The effect of leisure time regular exercise on neutrophil function, myeloperoxidase levels, and antioxidant capacity in middle-aged men

Background: Exercise can cause inflammation and neutrophil activity. Neutrophils contain the enzyme myeloperoxidase that its main function is to produce reactive oxygen species. On the other hand, physical activity can improve immune function and antioxidant activity. Therefore, the aim of the present study was to evaluate neutrophil activity, changes in myeloperoxidase levels and total antioxidant capacity of healthy middle-aged men participating in regular leisure time exercises and untrained subjects. Materials and methods: Twenty trained (age 53.58± 2.94 years, BMI 25.47±1.6) and 17 untrained (age 54.17±2.83 years, BMI 27.83±1.12) subjects participated in this study. Subjects performed modified Bruce treadmill test as a model of progressive exercise training. Blood samples were taken before, immediately after and one hour after the end of the test. Results: There was a significant difference in the neutrophil counts of the trained group and also between both groups. Furthermore, the results showed significant difference in myeloperoxidase levels in trained compared to untrained group. Significant changes in total antioxidant capacity were observed in both groups and the trained group demonstrated higher levels of total antioxidant capacity. Conclusion: Participation in regular leisure time exercises can improve neutrophil function, reduce myeloperoxidase levels and increase the total antioxidant capacity of healthy middle-aged men and may potentially slowdown the immunosenescence process.