Changes in spontaneous and LPS-induced ex vivo cytokine production and mRNA expression in male and female athletes following prolonged exhaustive exercise.

Abstract

Altogether, LPS-dependent ex vivo cytokine release was strongly influenced by exercise and these changes could only in part be attributed to changes in messenger RNA. Results for IL-1ra, IL-6 and IL-10 pointed to a less pronounced anti-inflammatory response in women as compared with men. Our results also indicate an early production of IL-10 by peripheral blood cells in response to exercise.