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Int J Sports Med 2018; 39(09): 720-725
DOI: 10.1055/a-0633-9001
Clinical Sciences
© Georg Thieme Verlag KG Stuttgart · New York

Immune and Inflammatory Response in Atopic Elite Endurance Athletes

Renata Nakata Teixeira
1   Department of Physical Therapy, University of Sao Paulo, SP, Brazil
,
Gerson dos Santos Leite
1   Department of Physical Therapy, University of Sao Paulo, SP, Brazil
,
Renata Gorjao
2   Institute of Physical Activity Sciences and Sports, Post-Graduation Program in Human Movement Sciences, University Cruzeiro do Sul, Sao Paulo, Brazil
,
Patricia Palmeira
3   School of Medicine, University of S.o Paulo, Sao Paulo, Brazil
,
Cesar Miguel Momesso Santos
2   Institute of Physical Activity Sciences and Sports, Post-Graduation Program in Human Movement Sciences, University Cruzeiro do Sul, Sao Paulo, Brazil
,
Raquel Zambonatto
2   Institute of Physical Activity Sciences and Sports, Post-Graduation Program in Human Movement Sciences, University Cruzeiro do Sul, Sao Paulo, Brazil
,
Heloisa Helena de Oliveira
2   Institute of Physical Activity Sciences and Sports, Post-Graduation Program in Human Movement Sciences, University Cruzeiro do Sul, Sao Paulo, Brazil
,
Adriana Cristina Levada
2   Institute of Physical Activity Sciences and Sports, Post-Graduation Program in Human Movement Sciences, University Cruzeiro do Sul, Sao Paulo, Brazil
,
Iara Nely Fiks
4   Pulmonary Division, Heart Institute (InCor), University of S.o Paulo, Sao Paulo, Brazil
,
Celso Ricardo Fernandes Carvalho
1   Department of Physical Therapy, University of Sao Paulo, SP, Brazil
› Author Affiliations
Further Information

Publication History



accepted 15 May 2018

Publication Date:
25 June 2018 (online)

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Abstract

The present study aimed to compare the immune and inflammatory responses between atopic (n=20) and non-atopic (n=39) elite endurance athletes. Fifty-nine elite runners and triathletes were assessed for the following measurements: Th1, Th2 and lymphocyte phenotyping and plasma levels of cortisol, chemokines, inflammatory cytokines and specific immunoglobulin E (IgE). Levels of salivary IgA, allergic symptoms and training data were also evaluated. No difference was observed in baseline lymphocyte levels. However, the Th1 lymphocytes of atopic athletes presented a lower response after activation. In contrast to this result, levels of salivary IgA and CXCL9 chemokine were higher in the atopic athletes. It was observed that the volume of training per week was linearly associated with Th1 levels, allergic symptoms and IgE levels. In addition, linear multiple regression analysis demonstrated that the volume of training was the only factor associated with allergic symptoms in atopic athletes (r=0.53; p=0.04). These results suggest that compared to non-atopic athletes, atopic athletes present a reduced Th1 response and higher levels of salivary IgA. Training volume is associated with the immune response and allergic symptoms, which suggests that they may play a role in the atopy in elite endurance athletes.

Key words

allergy - sports - performance - immunology
 

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