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High physical activity in young children suggests positive effects by altering autoantigen-induced immune activity

E Carlsson1,2, J Ludvigsson3,4, K Huus5

  • 1The Biomedical Platform, Department of Natural Science and Biomedicine, School of Health Sciences, Jönköping University, Jönköping, Sweden.

Scandinavian Journal of Medicine & Science in Sports
|April 21, 2015
PubMed

Insights

High physical activity in children positively impacts the immune system, reducing autoimmune responses. This research highlights how regular exercise in early life may protect against inflammatory diseases.

Area of Science:

  • Immunology
  • Pediatrics
  • Exercise Science

Background:

  • Physical activity in children offers numerous health benefits, including improved cardiovascular health, lung function, motor skills, body composition, and immune defense.
  • The influence of physical activity levels on the immune system, particularly concerning autoimmunity in young children, requires further investigation.

Purpose of the Study:

  • To investigate the impact of high versus sedentary physical activity levels on the immune response in young children, with a specific focus on autoimmunity.
  • To analyze immune markers, including cytokines and chemokines, in response to antigen and autoantigen stimulation in relation to physical activity levels.

Main Methods:

  • Analysis of peripheral blood mononuclear cells from 55 five-year-old children categorized by physical activity levels (high, average, low) from the All Babies In Southeast Sweden (ABIS) cohort.
  • Cells were stimulated with specific antigens (tetanus toxoid, beta-lactoglobulin) and autoantigens (GAD65, insulin, HSP60, IA-2).
  • Measurement of immune markers (cytokines, chemokines), C-peptide, and proinsulin to assess immune activity and inflammatory responses.

Main Results:

  • Children with high physical activity exhibited reduced immune responses to autoantigens GAD65 (IL-5) and HSP60/IA-2 (IL-10) compared to those with average or low activity.
  • High physical activity was associated with lower spontaneous pro-inflammatory immune activity, including reduced levels of IL-6, IL-13, IFN-γ, TNF-α, and CCL2.
  • These findings suggest a modulation of the immune system by high physical activity, particularly in response to autoantigens.

Conclusions:

  • High physical activity in early childhood appears to exert protective effects on the immune system.
  • Physical activity may alter autoantigen-induced immune activity, potentially reducing the risk of autoimmune conditions.
  • Promoting high levels of physical activity in young children could be a strategy for enhancing immune health and preventing inflammatory diseases.

Keywords:
Physical activityautoimmunitycytokinesimmune responseyoung children

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