Cited by 155Exercise and Physiological ResponsesAdipokines, Inflammation, and Metabolic DiseasesPhysical Activity and Health

State of the Art Reviews: The Anti-Inflammatory Actions of Exercise Training

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Flynn, Michael G., McFarlin, Brian K., Markofski, Melissa M.·2007·American Journal of Lifestyle Medicine

Abstract

The list of diseases with a known inflammatory etiology is growing. Cardiovascular disease, osteoporosis, diabetes, geriatric cachexia, and Alzheimer's disease have all been shown to be linked to or exacerbated by aberrantly regulated inflammatory processes. Nevertheless, there is mounting evidence that those who are physically active, or who become physically active, have a reduction in biomarkers associated with chronic inflammation. There was strong early consensus that exercise-induced reductions in inflammation were explained by body mass index or body fatness, but recent studies provide support for the contention that exercise has body fat-independent anti-inflammatory effects. With few exceptions, the anti-inflammatory effects of exercise appear to occur regardless of age or the presence of chronic diseases. What remains unclear are the mechanisms by which exercise training induces these anti-inflammatory effects, but there are several intriguing possibilities, including release of endogenous products, such as heat shock proteins; selective reduction of visceral adipose tissue mass or reducing infiltration of adipocytes by macrophages; shift in immune cell phenotype; cross-tolerizing effects; or exercise-induced shifts in accessory proteins of toll-like receptor signaling. However, future research endeavors are likely to uncover additional potential mechanisms, and it could be some time before functional mechanisms are made clear. In summary, the potential anti-inflammatory influences of exercise training may provide a low-cost, readily available, and effective treatment for low-grade systemic inflammation and could contribute significantly to the positive effects of exercise training on chronic disease.

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  1. [65]Bruun JM, Helge JW, Richelsen B, Stallknecht B. Diet and exercise reduce low-grade inflammation and macrophage infiltration in adipose tissue but not in skeletal muscle in severely obese subjects. Am J Physiol Endocrinol Metab. 2006;290:E961–E967. doi: 10.1152/ajpendo.00506.2005. [DOI] [PubMed] [Google Scholar] · DOI
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Authors
Flynn, M. G., McFarlin, B. K., & Markofski, M. M.
Affiliations
  • Purdue University West Lafayette (US)
  • University of Houston (US)
Venue
American Journal of Lifestyle Medicine
Published
2007-05
Volume
1
Issue
3
Pages
220-235
ISSN
  • 1559-8276 (ISSN-L)
  • 1559-8284
OpenAlex
W2017675047
Cited by
154
References
196
Citations by year
2026: 13 · 2025: 21 · 2024: 9 · 2023: 16 · 2022: 18 · 2021: 10 · 2020: 12 · 2019: 11 · 2018: 5 · 2017: 2 · 2016: 6 · 2015: 3 · 2013: 3 · 2012: 6
FWCI
5.08
Type
journal article
Language
en
Open access
Locations
  • American Journal of Lifestyle Medicine (publishedVersion)
  • PubMed (publishedVersion)
  • Europe PMC (PubMed Central) (acceptedVersion)
  • PubMed Central (acceptedVersion)
Funders
National Institute on Aging (R03AG028110)
Topics
  • Health Sciences › Medicine › Rehabilitation › Exercise and Physiological Responses
  • Health Sciences › Medicine › Epidemiology › Adipokines, Inflammation, and Metabolic Diseases
  • Health Sciences › Medicine › Physiology › Physical Activity and Health
Keywords
exercise training, anti-inflammatory activity, chronic inflammation, low-grade inflammation, heat shock proteins, visceral adipose tissue, macrophage infiltration, immune cell phenotypes, cross-tolerance, Toll-like receptor signaling, cardiovascular disease, diabetes mellitus, osteoporosis, Alzheimer's disease

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