Physical activity in asthma control and its immune modulatory effect in
asthmatic preschoolers
Abstract
Background: The impact of physical activity (PA) on immune response is a
hot topic in exercise immunology, but studies involving asthmatic
children are scarce. We examine the level of PA and TV attendance (TVA)
in asthmatic children to assess the role on asthma control and immune
response to various stimulants. Methods: Weekly PA and daily TVA were
obtained from questionnaires at inclusion of the PreDicta study. PBMC
cultures were stimulated with phytohemagglutinin (PHA), R848, poly I:C
and zymosan. Cytokines were measured and quantified in cell culture
supernatants using luminometric multiplex immunofluorescence beads-based
assay. Results: Asthmatic preschoolers showed significantly more TVA
than their healthy peers (58.6% vs. 41.5% 1-3h daily and only 25.7%
vs. 47.2% ≤ 1h daily). Poor asthma control was associated with less
frequent PA (75% no or occasional activity in uncontrolled vs. 20% in
controlled asthma; 25% ≥ 3x weekly vs. 62%). Asthmatics with increased
PA exhibited elevated cytokine levels in response to stimulants,
suggesting a readiness of circulating immune cells for type-1, -2 and
-17 cytokine release compared to low-PA and high-TVA subjects. Low PA
and high TVA were associated with increased proinflammatory cytokines.
Proinflammatory cytokines were correlating with each other in in-vitro
immune responses of asthmatic children, but not healthy controls.
Conclusion: Asthmatic children show more sedentary behavior than healthy
subjects, while poor asthma control leads to a decrease in PA. Asthmatic
children profit from exercise, as elevated cytokine levels in stimulated
conditions indicate an immune system prepared for a strong response in
case of infection.