Scientists suspect that the benefits of exercise are partly due to the fact that exercise strengthens the immune system.
Researchers at Harvard Medical School found that exercise causes the release of regulatory T cells, also known as Tregs, which increase the ability of muscles to use energy as fuel and improve endurance.
These same cells are also known to play a role in fighting inflammation, which is linked to a range of health problems, including cardiovascular disease, cancer, diabetes and dementia.
Most previous studies on human performance have focused on the role of hormones released during exercise and their effects on various organs. However, this new research is one of the first to show what role the immune system can play.
“The immune system, and particularly the Treg arm, has a major effect on tissue health,” says Professor Diane Mathis of Harvard Medical School.
Researchers at Harvard Medical School found that exercise triggers the release of regulatory T cells, also known as Tregs.
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Although the findings relate to observations in laboratory mice, researchers say the study is an important step in understanding molecular changes that occur during exercise and confer health benefits.
Exercise is known to temporarily damage muscles and trigger a cascade of inflammatory responses. In the study, the team analyzed cells from the hind leg muscles of mice that ran on a treadmill just once, but also from mice that ran regularly. This was then compared to the muscles of sedentary mice.
Sets of both cells from the mice that ran on treadmills showed classic signs of inflammation and also had increased Treg levels in their muscles — reducing exercise-induced inflammation. No change was observed in the sedentary mice.
However, other exercise-induced Treg benefits—such as improved muscle performance—were observed only in regular treadmill runners, consistent with established evidence in humans that regular activity is necessary for gains over time.
The Harvard experts also suspect that another role of Tregs is to counteract the harmful effects of interferons – proteins released as part of the body’s inflammatory response.
“With exercise we have a natural way to strengthen the body’s immune response and reduce inflammation,” adds prof. Mathis at. “Exercise can also stimulate Treg activity elsewhere in the body.”
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Crystal Leahy is an author and health journalist who writes for The Fashion Vibes. With a background in health and wellness, Crystal has a passion for helping people live their best lives through healthy habits and lifestyles.
