Strength training modulates inflammation in pre-frail older women: Involvement of Treg cells

Frailty is a geriatric syndrome characterized by a cumulative decline in functioning across multiple physiological systems, including the immune system. Strength training has shown to display immune regulatory effects, potentially representing a nonpharmacological therapy against immunosenescence. The aim of this study was to (i) characterize Treg cells and related cytokines in older women with pre-frailty and frailty and (ii) to investigate the potential influence of a structured strength protocol on the frequency of ex vivo Treg cells and cytokines levels after stimulus in pre-frail women. A convenience sample of 15 pre-frail and 5 frail older adult women was selected and criterion for the frailty phenotype was assessed. Volunteers performed a 10-week progressive dynamic strength training program. Immunophenotyping using flow cytometry were used for examination of ex vivo Treg cells (CD4+CD25+FOXP3+) and intracellular cytokine (IL-10, IFN-gamma, and IL-17A). Cytokines (TNF-a, IL-6, IL-1b, IFN-g and IL-10) were measured on the supernatant of PBMC culture through sandwich ELISA after Tcell in vitro stimulation with and without anti-CD3/anti-CD28 stimulus. Clinical parameters were analyzed, such as timed-up and go test (TUG), Hand grip and Work/body weight before and after intervention. As expected, the strength training protocol improved neuromuscular performance, as assessed by the TUG. After physical therapy intervention, Treg cells increased the expression of IL-10, while CD4 + T cells increased the expression of IFN-γ and IL-17. CD8 + T cells also increased the expression of IFN-γ. In parallel with functional capacity improvement, strength training influences immune cells towards a more active state in pre-frail women. The present study shows that a progressive dynamic resistance-training program may modulate the Treg cells frequency and synthesis of certain cytokines and may ameliorate status of the immune system in frailty.