Related Experiment Video
Updated: Aug 5, 2026

Randomized Controlled Trial to Study the Acute Effects of Strength Exercise on Insulin Sensitivity in Obese Adults
Published on: December 1, 2023
Cytokine Profiles as Molecular Markers Associated with Physical Exercise and Insulin Therapy in Patients with Type 2
Danielle Cristina Honorio França1, Alan Cardec Barbosa2, Elton Brito Ribeiro1
1Health Sciences Institute, Federal University of Mato Grosso, Sinop 78557-287, MT, Brazil.
Background:
Type 2 diabetes mellitus is characterized by chronic low-grade inflammation, immune dysregulation, and metabolic impairment. This study investigated cytokine profiles associated with physical exercise and insulin therapy in patients with Type 2 diabetes mellitus.
Methods:
Blood samples were collected from 51 volunteers to evaluate metabolic parameters and cytokine concentrations. According to glycemic status and insulin use, participants were classified into non-diabetic, non-insulin-dependent Type 2 Diabetes Mellitus, and insulin-dependent Type 2 Diabetes Mellitus groups.
Results:
Physically active individuals with non-insulin-dependent Type 2 Diabetes Mellitus exhibited increased IL-4, IL-6, and IL-10 levels, suggesting enhanced immunoregulatory and anti-inflammatory responses. Physically active patients with insulin-dependent Type 2 Diabetes Mellitus showed elevated IL-17 concentrations. In contrast, sedentary individuals with insulin-dependent Type 2 Diabetes Mellitus exhibited higher TNF-α levels, indicating a more pronounced proinflammatory profile. IFN-γ concentrations were significantly higher in patients with insulin-dependent Type 2 Diabetes Mellitus, regardless of exercise status. Correlation analyses demonstrated distinct cytokinemetabolic interaction patterns according to metabolic condition and physical exercise.
Conclusion:
Cytokines can serve as molecular markers of immunometabolic responses associated with physical exercise and insulin therapy in Type 2 Diabetes Mellitus, reflecting alterations in systemic inflammatory regulation and immune-metabolic crosstalk related to glycemic adaptation.
Related Concept Videos
Type II Diabetes I: Introduction
Type II Diabetes II: Pathophysiology
Type I Diabetes II: Pathophysiology
Type I Diabetes III: Clinical Manifestations
Type II Diabetes Mellitus III: Clinical Manifestations and Diagnosis
Blood Studies for Cardiovascular System II: CRP, Hcy, and Cardiac Natriuretic Peptide Markers
These markers indicate stress or strain on the heart muscle:
Natriuretic Peptides (BNP)
Cardiac myocytes produce these hormones in response to ventricular stretching...
