Regular resistance training as a strategy to improve aging-related immune activation

Background Regular physical activity may create a positive effect on aging-related immune activation. Aims The present study aimed to evaluate the effects of 12 weeks of resistance training (RT) on serum levels of interferon-gamma (IFN-γ), neopterin (NEOP), tryptophan (TRP), kynurenine (KYN), and KYN/TRP ratio in elderly men. Methods 30 elderly men (age 66.23 ± 0.57 years) were randomly divided into two groups: resistance training group (RET, n = 15) and control group (CTR, n = 15). Participants in RET carried out 12 weeks of resistance training protocols with an intensity of 60% one-repetition maximum (3 x/week, 4 sets of the six exercise circuits). Anthropometric measurements and blood samples were assessed before (pre-test) and after (post-test) of a 12-week intervention. Results The results showed that there was a significant increase in the levels of TRP in RET ( P < 0.05). Also, a significant decrease was observed in the levels of IFN-γ, NEOP, KYN, and KYN/TRP ratio in RET ( P < 0.05). Also, results indicated a significant difference between the RET and CTR in the levels of IFN-γ, TRP, KYN, and KYN/TRP ratio ( P < 0.05). However, there were no significant differences between RET and CTR in the levels of NEOP ( P > 0.05). Conclusion Our results show the positive effect of resistance training on enhancing TRP and decreasing KYN, NEOP, and KYN/TRP ratio in elderly men. It seems that regular resistance training may have beneficial effects on aging-related immune activation.