THU0423 Immobilization Simulating Weightlessness Affects Immunological Parameters. (23rd January 2014)

• Record Type: Journal Article
• Authors: Hoff, P.; Belavý, D. L.; Huscher, D.; Hahne, M.; Kuhlmey, A. K.; Maschmeyer, P.; Armbrecht, G.; Fitzner, R.; Perschel, F. H.; Gaber, T.; Burmester, G. R.; Straub, R. H.; Felsenberg, D.; Buttgereit, F.
• Is Part Of: Annals of the rheumatic diseases. Volume 72:Supplement 3(2013)
• Page Start: A308
• Page End: A308
• Publication Date: 2014-01-23
• Subjects: Rheumatism -- Periodicals; 616.723005
• DOI: 10.1136/annrheumdis-2013-eular.951
• Languages: English
• ISSNs: 0003-4967

Abstract

Abstract : Background: Exercise has a wide variety of beneficial health effects. It stimulates bone formation and maintains bone strength as well as decreases the risk of falls. Moreover, exercise at regular intervals is also assumed to positively affect immune functions. Conversely, in more than 50% of the astronauts during/after space flight and under simulated weightlessness immune functions are suppressed. Objectives: To assess the effects of simulated weightlessness during the 2 nd Berlin BedRest Study (BBR-2) on immunological parameters. Furthermore, to compare the effects of two different exercise performances (resistive vibration exercise and resistance exercise without vibration). Methods: 24 physically and mentally healthy male volunteers (20-45y) experienced 60-days of six degree head down tilt bed rest. They were randomized to 3 groups: resistive vibration exercise (n=7), resistance exercise without vibration (n=8), inactive controls (n=9). Blood samples were taken 2 days before bed rest, on day 19 and 60 after beginning of bed rest. Composition of immune cells was analyzed by flow cytometry. Cytokines and neuroendocrinologic parameters were analyzed by a multiplex suspension array/ ELISA in plasma. General changes over time were identified by paired t-test, exercise-dependent effects by 2-group repeated measurements ANOVA. Results: For all cases pooled, the number of granulocytes (p<0.05), NKT cells (p<0.01) and hematopoietic stem cells (p<0.01) increased during the study; the concentrations of DHEA (p<0.01) and Eotaxin (p<0.05) decreased. Different impacts of the specific types of exercise on the change over time were shown for lymphocytes, NK cells, NKT cells, T-cell subpopulations and the concentrations of IP-10 and RANTES. Conclusions: We found immobilization/ simulated weightlessness to significantly impact immune cell populations, and cytokine and neuroendocrine factor concentrations. Exercise was able to specifically influence immunologic parameters. Interestingly, these changes resemble those found during the aging process. Disclosure of Interest: None Declared