The Effect Of Docosahexaenoic-rich Fish Oil Supplementation On Cytokines Production By Neutrophils And Lymphocytes Before And After A
Marathon Race
Medicine & Science in Sports & Exercise. 2012 44(5S): 910 Vinicius Coneglian Santos
PURPOSE: Prolonged intense exercise such as marathon race is associated with transient suppression of immune function and alterations on neutrophils and lymphocytes function.
OBJECTIVE: The aim of this study was to investigate the effect of docosahexaenoic (DHA)-rich fish oil (FO) supplementation on cytokines production by neutrophils and lymphocytes
before and after a marathon race.
METHODS: Twenty one athletes participated in this study, eight marathon runners were supplemented with 3 g of FO daily for 60 days (FO group) and thirteen athletes were not
supplemented (C group). The cytokines (IL-1ra, IL-2, IL-10 and TNF-α) production by lymphocytes and neutrophils (2 x 106) were determined in the culture supernatant before and after race.
RESULTS: In the C group, marathon race decreased IL-2, TNF-α and IL-10 production by lymphocytes (by 55%, 95% and 50 %, respectively) and IL-1ra (by 80%) production by neutrophils.
The FO supplementation decreased IL-1ra (by 48%) and increased IL-10 (by 82%) production by neutrophils but not altered cytokines production by lymphocytes before and after the marathon
race.
CONCLUSION: DHA-rich FO supplementation prevented the decrease in cytokine production by lymphocytes and had a partial anti-inflammatory effect on cytokines production by
neutrophils.
