IL-6 and CRP response to maximal exercise intervention

Aim. The purpose of this study was to investigate the recovery pattern of the plasma inflammatory markers interleukin-6 (IL-6) and C-reactive protein (CRP) after the single-bout maximal exercise. The exercise of different type (continuous vs. intermittent) was performed and also compared in this study. Methods. Following baseline testing, 30 males were divided into three experimental groups, which completed continuous or intermittent all-out exercise of similar duration or no exercise intervention (Control group). Blood was sampled before and 1 h, 3 h, 5 h after exercise. Serum was analysed for IL-6, CRP, lactate, creatinine, uric acid, cortisol, creatine kinase, lactate dehydrogenase and myoglobin. Diet was standardized during recovery monitoring. Results. Serum IL-6 and CRP concentrations were not significantly changed in the pre- to post-exercise values comparison. These results are evident in both exercise intervention groups as well as in the control group. The only exception is the significant (P=0.03) EL-6 decrease (28.2%) in continuous exercise protocol 3 h after the exercise. Significant changes (P<0.05) were also observed in lactate, cortisol, uric acid and myoglobin, when pre-exercise vs. post-exercise recovery values were compared Conclusion. The exercise of all-out intensity and relatively short duration, no matter what type, does not elicit a significant change in the inflammatory markers IL-6 and CRP for the 1h to 5h period of rest following the exercise.