Influence of sex on cytokines, heat shock protein and oxidative stress markers in response to an acute total body resistance exercise protocol

Background/Objective: This study evaluated the influence of sex on changes in cytokines, heat shock proteins (HSPs), and oxidative stress in response to a single bout of total body resistance exercise. Methods: Sixteen healthy volunteers (8 men and 8 women), active and recreationally trained in resistance exercise, were subjected to a single bout of total body resistance exercise (3 x 8-10 repetition maximum, 10 exercises, rests periods of 90-120 seconds). Serum creatine kinase (CK), interleukin (IL)-6, IL-10, tumor necrosis factor-alpha, HSP60, HSP70, thiobarbituric acid reactive substance, and reduced glutathione were assessed at pre-protocol, and 1 hour, 4 hours, and 24 hours post-protocol. Results: Both men and women had a similar increase in CK (p < 0.05) activity at 24 hours post-exercise. Significant sex differences were observed for IL-6. In the men, an increase from baseline was noted at 1 hour for IL-6. In women, an increase from baseline was noted at 4 hours only for IL-6. There was a significant correlation between peak IL-6 blood level and CK level at 24 hours only in the women. No significant changes were observed in IL-10, tumor necrosis factor-alpha, HSP60, HSP70, thiobarbituric acid reactive substance, and reduced glutathione. Conclusion: Acute total body resistance exercise altered circulating levels of IL-6 and sex differences existed in the temporal pattern and magnitude of this response. Copyright (C) 2015, The Society of Chinese Scholars on Exercise Physiology and Fitness. Published by Elsevier (Singapore) Pte Ltd. All rights reserved.