two consecutive soccer games
1Department of Physiology and Pharmacology, Karolinska Institutet, Stockholm, Sweden.
Acta Physiologica Scandinavica
|January 24, 2004
Summary
Elite soccer players experienced short-term immune changes after two games, with some immune cells increasing and others decreasing. These alterations may aid exercise adaptation.
Area of Science:
- Exercise immunology
- Sports science
- Biochemistry
Background:
- Elite athletes undergo intense physical exertion.
- Understanding immune system response to repeated exercise is crucial for performance and health.
Purpose of the Study:
- To investigate changes in leucocyte and monocyte subpopulations in elite male soccer players.
- To describe immunological alterations following two soccer games within 20 hours.
- To test the hypothesis of short-term immunosuppression post-exercise.
Main Methods:
- Blood samples collected pre-game and at 6, 24, 48, and 72 hours post-second game.
- Analysis of cell surface antigens, testosterone, and cortisol levels.
- Monitoring of leucocyte and monocyte subpopulations.
Main Results:
- Increased neutrophils, mature B cells, and CD4/CD8 ratio within 6 hours post-game.
- Decreased natural killer (NK) cells and monocytes observed.
- Delayed increase in adhesion and signaling molecules on lymphocytes and monocytes at 48 hours, correlating with VO2max.
Conclusions:
- Competitive soccer exercise induces mixed immunological responses: some variables enhance, others depress.
- Observed immune changes may facilitate exercise adaptation through adhesion signaling.
- Individual aerobic capacity (VO2max) influences the magnitude of immunological response to exercise.