Inflammatory factors, physical activity, and physical fitness in young people

Scand J Med Sci Sports. 2008 Oct;18(5):543-56. doi: 10.1111/j.1600-0838.2008.00824.x. Epub 2008 Jul 9.

Abstract

Cardiovascular disease (CVD) remains one of the leading causes of morbidity and mortality in developed countries. Over the past decade there has been much focus on the role of inflammation in the pathogenesis of atherosclerosis; to this end, there is increasing research on inflammatory factors such as C-reactive protein (CRP), interleukin-6 (IL-6), and fibrinogen (Fg). There is compelling evidence that physical activity (PA) and physical fitness (PF) protect against chronic disease. More recently, research has shown that exercise reduces CRP, IL-6, and Fg concentration in adults, and that this is often independent of adiposity. Although there are some data to suggest that this is similarly true for young people, there is inconsistency in the literature. The following review aims to illustrate what is known about the effects of PA and PF on inflammatory factors in young people aged 5-18 years.

Publication types

  • Review

MeSH terms

  • Adolescent
  • Body Mass Index
  • C-Reactive Protein / analysis
  • C-Reactive Protein / physiology
  • Cardiovascular Diseases / physiopathology
  • Child
  • Child, Preschool
  • Chronic Disease
  • Energy Metabolism
  • Exercise / physiology*
  • Female
  • Fibrinogen / analysis
  • Humans
  • Inflammation / metabolism
  • Inflammation / physiopathology*
  • Interleukin-6 / analysis
  • Male
  • Motor Activity* / physiology
  • Obesity / metabolism
  • Oxygen Consumption / physiology
  • Physical Fitness* / physiology
  • Young Adult

Substances

  • Interleukin-6
  • Fibrinogen
  • C-Reactive Protein