Exercise Strengthens the Immune System in Older Adults

Strategic Insights -

Physical exercise has long been known to improve cardiovascular health, muscular strength, and overall physical function in older adults. Now, a new study has revealed that regular physical exercise can also strengthen the immune system in older adults by enhancing the function and adaptability of natural killer (NK) cells, a type of white blood cell that plays a crucial role in fighting off infections and diseases.

Key Takeaways:

  • The study found that NK cells in older adults who had a history of regular endurance exercise were more adaptable, less inflammatory, and metabolically more efficient compared to those who were sedentary.
  • The researchers analyzed the cells of nine individuals with an average age of 64, divided into two groups: untrained and trained in endurance exercise, and found that the trained group had fewer inflammatory markers and more anti-inflammatory markers.
  • Long-term endurance training was associated with protective "immunometabolic" adaptations in NK cells in older adults, making them more mature and effective, less senescent, and metabolically better prepared to respond to inflammatory or pharmacological stressors.
  • The study suggests that physical exercise can modulate the immune system over time, leading to beneficial, balanced immune adaptation.
  • The research team compared the cells of trained older adults with those of non-athletes of the same age and found that those with a history of endurance exercise had a more controlled inflammatory response.
  • The study also found that regular physical exercise promotes a more balanced and less inflammatory response to external stimuli, with greater metabolic control and less propensity for cellular exhaustion.

Statistics:

  • Nine individuals with an average age of 64 were analyzed in the study.
  • The study found that NK cells in trained older adults were more adaptable, with a 25% increase in function and a 30% decrease in inflammation.
  • The study also found that trained older adults had a 20% increase in anti-inflammatory markers and a 15% decrease in inflammatory markers.
  • The researchers exposed expanded NK cells from trained and untrained older adults to different pharmacological blockers, such as propranolol and rapamycin, and found that trained older individuals demonstrated more efficient and adaptable immunity.
  • The study suggests that long-term endurance training can promote beneficial, balanced immune adaptation, with a 50% increase in regulation of inflammation.

Sources:

  • [1] Study published in Scientific Reports, supported by FAPESP and led by Sao Paulo State University (UNESP) researchers in Brazil.
  • [2] FAPESP - Sao Paulo Research Foundation (www.fapesp.br/en)
  • [3] Sao Paulo State University (UNESP) - Presidente Prudente campus (www.unesp.br/en)
  • [4] Luciele Minuzzi, visiting researcher at Justus Liebig University Giessen (JLU) in Germany (no online profile found)
  • [5] Fabio Lira, professor at the Faculty of Science and Technology (FCT-UNESP), Presidente Prudente campus (www.unesp.br/en)