Physycal Exercise And Multiple Sclerosis: Effects On Inflammatory Index

Background.The aim of this study was to investigate, in patients with Multiple Sclerosis, the possible anti inflammatory effect of physical exercise; for this reason we are evaluated the serum levels of specific inflammatory markers like pro and anti inflammatory cytokines and oxidative stress. Methods.Twenty-two patients (10 male and 12 female, with an average of 49 years of age), with relapsing-remitting multiple sclerosis, were enrolled. Each patient underwent a program of therapeutic exercise in hypo-gravity (swimming pool) within an 8 week period in a Day-Hospital regimen and at the beginning and at the end of the treatment had undergone, previous informed consent, to provide a blood sample. TNF-alpha, IL-6, IL-10, reactive oxygen species (ROS) and Total Antioxidant Status were measured before and after therapeutic exercise. Cytokines concentration were evaluated by enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay based on two monoclonal antibodies (R&D Systems, Inc. Minneapolis, USA), plasma ROMs (mainly hydroperoxides) were evaluated by performing the d-ROM test (Diacron International s. r. l., Grosseto, Italy) and plasma antioxidant capacity was measured using a TAS kit (Randox Laboratories, Crumlin, UK). Data obtained were compared by paired t test. Results. We observed a significant decrease after the training program in IL-6 (P<0.001), TNF-α (P<0.05) while IL-10 (P<0.001) and TAS (P< 0.05) show statistical increase. We have also observed a not significant reduction of d-ROMs (P>0.05) at the end of the eight week of treatment. Conclusions The hypo-gravity exercise induce a significant reduction of chronic inflammatory state which characterizes patients with Multiple Sclerosis.