Objective: Chronic low-grade inflammation is a common feature of aging, particularly in obese elderly individuals, and is associated with numerous chronic diseases such as cardiovascular disease, type 2 diabetes, and metabolic syndrome. Anti-inflammatory cytokines, such as IL 10 and IL 1ra, play a crucial role in modulating immune responses and mitigating inflammation. The aim of this study was to investigate Effect of regular aerobic exercise on anti-inflammatory cytokines and chronic inflammation in elderly obese men.
Methods: This study utilized a quasi-experimental design with 24 obese elderly men (aged 60-75 years). Participants were randomly assigned to either the experimental group (n=12), who engaged in aerobic exercise (60 minutes, 3 times a week for 8 weeks), or the control group (n=12), who maintained their usual lifestyle without any structured exercise. Pre- and post-intervention blood samples were analyzed to measure IL 10 and IL 1ra levels. Descriptive and inferential statistics, including paired t-tests and independent t-tests, were used to assess changes in cytokine levels.
Results: Significant increases were found in IL 10 (p=0.01) and IL 1ra (p=0.02) in the experimental group after the 8-week intervention. No significant changes were observed in the control group.
Conclusion: This study demonstrates that regular aerobic exercise significantly improves immune function by increasing anti-inflammatory cytokines such as IL 10 and IL 1ra. This intervention may offer a valuable approach for managing inflammation-related diseases in obese elderly populations.