Sport-based physical activity recommendations and modifications in C-reactive protein and arterial thickness

Author(s)

Cayres, Suziane Ungari ^{[1, 2]} ; de Lira, Fabio Santos ^[2] ; Kemper, Han C. G. ^[3] ; Codogno, Jamile Sanches ^[4] ; Barbosa, Mauricio Fregonesi ^[5] ; Fernandes, Romulo Araujo ^[4]

Affiliation

^[1] Sao Paulo State Univ, Postgrad Program Movement Sci, UNESP, Rio Claro - Brazil

^[2] UNESP, Dept Phys Educ, Exercise & Immunometab Res Grp, Roberto Simonsen St 305, BR-19060900 Presidente Prudente - Brazil

^[3] Vrije Univ Amsterdam Med Ctr, EMGO Inst Hlth & Care Res, Dept Occupat Hlth, Amsterdam - Netherlands

^[4] UNESP, Dept Phys Educ, Lab Invest Exercise, LIVE, Presidente Prudente - Brazil

^[5] Univ Fed Sao Paulo, UNIFESP, Postgrad Program Radiol, Sao Paulo - Brazil

• Document type: Journal article
• Source: EUROPEAN JOURNAL OF PEDIATRICS; v. 177, n. 4, p. 551-558, APR 2018.
• Web of Science Citations: 5

Abstract

We analyzed the effects of 1 year of engagement in >= 300 min/week of organized sports on inflammatory levels and vascular structure in adolescents. The sample was composed of 89 adolescents (11.6 +/- 0.7 years old {[}43 boys and 46 girls]), stratified according to engagement in >= 300 min/week of sport practice during at least 12 months of follow-up (n = 15, sport practice; n = 74, non-sport practice). Arterial thickness (carotid and femoral) was assessed by ultrasound scan, while high sensitive C-reactive protein levels were used to assess inflammatory status. Trunk fatness (densitometry scanner), biological maturation (age at peak height velocity), blood pressure, and skipping breakfast were treated as covariates. Independently of body fatness and biological maturation, the group engaged in sports presented a higher reduction in C-reactive protein (mean difference -1.559 mg/L {[}95%CI -2.539 to -0.579]) than the non-sport group (mean difference -0.414 mg/L {[}95%CI -0.846 to 0.017]) (p = 0.040). There was a significant relationship between changes in C-reactive protein and changes in femoral intima-media thickness in the non-sport group (r = 0.311 {[}95%CI 0.026 to 0.549]). Conclusion: Inflammation decreased in adolescents engaged in organized sports, independently of trunk fatness and biological maturation. Moreover, inflammation was related to arterial thickening only in adolescents not engaged in sports. What is Known: Intima media thickness is a relevant marker of cardiovascular disease in pediatric groups, being affected by obesity and inflammation. The importance of monitoring inflammatory markers from childhood is enhanced by the fact that alterations in these inflammatory markers in early life predict inflammation and alterations in carotid IMT in adulthood. What is New: Anti-inflammatory properties related to physical exercise performed at moderate intensity, on inflammation and alterations in IMT are not clear in pediatric groups. Due to the importance that sport participation has assumed as a promoter of improvements in health and quality of life, it is necessary to understand its potential benefits for cardiovascular health during human growth. (AU)

• FAPESP's process: 13/06052-2 - Effect of behavioral habits and body fat on cardiovascular risk indicators among adolescents: cohort study 12 months
• Grantee: Suziane Ungari Cayres
• Support Opportunities: Scholarships in Brazil - Master
• FAPESP's process: 15/04961-0 - Effect of sport practice on the relationship between inflammation, intima-media thickness and blood flow from adolescents
• Grantee: Suziane Ungari Cayres
• Support Opportunities: Scholarships in Brazil - Doctorate